What is child support?

Child support is money that is paid by one parent to another in order to financially support their shared child(ren). In Virginia, both parents are legally required to financially provide for the child(ren) until the child(ren) reach the age of emancipation. This means that the child(ren) must reach the age of eighteen or be legally emancipated before the legal responsibility to pay child support ends. Child support payments are designed to cover the cost of raising the child(ren), including necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. These payments may also cover other expenses such as childcare, medical expenses, and educational costs. The parent paying child support (the ‘obligor’) must pay an amount of money commensurate with their income and resources. The amount of child support that one parent pays to the other is determined by a court order. The Virginia Department of Social Services issues a Child Support Guideline that is used by the court to determine the amount of child support due. This guideline considers factors such as the income of each parent, the number of children involved, and other expenses. Child support is an important part of ensuring that the best interests of children are taken into account. It provides financial security and helps to ensure that the child(ren) have the ability to lead a healthy and happy life.

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What is child support?

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