If you’re going through a divorce involving children, you know that child support is one of the most important and contentious issues that will need to be decided. An experienced child support lawyer in Reston can help you understand the entire child support process so that you can be confident you are getting the best result..
At Melone Hatley, P.C., our experienced team has handled thousands of cases involving child support, child custody, and divorce. Our compassionate Reston family lawyers will be your partner through the divorce process to ensure your rights and protection and get you the best outcome possible regarding child support.
Reach out to us by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with one of our Client Service Coordinators today.
Steps a Child Support Lawyer Serving Reston Will Take on Your Behalf
A knowledgeable child support lawyer will help ensure your children have the resources they need and that the support order is fair. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process as we work toward a child support order that is best for you and your children, whether you are expecting to pay or receive child support payments, you need to make sure it is fair
There are many steps we will take in your case, depending on the specific details of your situation. Some of the things you can expect from our experienced legal team include the following:
- Be your partner throughout the entire legal process, providing compassionate guidance. This means that you will understand the entire process and why certain numbers are used to determine child support.
- Work with you to draft and file your child support petitions quickly so that you do not miss out on support that you may be entitle to
- Represent you throughout the process of determining child support, including during mediation and court proceedings, to protect you and your family’s financial interests.
- Calculate the correct child support amount for your case ensuring that no supporting factors are overlooked or minimized by the otherside.Ensure you have responded to discovery and requested all the documents needed to be able to accurately prove to the court your claim for child support
- Fight for a child support order that is in the best interest of you and your child and preserves your financial stability.
- Negotiate with the other parent’s lawyer or the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) for a fair child support order.
Calculating Child Support in Your Case
One of the most important steps in the Virginia child support process is to determine how much child support should be paid for your case.
Your spouse’s legal team will run their own calculations, but they likely will not consider all factors, especially those factors favorable to you. It is essential to have your own legal representative who can present the court with an accurate account of the amount that should be paid to ensure a fair child support order.
While you may think you can calculate child support in your case on your own, several complicated steps can be difficult to understand without a legal background and experience with child support cases. For example, how the court will consider the number of nights you have with your child or any payments you may have for support of other children.
Let your attorney take care of calculating child support in your case to ensure an accurate child support order.
Reston Child Support
Lawyer Near Me
703-995-9900Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
It is important to remember that Child Support is calculated to be accurate at the time the order is entered. That means, overtime, what would be the correct child support amount will likely change and a modification will be necessary.
In order to modify child support, you must show the court there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances since the last order. The following are examples of what can be considered a substantial and material change:
- Job loss or income reduction: The paying, or receiving, parent loses their job or sees a significant reduction in their income that makes it difficult for them to meet their current child support obligations.
- Increase in income: The paying, or receiving, parent gets a raise or secures a higher-paying job, resulting in a significant increase in income.
- Additional financial responsibilities: The paying parent becomes financially responsible for additional children from other relationships.
- Job loss by receiving parent: The receiving parent loses their job and faces significant challenges to gaining new employment, resulting in a substantial reduction in income.
- Large inheritance: Either parent receives a large inheritance that ultimately changes their income.
- Change in child’s expenses: The costs for your child’s daycare, school tuition, medical care, insurance, or other necessary expenses increase or decrease substantially.
- Child’s milestones: Your child turns 18, graduates from high school, or is legally emancipated.
A Reston child support modifications lawyer can review your case to see if you are eligible to petition for a modification to your child support order or agreement. They will help you through every step of the modification process to ensure your interests are protected throughout.
Get Help From an Experienced Child Support Lawyer Serving Reston Today
Your child support arrangement can impact your financial situation and the well-being of your child for years. Because of this, it’s critical that you secure the services of an experienced Reston child support attorney who can help ensure your rights are protected and that your child gets the financial support they need to live their best life.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., we have been helping clients through their divorces and during child support proceedings for more than a decade. Our experienced team is ready to work as your partner to ensure an outcome that aligns with your goals. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule your free, no-obligation case consultation.
