Blogs from April, 2026

Estimated Reading Time: 7-8 minutes

Table of Contents

• What Changed in Virginia’s Child Support Law?
• What This Means for Parents
• Does This Automatically Change Your Current Order?
• When It May Be Worth Reviewing Your Case
• What to Consider Before Taking Your Next Step
• Talk to Our Virginia Child Support Attorney

Child support is not something that stays the same forever. When laws are updated, the way support is calculated can shift, sometimes in ways that are not immediately obvious. A recent change in Virginia’s child support guidelines is doing exactly that, especially for higher-income families who were previously outside the standard calculation range.

If your income, or your co-parent’s income, falls near or above the old limits, this update may be worth a closer look.

What Changed in Virginia’s Child Support Law?

Virginia made two important updates that affect how courts handle higher-income child support cases.

First, the monthly income cap used in guideline calculationsincreased from $35,000 to $42,500. This means more families now fall within the standard formula, rather than being treated as exceptions that require a more customized approach.

Second, courts now apply a more structured formula when evaluating higher-income cases. In the past, judges often had to rely more heavily on discretion once income exceeded the cap. With the updated guidelines, there is clearer direction on how support should be calculated, even at higher income levels.

What This Means for Parents

These changes do not affect everyone the same way, but they can shift how support is calculated and what the outcome looks like.

• Some parents may pay more. With the higher income cap, a larger portion of income is now included in the formula. For parents who earn above the previous threshold, this can lead to higher support obligations than before.
• Others may receive more support. The updated structure may also increase the amount of support received, particularly in cases where income is now fully considered under the expanded guidelines.
• Court decisions may feel more predictable. Because judges are now working within a more defined framework, there may be less variation from one case to another. While every situation is still unique, there is generally less guesswork involved in how numbers are reached.

Does This Automatically Change Your Current Order?

Not automatically. A change in the law does not update existing child support orders on its own. However, it may create a valid reason to request a modification, especially if your current order was based on the previous income cap or if financial circumstances have changed over time.

In many cases, parents do not realize that a legal update like this can open the door to revisiting an existing arrangement.

When It May Be Worth Reviewing Your Case

It may make sense to take a closer look at your child support order if:

• Your income or your co-parent’s income falls near or above the old cap
• Your current order was calculated under the previous guidelines
• There has been a recent change in income, custody, or financial responsibilities

Even small differences in how income is evaluated can affect the final calculation.

What to Consider Before Taking Your Next Step

Before deciding whether to revisit your child support order, it helps to take a step back and look at how the recent changes apply to your specific situation. While the updated guidelines provide more structure, the outcome still depends on a combination of financial and parenting factors.

Start by reviewing how income is currently being calculated in your case. If your income or your co-parent’s income now falls within the expanded range, the numbers used in your original order may no longer reflect the current framework. Even a small shift in how income is evaluated can influence the overall support amount.

It is also important to consider whether anything else has changed since your last order was issued. Adjustments in custody arrangements, healthcare costs, or other child-related expenses can all play a role in how support is determined. These details are often just as important as income when courts look at potential modifications.

Taking the time to understand these factors can help you decide whether it makes sense to keep your current arrangement or explore an update based on the new guidelines.

Talk to Our Virginia Child Support Attorney

If you are unsure how these changes may affect your child support, it can help to talk through your situation with a legal team that regularly handles these cases.

At The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller, we work with parents across Virginia to calculate child support payments and develop practical plans that reflect each family’s financial reality. With more than 25 years of experience, we take a steady and thoughtful approach to evaluating each case and identifying options that may be reasonable for everyone involved.

Every situation is different. We can review your current order, explain how the updated guidelines may apply, and help you explore possible next steps based on your circumstances. Many of the parents we work with appreciate having a clearer understanding of what to expect before making any decisions.

If you are considering a modification or simply want to understand where you stand under the new law, reaching out for a conversation can be a helpful first step. Contact us at (757) 267-4949 to schedule a consultation.

Estimated Reading Time: 6-7 minutes

Table of Contents

• What Changed in Virginia Law?
• What Access Do Parents Now Have?
• Why This Change Matters in Real Situations
• Are There Any Exceptions?
• What to Consider If You Are Being Denied Access
• Talk to Our Virginia Family Law Attorney

It happens more often than people expect. One parent controls the school account, schedules the doctor visits, and suddenly, the other parent is left out of the loop.

You try to log into a parent portal and your access does not work. You call the doctor’s office and they tell you they can only speak with the other parent. At some point, it starts to feel less like miscommunication and more like you are being intentionally shut out.

The question is not just frustrating. It is personal. Can your ex actually block you from your child’s records? Virginia law now gives a clearer answer, and for many parents, it may not be the answer the other parent was hoping for.

What Changed in Virginia Law?

Virginia law now explicitly provides that both parents have guaranteed access to certain types of records involving their child.

This includes access to:

• School records
• Medical records
• Online portals related to education and healthcare

The goal of this change is to remove uncertainty and reduce situations where one parent attempts to control access to information.

What Access Do Parents Now Have?

In practical terms, this means that both parents can request and receive information directly from schools and healthcare providers. Access is not dependent on which parent typically manages appointments or communicates with teachers.

Parents may be able to:

• Speak directly with teachers or school administrators
• Request report cards, attendance records, and academic updates
• Access online school systems or parent portals
• Communicate with doctors or medical staff
• Review medical records, treatment plans, and appointment details

This ensures that both parents can stay informed and involved, regardless of how responsibilities are divided at home.

Why This Change Matters in Real Situations

Consider a situation we often hear about.

One parent handles school registration and sets up the online portal. After a separation, they keep the login information and never share it. The other parent starts missing updates about grades, school events, or even disciplinary issues. When they ask for access, they are ignored or told to “just ask if you need something.”

The same thing can happen with medical care. Appointments are scheduled without notice. Test results are not shared. Questions about treatment go unanswered.

Before this clarification in the law, situations like this often turned into ongoing disputes, with one parent acting as the gatekeeper of information. Now, that position is much harder to maintain. Both parents have the ability to go directly to the source instead of relying on the other parent to pass along details.

This shift can change the dynamic in co-parenting situations, especially where communication has already broken down.

Are There Any Exceptions?

While the law provides broad access, there can still be exceptions depending on the circumstances.

For example, a court order may limit access if there are specific concerns related to safety, custody, or parental rights. In situations involving sole legal custody or protective orders, access may be restricted or handled differently.

Because of this, it is important to look at the terms of your custody order and any related court decisions. The general rule supports access for both parents, but individual cases may vary.

What to Consider If You Are Being Denied Access

If you are being told that you cannot access your child’s records, it may be worth taking a closer look at the situation.

Start by identifying where the issue is coming from. In some cases, the other parent may be withholding information. In others, the school or provider may not have updated records reflecting your legal rights.

It can also help to review your custody order carefully. The language in your agreement may already support your right to access information, even before the recent clarification in the law. Taking early steps to address the issue can prevent it from turning into a larger conflict and help you stay consistently involved in your child’s life.

Talk to Our Family Law Attorney in Virginia

If you are running into issues accessing your child’s school or medical records, it can help to talk through your situation with a legal team that understands how these cases are handled in Virginia.

At The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller, we work with parents across Virginia to address custody-related concerns and help them understand their rights when it comes to access and decision-making. With more than 25 years of experience, we take a practical and thoughtful approach to evaluating each situation.

We can review your custody order, help you understand how the current law applies, and discuss possible steps if access has been limited or denied. Many parents we work with find it helpful to have a clearer picture of their options before taking further action.

If you have questions about your rights or are dealing with a situation where access has become an issue, reaching out for a conversation can be a helpful place to start. Call us at (757) 267-4949 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation.