Determining where children should live and how they will spend their time can be a complicated process when Virginia parents are going through a divorce. The courts are likely to determine that one parent will need to pay child support. This will allow both parents to share the financial burden of raising their children.
Each state has guidelines that the courts use when it comes to how child support is paid. While these guidelines are always taken into consideration, the courts can deviate from them if it is appropriate to do so. This is because there is usually no one-size-fits-all solution in child custody situations. The courts may even allow the parents to determine their own arrangements.
When it comes to calculating the amount of child support a person will pay, the courts usually look at how much each parent makes and how many children they have. At times, the court may also determine that spousal support is necessary. If circumstances change in the future, like if one individual loses his or her job, the court may modify the child support arrangement.
When divorced parents file their taxes, it is good for them to know that only one individual will be able to claim the children as dependents. Divorced parents may be able to divide exemptions when there are multiple children in the family. The money that is paid and received in child support is not taxed.
Both parents often end up feeling disappointed with the results of their divorce. An individual who is concerned about child custody and child support may decide to speak with a family law attorney. A lawyer could help draw up visitation plans, represent his or her client in divorce proceedings or advise a person on a variety of issues that would come up during the divorce proceedings.