Child Support Lawyer in Virginia Beach
Seasoned Legal Help for Parents in Hampton Roads, VA
Ensuring your child has the financial resources they need is a fundamental obligation, whether you are married or divorced. Navigating Virginia’s child support system during or after divorce can be a complex and overwhelming process.
At B. Clay Chick PLC, we help parents establish, modify, and enforce child support orders that are fair, accurate, and protective of their children’s futures. Our firm has remained a stable legal resource for individuals and families in all Virginia family law matters since 2009; we take pride in the close client service and proficient legal representation we provide in these critical, personal matters.
We offer free initial in-person or virtual consultations with a Virginia Beach child support attorney. Call us at (757) 697-5331 or contact us online to get started.
How Our Firm Helps with Child Support in Virginia Beach
Child support is more than just a monthly payment; it covers healthcare, childcare, and the daily essentials that allow a child to thrive.
Without professional legal guidance, you risk:
- Inaccurate calculations - Overlooking sources of gross income or failing to account for work-related childcare and health insurance premiums.
- Unfair burdens - Paying more than the law requires or receiving less than your child deserves.
- Legal consequences - Falling into arrears (back-pay) can lead to wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.
Whether you are at the beginning of a divorce or dealing with a change in circumstances years later, we provide comprehensive support for every stage of the process:
- Initial support matters - We ensure the court has a complete financial picture from both parents. This includes calculating support for sole, shared (more than 90 days with each parent), and split custody arrangements.
- Post-divorce modifications - Life changes. If you have experienced a material change in circumstances, such as a job loss, a 25% shift in income, or a change in the child's needs, we can petition the court to adjust your order to reflect your current reality.
- Enforcement actions - If the other parent is not following a court-ordered support plan, we file the necessary motions to pursue compliance and recover any past-due payments.
Understanding Virginia’s Guidelines & Deviations
Virginia uses a "presumptive" statutory formula (Virginia Code § 20-108.2) to calculate child support based on the combined gross income of both parents. As of July 1, 2025, these guidelines were significantly updated to account for modern economic conditions and higher income caps.
While the guidelines provide a baseline, the court can order a different amount if the formula is found to be "unjust or inappropriate."
Common reasons for deviation include:
- Debts incurred for the benefit of the child.
- Special needs or extraordinary medical/educational expenses.
- The child’s standard of living established during the marriage.
- Travel expenses for visitation.
