April 28, 2025Author: Curran Moher Weis
April 28, 2025Author: Curran Moher Weis
The debut episode of Attorneys Dedicated to Family Law, a new podcast from Curran Moher Weis, addresses a timely and increasingly common issue for families in the D.C. metro area: how federal job loss or return-to-office mandates affect child custody and support arrangements.
Nicole Grejda, Esq., partner at Curran Moher Weis, brings her extensive family law experience to the conversation, offering practical advice for federal employees and their families navigating these sudden changes.
Early in 2025, a return-to-office mandate issued by President Trump prompted widespread changes across the federal workforce. This was followed by significant layoffs, with little to no severance offered to affected employees. Many of these individuals reside in Northern Virginia or surrounding counties, where their previous remote work arrangements allowed them to live far from their D.C.-based duty stations.
The impact of these developments reaches beyond employment — it affects families’ daily routines, financial stability, and long-established custody agreements.
Mass layoffs and the elimination of remote work for federal employees have left many individuals without jobs or facing dramatically altered circumstances. For those who pay or receive child or spousal support, these shifts can significantly impact financial obligations.
When there’s a significant reduction in income, loss of health insurance, or other substantial changes, a parent or former spouse may be eligible to request a modification to existing court-ordered support. However, whether the change meets the legal threshold of a “material change in circumstances” depends on the specifics of the case—including the degree of income loss, available benefits, and other financial considerations.
In cases where new employment pays significantly less or benefits are lost, courts may consider reducing support obligations. On the other hand, if someone voluntarily leaves a job or refuses to accept comparable work, a court may impute income to them based on their earning capacity.
For parents who previously worked remotely, returning to in-person work can disrupt established parenting plans. Lengthy commutes may make it impossible to maintain midweek visitation, manage school pickups, or participate in daily parenting responsibilities.
In some cases, families are now facing increased childcare costs due to the loss of in-home caregiving arrangements that were feasible under remote work conditions. These changes can prompt the need for adjustments in custody schedules, especially if they affect a parent’s availability or the child’s routine.
Relocating to retain employment, particularly closer to Washington, D.C., introduces another layer of complexity. Under Virginia law, a parent who shares custody must provide advance notice before relocating with a child. The court will assess whether such a move is in the best interest of the child, considering factors like school changes, healthcare continuity, and the child’s relationship with the other parent.
If relocation isn’t approved, the parent may need to choose between moving without the child or adjusting their employment plans to stay in the current area. Either scenario can lead to significant changes in parenting time and the overall custody structure.
Federal employees impacted by layoffs or office return mandates should notify their attorney as soon as possible if they anticipate challenges with meeting support obligations or maintaining custody schedules. Early action can help facilitate an amicable resolution and avoid more disruptive outcomes down the road.
Every family’s situation is different. Whether pursuing a negotiated agreement or seeking relief through the court, it’s important to work with an attorney who can assess whether a change in circumstances justifies a legal modification.
🎧 Attorneys Dedicated to Family Law is a new podcast by Curran Moher Weis, featuring insights from their experienced legal team on key family law topics in Virginia. In each episode, attorneys offer strategic insight and practical advice to help you navigate your unique situation with confidence. Listen to Episode 1 today and stay tuned for more.
