How much is child support in Virginia

There is no single flat dollar amount for child support in Virginia. The amount is determined by a statutory guideline formula set out in Va. Code § 20‑108.1 that takes into account the combined gross income of both parents, the number of children, and necessary expenses such as health insurance premiums and work‑related child‑care costs. The court may deviate from the presumptive guideline amount only if applying the formula would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case. Understanding how the calculation works is essential whether you expect to pay support or receive it. For guidance on how the guidelines apply to your specific financial circumstances, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
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Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

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How Virginia Calculates Child Support

Virginia uses an “income shares” model to calculate child support. Under Va. Code § 20‑108.1, the General Assembly has adopted a schedule that estimates the total cost of raising a child based on combined parental income and number of children. The court starts by determining each parent’s gross income from all sources — wages, self‑employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, dividends, and other recurring payments. From gross income, certain deductions may be allowed, such as taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and support payments for other children. The resulting adjusted incomes are combined to arrive at the total monthly available income.

The basic child‑support obligation is then read from the statutory schedule. That amount is divided between the parents in proportion to their respective shares of the combined income. Additional necessary expenses — including health insurance premiums for the children and reasonable work‑related child‑care costs — are added to the basic obligation. The paying parent’s share of the total obligation becomes the presumptive guideline support amount. A court may depart from the guideline figure after considering specific statutory factors, but it must explain its reasons in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Virginia?

Virginia uses a statutory guideline formula that begins with the parents’ combined gross income, applies the statutory schedule to determine a basic support obligation, then adds certain expenses like health insurance and work‑related child‑care costs. The final obligation is split in proportion to each parent’s income share. If parents cannot agree, a judge makes the determination.

What income is included in the child support calculation?

Virtually all sources of income are considered, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, dividends, rental income, self‑employment earnings, and recurring gifts or prizes. The court may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. The calculation uses gross income before taxes, with limited statutory deductions.

Can the court order an amount different from the guideline?

Yes, the court may deviate from the presumptive guideline amount if it finds that applying the formula would be unjust or inappropriate. The judge must identify the specific factor justifying the deviation and explain it in writing. Common reasons include a child with significant medical needs, shared physical custody arrangements, or a parent’s unusually high or low income.

How does shared custody affect the child support calculation?

When the child spends at least 90 days per year with each parent, Virginia law applies a shared‑custody formula that considers the proportion of time the child spends with each parent. The court calculates a total shared‑support obligation using the same income‑shares approach and then adjusts the amount to reflect the parenting time split. The parent with the lower proportional obligation typically pays the difference.

What expenses are added to the basic support obligation?

Virginia law allows the court to add the cost of health insurance premiums for the child, reasonable work‑related child‑care expenses, and significant medical or dental expenses. These amounts are added to the basic guideline obligation before the support figure is divided between the parents. Other extraordinary expenses, such as private school tuition, may also be considered if the parents agree or the court finds them necessary.

When can child support be modified?

A parent may request a modification of child support if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in either parent’s income or a change in the child’s needs. A three‑year automatic review provision also allows either party to request a reassessment. The court will apply the current guidelines to the new financial information.

What happens if the paying parent fails to pay?

Virginia’s Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has broad authority to enforce support orders, including income withholding, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s and professional licenses, and, in serious cases, contempt proceedings. A contempt finding can result in fines or jail time. A parent owed support may also pursue enforcement through private legal action.

Do I need a lawyer to address child support in Virginia?

You are not legally required to have an attorney, but having experienced legal representation helps ensure the support order is calculated accurately and that your rights are protected. An attorney can help gather financial documentation, present evidence of income or expenses, and argue for or against a deviation from the guidelines.

How long does a child support obligation last?

In Virginia, a child support obligation generally continues until the child reaches age 18, or age 19 if the child is still in high school and living at home. Support may terminate earlier if the child becomes emancipated, marries, or enters active military service. The obligation may be extended for a child with a permanent disability.

Can we agree on child support outside of court?

Yes, parents may reach a private agreement on child support, but the agreement must be approved by the court and incorporated into a court order to be enforceable. A properly drafted separation agreement that sets out the support terms can streamline the process. The court will still review the agreement to ensure it complies with the statutory guidelines.

What if the other parent lives in another state?

Virginia can establish or enforce a child support order against an out‑of‑state parent through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). The court may assert long‑arm jurisdiction if the parent has sufficient contacts with Virginia, and it can coordinate with the other state’s enforcement agency. The guidelines of the state that issued the order typically control the amount.

How does the court determine the amount for self‑employed parents?

The court examines business records, tax returns, and cash flow to determine the parent’s actual available income, and may impute income if the reported earnings do not reflect the parent’s earning capacity. Self‑employment brings additional complexity because not all business deductions are allowed for support purposes. An attorney can help present a clear picture of the parent’s true financial circumstances.

To discuss your particular child support matter, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has guided the firm since 1997. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters. Results may vary. The team concentrates in child support, custody, and divorce issues, and appears in Virginia courts statewide. The firm’s attorneys are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

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