Virginia Divorce & Custody Law

Determinaiton of child support

The Virginia legislature considered, but did not pass this session, a bill that would have required the court to make an initial determination of child support and enter a temporary order of child support at any initial court hearing where a petition for child support had been filed. 

Query whether such an order would cause more filings for child support as a way to establish primary custody at the outset of the case when the court has not had time to consider the best interests of the children or even to hear any testimony or see any exhibits relative to custody or an appropriate custodial schedule between the parents?

What to Bring to Your First Meeting with Your Attorney

The first hour with your attorney is often the most valuable time your Family Law attorney will spend with you. Your attorney will gather the facts of your case, identify the issues that need to be addressed immediately and those that are not as urgent but still need attention. If you provide enough documents and information about the facts in your case, your attorney should be able to give you a fair assessment of your marital estate, the approximate level of support if the facts warrant it and tell you an approximate mid point for settling or splitting the marital estate.