Question:

I pay $1000 per month in child support while splitting child care, health care and extracurricular activities down the middle.

Am I still required to pay for things like clothes and shoes, or is that covered by my child support payments?

Answer:

In Virginia, where I practice, child support is based on a guideline calculation that comes up with the presumptive amount of money required for your children’s needs.

This means that if you are paying $1000 per month to the mother for child support and the children live primarily with her, then presumably she will be the one purchasing clothes, shoes and food for the children.

This does not mean that you would never have the duty to purchase these things for your children, but the reason why you are paying money to the mother each month is so she has financial support from you to make sure the kids have what they need.

If you do not have a custody order, I encourage you to contact a local attorney right away to discuss how custody and visitation can impact the amount of support you pay each month.

For example, in Virginia, child support takes into account how many days you have with your children each year. As your days increase, your support decreases.

A family law attorney familiar with your jurisdiction’s laws could advise you on whether you should have a custody and visitation order in place and what — if any — impact that may have on your support obligation.

Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than tips on your situation, so please consult a domestic litigation attorney in your area to obtain specific advice as to the laws in your state and how they impact your potential case.

To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney in Virginia, contact Cordell & Cordell.