Experienced Fairfax County Child and Spousal Support Attorneys

Assisting Clients in Obtaining Fair Support Agreements that Meet their Needs

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is often a contested issue in divorce cases. If not handled professionally, this issue can unnecessarily delay divorce proceedings, costing individuals both time and money.

At Arquilla & Poe, PLC, our experienced family law attorneys assist clients in Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia with all support matters – those that arise from a marriage in the process of being dissolved, support issues arising after marriage, as well as from outside of marriage. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team of family law attorneys helps our clients create attainable goals that are in their best interests in negotiating support agreements or litigating support disputes.

Virginia Child Support

In Virginia, child support is determined by mathematical guidelines based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

• The earned income and earning capacity of each party
• The number of supported children, whether of the marriage or from other relationships
• The income of both parties from all sources
• The number of days the supported children are with the supporting parent
• The cost of medical insurance
• The amount of any work-related child care costs
• The amount of any extraordinary medical expenses

Because this is a formula-driven determination, child support obligations usually are not contested.

Virginia Spousal Support

Although Virginia law also provides mathematical guidelines for temporary spousal support (while a divorce case is pending), spousal support following a divorce is not based on a formula. Instead, in determining the nature, amount and duration of a spousal support award, if any, the court will consider the following factors including, but not limited to:

• The obligations, needs and financial resources of the parties
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The length of the marriage
• The age and physical and mental condition of the parties
• Each party’s ability to become employed outside of home
• The contributions (monetary and nonmonetary) of each party to the well-being of the family
• The property interests of the parties
• The provisions made with regard to the division of marital property between the parties
• The earning capacity of both parties

In military divorces, military retirement pay may be a factor.

In both child support and spousal support determinations, it is vital to have an experienced family law attorney on your side who can help you understand how Virginia law applies to your circumstances and who can ensure that your rights are protected.

Contact Our Virginia Family Law Attorneys