Virginia Child Support Calculator

Estimate Virginia child support for 2026 using the Income Shares guideline model under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Enter both parents' incomes and the parenting-time split to see what you may owe or receive.

Virginia follows the Income Shares model under Va. Code § 20-108.2. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

Virginia uses a shared-custody formula that kicks in only when each parent has at least 90 overnights with the child per year. Once both parents cross that 90 overnight line, the guideline recalculates support to reflect the time each parent provides the home, food, and daily care. Below 90 overnights for one parent, the standard Income Shares calculation applies without a shared-care adjustment. This on-page calculator gives an estimate, and the official Virginia worksheet controls the final number.

In Virginia the cost of the child's portion of a health insurance premium is added into the support calculation under Va. Code 20-108.2. The parent who actually pays the premium gets credit for it, and the total obligation is then split between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined gross income. Reasonable unreimbursed or uninsured medical costs are also generally divided in the same income proportion. Keep proof of what you pay so the figure on the worksheet is accurate.

Work-related child care and daycare costs are treated as an add-on to the basic Virginia support obligation. The reasonable cost of care needed so a parent can work or attend education or training is added in, then divided between the parents in proportion to their shares of the combined gross monthly income. Bring documentation of your actual daycare expenses, because the official worksheet uses real figures, not estimates, to set this add-on.

The Virginia guideline number under Va. Code 20-108.2 is presumed correct, but a judge may deviate up or down after making written findings that the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate in your case. The parent asking for a different number carries the burden of showing why, using factors the statute allows, such as special medical needs, extraordinary expenses, or the independent financial resources of the child. This page gives an estimate only and is not legal advice, so confirm any deviation request with a licensed Virginia attorney.

Frequently asked questions

How is child support calculated in Virginia?

Virginia uses the Income Shares model under Va. Code 20-108.2. The court adds both parents' monthly gross incomes together, looks up the basic support obligation on the state guideline schedule for that combined income and the number of children, and then splits that obligation between the parents in proportion to each parent's percentage share of the combined income. Add-ons like the child's health insurance premium and work-related child care are folded in. The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement and the courts apply this same formula. The calculator on this page is an estimate only, and the official worksheet controls the final amount.

Is there an official Virginia child support worksheet I should use?

Yes. Virginia courts use an official guideline worksheet, the DC-638 form published by the Virginia courts, to compute support under Va. Code 20-108.2. That worksheet is the controlling document, and the figure it produces is presumed to be the correct amount of support. The estimate you get from this page is a helpful preview, but it does not replace the official worksheet a judge signs off on. You can find the form at courts.state.va.us, and the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement can also help you complete it. For anything binding, rely on the official worksheet or a licensed Virginia attorney.

What counts as income for Virginia child support?

Virginia bases support on gross income from nearly every source, not take-home pay. Under Va. Code 20-108.2 that includes wages, salaries, self-employment earnings, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and recurring gifts. Overtime and bonuses that are part of your regular earnings are generally counted too. Because the calculation starts from gross income, your number can look higher than it would if it used net pay. Self-employed parents should expect the court to scrutinize business records. This page only estimates support, so the official Virginia worksheet and a licensed attorney control the actual income figures used.

How does 50/50 or shared parenting change support in Virginia?

Virginia applies a shared-custody formula once each parent has at least 90 overnights with the child per year. When both parents cross that 90 overnight threshold, the guideline recalculates to reflect the cost each parent carries while the child is in their home, which often lowers the higher earner's payment compared to a standard sole-custody calculation. If only one parent reaches 90 overnights, the regular Income Shares math under Va. Code 20-108.2 applies instead. The result still depends on each parent's gross income share. Use the official worksheet to see exactly how your overnight split affects the number, since this page is an estimate only.

Can a Virginia judge order support that differs from the guideline?

Yes. The amount the Va. Code 20-108.2 guideline produces is presumed correct, but a judge may deviate higher or lower after putting written findings on the record explaining why the guideline figure would be unjust or inappropriate. The parent who wants a different number must prove the reason, drawing on statutory factors such as special medical or educational needs, extraordinary expenses, a child's own financial resources, or the relative ability of each parent to support the child. Deviations are case specific and not guaranteed. This page provides an estimate, not legal advice, so discuss any deviation argument with a licensed Virginia attorney before filing.

When does child support end in Virginia?

In Virginia child support generally ends when the child turns 18. It continues to age 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student, is not self-supporting, and is living with a parent. Support can also continue beyond that age for a child who is severely and permanently disabled and unable to support themselves. Support does not stop automatically in every situation, so check your order's exact terms. If you believe support should end or change, you can ask the court or the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement to review the order. This page is an estimate only and not legal advice.

How do I modify a Virginia child support order, and how is it enforced?

To change a Virginia order, file a motion in the juvenile and domestic relations or circuit court, or request a review through the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement. You must show a material change in circumstances, such as a meaningful shift in income, custody, or expenses, since the last order. On enforcement, DCSE has strong tools, including immediate income withholding, tax refund intercept, driver and professional license suspension, liens, credit reporting, and contempt referrals. Virginia can also work with other states to enforce an order when a parent lives out of state. This page only estimates support, so rely on the official worksheet and a licensed Virginia attorney for any filing.