A Divorce Attorney Helping Norfolk Clients
Following a divorce, the court to some extent remains involved in the relationship between the parties, especially one that involves minor children. It is important for recently divorced individuals to be aware of this and how it affects their obligations to their former spouse. Divorce attorneys that serve Norfolk, VA, such as the firm of Joseph W. Hood, Jr. & Associates counsel clients following a divorce to ensure they understand these obligations.
Our divorce attorneys can answer your questions
Divorce decrees usually contain provisions requiring one party to pay the other a certain monthly amount. This can include spousal support, child support, or both. The court usually sets child support based on the gross monthly income of the paying party according to a statutory table. However, the court may alter these amounts under special circumstances. The court has wider discretion in setting spousal support and usually considers the relative assets and earning potential of each party.
Because these provisions appear in a court order, the court has continuing authority to enforce them if a party refuses to meet his or her obligations. Even in cases where the parties settle issues of support through an independent agreement, the court will often incorporate that agreement into its order.
For a party that fails to meet its support obligations, the court may garnish his or her wages or require the obligor to post a bond with the court. A party that willfully disobeys a court order or refuses to post bond may be found in contempt of court—a criminal offense that can subject the guilty party to up to one year of jail or community service. For these reasons, it is crucial that recently divorced parties understand and abide by their support obligations. Individuals who do not understand these obligations should immediately consult a divorce attorney.
Altering divorce decrees
Financial difficulties do not automatically excuse an individual from support obligations. When a person is having trouble making the required support payments, he or she should immediately consult a divorce lawyer. A person struggling to make support payments may be able to have those payments reduced temporarily or permanently by demonstrating a material change in circumstances to the court. It is, however, essential that the obligor obtain such a court order, as simply stopping or reducing payments without one may be bring about penalties such as wage garnishment and even conviction for contempt.
Consult an experienced law firm
The divorce attorneys of Joseph W. Hood, Jr. & Associates have been representing clients in Norfolk and throughout Virginia in all manner of divorce and family law controversies for 25 years. Their offices are located at Beach Tower, 3330 Pacific Avenue, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451. Potential clients my contact them by phone at 757-215-4815 or using their online contact form.
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