Westmoreland County, Virginia
Child Support Attorney Westmoreland County VA
Virginia's child support guidelines govern calculations in Westmoreland County under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC handles support establishment, modification, and enforcement before the Westmoreland County Circuit Court.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Westmoreland County, VA
Westmoreland County Circuit Court
Family law matters in Westmoreland County are handled by the Westmoreland County Circuit Court, located at 175 Polk Street, Montross, VA 22520. The court is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Hon. Victoria A. B. Willis, Chief Judge presides over civil and family law proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Westmoreland County?
Virginia uses an income shares model under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total support obligation is proportional to their share of the combined income. Work-related childcare costs and health insurance premiums are factored in. The custody arrangement — specifically the number of days each parent has the child — also affects the calculation.
Can child support be modified in Westmoreland County?
Yes. Either parent can petition the Westmoreland County Circuit Court for a modification when there has been a material change in circumstances. A significant income change, job loss, or change in the custody schedule are common grounds. The change must be substantial — minor fluctuations in income typically do not support modification.
What happens if the other parent does not pay support?
Virginia has strong enforcement tools. The Westmoreland County Circuit Court can order wage withholding directly from the non-paying parent's paycheck. Other enforcement mechanisms include suspending driver's and professional licenses, intercepting tax refunds, and holding the non-paying parent in contempt of court. We pursue whichever mechanisms are most effective in your situation.
Does child support cover college expenses?
Virginia child support obligations generally end when a child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later, under Va. Code § 20-109.1. Courts can order support to continue for a child who is a full-time high school student and not yet 19. Post-secondary educational expenses are not automatically included in Virginia child support but can be addressed by agreement.
Also Serving These Counties
Stafford County • Spotsylvania County • King George County • Caroline County • Orange County.
Talk to a Child Support Attorney in Westmoreland County
Shawna L. Stevens PLLC serves clients throughout Westmoreland County and the Northern Neck region. Call (540) 310-4088 or use the contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.