In Virginia, there isn’t a formal “legal separation” filing like in some states — instead, couples live separately and apart with the intent to end the marriage, which starts the timeline for divorce and support claims.

Your first step is to speak with a Virginia family law... View More

You’re dealing with several issues, so take it one step at a time.

First, contact the court in Norfolk, Virginia where your son’s custody case is being handled and ask for copies of any court orders. Then, reach out to Legal Aid or a family law attorney in Virginia to help you work on... View More

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answered on Oct 4, 2025

You’re right that Washington’s child support schedule is set to change beginning January 1, 2026, with higher income limits and updated amounts that reflect cost-of-living adjustments. These changes were approved to better match modern income levels and ensure fairer support calculations for... View More

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answered on Oct 1, 2025

It is possible but doubtful. The divorce is between the two spouses and has no bearing on the lender. When the lender conducts the sale, they will probably transfer any surplus over to the notemakers. However with your figures, do not expect any significant surplus, if any, as the noteholder... View More

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answered on Sep 30, 2025

Child support in your case will not be based on private offers or negotiations but on your state’s child support guidelines. The court uses a formula that considers each parent’s income, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and certain expenses. Because of this, your ex cannot... View More

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answered on Sep 27, 2025

What you’ve been through is heartbreaking, and it makes sense that you want to find legal help to address each of these issues. The stolen disability payments, the unsafe housing situations, and the sudden eviction all raise questions about whether your rights were respected. Even without... View More

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answered on Sep 19, 2025

You should start by documenting everything related to these incidents, including police reports, photographs of property damage, and any communications with your neighbor. Contact your local law enforcement to ensure theft and property damage reports are officially filed, and follow up on the... View More

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answered on Sep 11, 2025

The first step is to carefully review the language of your child support order. Look at the sections that discuss childcare costs and any separate monthly fees to see how each is defined and under what circumstances they apply. Childcare costs are typically only required when your child is actually... View More

I am so sorry to hear this! In Virginia, both parents have equal legal rights to their child unless and until a court order says otherwise. That means your wife does not have the legal authority to unilaterally prevent you from having contact or knowledge of your son.

To establish and... View More

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answered on Sep 1, 2025

You can ask for more child support, and Virginia courts calculate it using mandatory guidelines based on both parents’ gross incomes, childcare, health insurance, and extraordinary expenses. Because he lives in Virginia, you can file directly in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court... View More

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answered on Aug 29, 2025

It is not typically appropriate for a sheriff to interrupt a person’s testimony unless there is a safety issue or a direct order from the judge. Courtroom deputies are there to maintain order and security, not to control the substance of testimony. If the judge did not instruct the sheriff to... View More

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answered on Sep 8, 2025

Yes, it is illegal for someone to claim a child on their taxes without having the right to do so. Since you have full custody and only permitted your mother to claim your child in 2017, any continued claims without your consent would violate IRS rules. The IRS considers the custodial parent as the... View More

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answered on Jul 26, 2025

Yes, a child support case can still be opened even if the child is 17, as long as they are considered a minor under state law. Graduation from a home-school program may affect whether the child is viewed as “emancipated” or no longer in need of support, but the court will look at more than just... View More

An initial child support decision may be determined in one of two ways in Virginia, by an administrative decision of the Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, or by a Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge. A party may appeal a... View More

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answered on Jul 4, 2025

You would need to file a custody petition in California, since that state has “home state” jurisdiction over your son under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

California courts will evaluate your request for joint legal and physical custody based on the... View More

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answered on Jun 2, 2025

You should bring your ID, original and multiple copies of all documents, including the petition, proof of income, pay stubs, tax returns, the child’s birth certificate, and any bills or receipts showing expenses related to the child. If you have a proposed parenting plan, a budget for child... View More

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answered on May 14, 2025

I'm really sorry you’re going through so much. Losing your tax return to a child support offset while facing disability and financial hardship can feel overwhelming, especially with everything else on your plate.

If your tax return was intercepted for child support in Virginia, you... View More

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answered on May 14, 2025

What happened to you is deeply frustrating and, on the surface, seems like a serious mishandling of your case. If DCSE erased over \$40,000 in arrears without your knowledge, permission, or a court order, that may be a violation of your rights as the person owed support. Child support arrears are... View More

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answered on May 12, 2025

In Virginia, your child support obligations typically end when your child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. Since your daughter has now graduated from college and is living independently, you would generally no longer be required to pay child support under Virginia... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You should contact the court that issued the failure to appear as soon as possible. Let them know you were under the impression that your court-appointed attorney was handling the appearance and that you didn’t intend to ignore the court date. Ask if you can file a motion to explain the situation... View More