Q: When you say child support continues until arrearages are paid off, do you mean as they are set now?
Right now, my child is over 18. The child support it is set at 507 a month. 300+ for child support and 179 for arrears broken down bi-weekly. I am in a situation where the 179 a month to arrears is realistic can this be modified? Will the judge drop the child support and keep arrears where they are at?
A:
Va. Code 20-60.3, "14. Notice that in determination of a support obligation, the support obligation as it becomes due and unpaid creates a judgment by operation of law. The order shall also provide, pursuant to § 20-78.2, for interest on the arrearage at the judgment rate as established by § 6.2-302 unless the obligee, in a writing submitted to the court, waives the collection of interest."
The support cannot be changed, as stated above, they create a judgment by operation of law.
The judge can vary the rate at which the arrearages are paid, i.e., less over longer time, or more in less time.
Be aware that the arrearages carry a 6% rate of interest, which is a disincentive to drag this out.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
