Financial matters and what will happen to the children will be one of the most difficult issues Virginia parents will have to address in the process of ending their marriage. Divorce is not easy, and a person will need to consider all long-term implications before agreeing to the terms of a settlement. It is also beneficial to be aware of how child support works and what it means for both the payee and the recipient.
The court typically views child support as more important than spousal support. This means that if there is a future modification to a child support order, it will often impact alimony payments as well. The needs of the children take precedence. Child support payments have neither positive or negative tax consequences. Payments are not tax deductible for the payor, and the recipient does not have to pay taxes on it as income.
Divorce brings significant changes to the lives of both parents. These changes do not necessarily stop just because the process is final. When a parent is unable to meet his or her financial obligations or the needs of the kids change, it is possible to petition the court to modify the support order.
During divorce, parents would be wise to know what to expect regarding child support and other matters pertaining to the children. This can help avoid unnecessary conflict over this often contentious issue. If a Virginia parent has concerns about what he or she may have to pay or is entitled to receive, it can be helpful to discuss those concerns with an experienced family law attorney.