Child support is one of the many elements that can complicate a West Virginia divorce between parents with minor children. The idea behind child support is to help the custodial parent care for the child’s basic needs. When parents are preparing to go through a child support hearing, they can feel better prepared for the outcome by understanding the basics of how child support is determined.
Factors considered in child support hearings
In West Virginia, the “income sharing” method is used to determine child support. The noncustodial parent will pay a monthly support fee to the custodial parent based on the income of each parent and the estimated cost of raising a child in the state. Child support can be used to pay for clothing, housing and all other essentials the custodial parent needs to help the child thrive.
In addition to the traditional child support payment, the courts may also consider ordering the noncustodial parent to pay additional money for childcare and/or medical costs. These terms are based on each individual case. The amounts ordered can vary greatly depending on the situation. The custodial or noncustodial parent may also have the option to ask for an updated child support order if income circumstances change.
Seek legal assistance
In some cases, when a divorce is not contentious, West Virginia parents may be able to reach an agreement out of court, though it will typically be subject to review by a judge when the divorce is being finalized. But it’s always advisable to have an experienced family law attorney on hand to help one with legal terms surrounding child support and all other divorce arrangements. Even under the most amenable conditions, is important that all laws are followed based on the divorce regulations in the state.
