Virginia Family Law FAQs

• Q: Where Is The Scale That Is Used In Setting The Amount Of A Child Support Order?
  A: You can review the child support guideline by accessing the Legislative Information System website, and looking at Section 20­108.2. of the Code of Virginia. … More
• Q: How Does Dcse Determine How Much Support Someone Should Pay?
  A: DCSE utilizes the child support guideline scale that is part of the Code of Virginia. The guideline was developed with input from custodial and non­custodial … More
• Q: What If The Other Parent May Cause Me Or The Child Physical Or Emotional Harm If My Address Is Disclosed, Or If I Have A Protective Order?
  A: You should notify DCSE immediately, and sign an Affidavit of Nondisclosure. This will ensure that information about your location is not released unless a court … More
• Q: How Does Dcse Collect Child Support?
  A: DCSE has numerous tools available to assist custodial parents in collecting regular child support and arrearages associated with support. One of the primary tools or … More
• Q: Can Dcse Put Non-Custodial Parents In Jail If They Don't Pay?
  A: No. DCSE representatives may petition the court and DCSE attorneys may request the respondent be given jail time, but it is a judge`s decision whether to order a jail … More
• Q: What Are The Time Frames For Dcse To Take Action On A Case?
  A: Time frames vary and each case is different. One of the most important steps that DCSE must take with almost every action is to serve the non­custodial parent with … More
• Q: A Child Support Payment Was Credited To My Case Several Days Ago And Usually I Would Have It By Now, But I Haven't Received It. What Happens?
  A: Since time frames for mail delivery vary, you should allow 10 business days after the check was mailed before reporting it as missing. If you have moved and notified … More
• Q: I Do Not Know Where The Non-Custodial Parent Is Living. Can Dcse Find Him/Her?
  A: DCSE has many automated locate sources available for its use; however, you, as the custodial parent, are one of our best resources for information about a … More
• Q: I Have Been Receiving Child Support Directly For Years But I Recently Went To Court And The Support Is Now Ordered To Be Paid Through Dcse. Why Is This?
  A: As of July 1998, Virginia law requires that all income withholding orders for child support direct payments to DCSE. In order for DCSE to be able to process your … More
• Q: If The Non-Custodial Parent Receives Social Security Benefits, Can Dcse Still Collect Support For Me?
  A: DCSE can usually assist a custodial parent in the collection of support from Social Security Disability benefits, but not from SSI benefits (federal regulations … More
• Q: If The Non-Custodial Parent Is Receiving General Relief Or Tanf Benefits, Can Dcse Still Collect Support For Me?
  A: No. General relief and TANF are considered welfare and DCSE cannot collect support monies from welfare benefits.

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