Will My Child Support Go Up? Will I have to pay more Child Support for my child or children?

Big changes are coming to Virginia family law starting July 1, 2025. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, custody arrangement, or child support case, it’s essential to understand how these updates could impact your family.

Higher Child Support Guidelines for High-Income Families

For the first time since 2014, child support guidelines will increase Beginning July 1, 2025, Virginia has expanded its child support schedule to cover combined gross monthly incomes up to $42,500.

What this means for families:

Child support payments will increase for many payers.
Recipients may receive more financial support per child.
Parents with higher incomes will now have more precise support obligations under the new guidelines.

If you think that you might be entitled to a higher amount of child support under the new law, consulting an attorney to determine if a change is right for your situation is recommended.

A FEW OTHER IMPORTANT CHANGES

Guaranteed Online Access to Children’s Records

Parents now have the legal right to access their child’s academic and medical records through secure online portals—something not clearly covered under previous law.

What this means for families:

If you’ve struggled to access school or health records online, this update ensures enforceable digital access for both parents.

Longer & Stronger Protective Orders

Courts can now issue protective orders for up to four years—up from the previous two—if there was a prior order within the last 10 years.
New provisions also address military protective orders, allowing them to be considered in court and requiring law enforcement to notify the military of any violations.

What this means for families:

Enhanced protection for survivors of abuse.
Greater coordination between civil courts and the military in domestic violence cases.

Stricter Appeal Deadlines for Divorce-Related Home Sales

If a court orders the sale of your home during a divorce, you must appeal promptly. Unlike other court-ordered property sales (which can be challenged within 12 months), these now follow Virginia’s standard appellate timeline.

What this means for families: