Should I Be Getting More Money?

My question involves child support in the State of: Virginia

I just wanted to know how the court determines how much child support should be paid. Because I am a single mother and I am a waitress, i am the primary caregiver of my child. The father is in another state but he does send $50.00 a week for his child. Now I make 2.15/hr plus tips. and work about 25 hrs week. i pay rent, buy grocery, diapers, food, and babysitter for my son, plus other bills, plus im a full time student and I'm 18 yrs old and the father is 25 (going on 15;). His father works and gets paid 20 times more than i do and pays no bills. Well, to get to my point, do you think if I bring him to court i could get more money from him. or do you think i should be grateful and stop bitchin!!!

I think you should file for CS ASAP. I am not an attorney...But if he makes more than you do ....he owes you a lot more...go to this website it has a calculator ....to calculate how much you probably will get if you know how much he makes...it is not that you will get that amount it only gives you an idea....If you have not filed for child support do it right now I can not tell you how much I regret it now........ I made the same mistake and didnt file it and now after 6-7 yrs regretting it.You can file it with DCSE .....it will cost you I think 20 $ and they will file the papers for you.Go and get the information on this website...
Good luck.....do not delay this anymore. Best of luck.
http://www.dss.state.va.us/family/children.html

You can also get food stamps, medicaid and assistance like TANF if you do not make that much...I do not know if you know that....Do go to social services office..Good luck

Courts generally look at the income of the parties and normally the income of the non-custodial parent paying the support. Guidelines are used and referred to if not mandated.

A key is to look at is the support now in effect--it should have been made effective by a court order. From the time that order was entered until now what has changed that would affect how the Court may set new support--in other words, what is the material change of circumstances that has occurred that would legally warrant a change in support? Most of the time, a significant income increase regarding the person with the support obligation is what triggers an increase in the support payment.