A child has the right to financial support from both parents. When parents do not live together, child support is often necessary to make sure the child’s needs are met and that one parent does not carry the financial burden alone. While some parents can agree on support informally, agreements that are not backed by a court order are difficult to enforce if payments stop.

At AMG LAW, our child support lawyer in Virginia helps parents initiate child support the right way—from filing the petition to presenting the information needed for a fair calculation. Whether you are a custodial parent seeking support or a non-custodial parent who wants the amount to be accurate and reasonable, we will guide you through the process. Contact us online or call 540-208-5299 to schedule a Consultation.

What Does It Mean to Initiate Child Support in Virginia?

Initiating child support means starting the legal process to obtain an official support order. A child support order is a court-issued document that sets:

• The amount of child support to be paid
• How often it must be paid
• Who must pay and who receives it
• When support begins and how it will be enforced

Without a court order, it is difficult to hold the other parent legally accountable if payments are missed.

Who Can Request Child Support?

In most cases, child support is initiated by:

A Parent or Legal Custodian

The parent who has primary custody often files to establish support. In some cases, a parent who shares custody may also request support depending on income and parenting time.

A State Child Support Office

If a parent applies for certain public benefits, the state may initiate child support to ensure both parents contribute financially.

What Factors Affect the Amount of Child Support?

Child support is typically calculated using a formula that considers financial and parenting time factors. Common considerations include:

• Each parent’s gross income
• Number of children involved
• Amount of time the child spends with each parent
• Childcare expenses
• Health insurance costs for the child
• Special medical or educational needs
• Whether a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed

The court may also consider other factors that affect the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to pay.

What If We Were Never Married?

Parents do not need to be married for child support to be ordered. However, in many cases, paternity must be legally established before the court can issue a child support order. If paternity is disputed or unclear, the court may require additional steps, including DNA testing.

Contact a Child Support Attorney in Virginia Today

Starting a child support case may seem simple, but mistakes can lead to delays, unfair amounts, or enforcement problems later. At AMG LAW, we handle child support matters with care and precision because what’s at stake is your child’s well-being and your financial stability.

Child support is meant to protect children and make sure both parents contribute. If you are ready to initiate child support—or you were served with papers and want to make sure the calculation is fair—we are here to help.

Contact AMG LAW today online or call 540-208-5299 to schedule a Consultation.