Virginia Child Support Calculator

Virginia uses the income shares model under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Both parents' monthly gross incomes are combined to determine a basic child support obligation from the statutory guidelines schedule. That obligation is divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. Additional costs like work-related childcare and health insurance for the child are added before splitting. Virginia uses separate formulas for sole custody and shared custody arrangements.

Gross income in Virginia includes all income from any source, including salary, wages, commissions, overtime, bonuses, self-employment income, pensions, annuities, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, interest, dividends, rental income, royalties, trust income, and spousal support received. Virginia courts may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Shared custody in Virginia is defined as each parent having the child for 91 or more days per year (approximately 25% of the year). Under Va. Code § 20-108.2(B), when shared custody applies, Virginia uses a different calculation formula. Each parent's support obligation is calculated and then adjusted based on the percentage of time the child spends with each parent. The parent who owes more pays the difference to the other parent.

Yes, either parent can petition to modify child support when there has been a material change in circumstances. Virginia law allows modification when the current order differs from the guideline amount by 25% or more. Common reasons for modification include significant income changes, changes in custody or visitation, changes in childcare or health insurance costs, a child aging out, or either parent's financial circumstances changing substantially.

In Virginia, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is a full-time high school student, still living at home, and not self-supporting, support continues until the child turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Support may also continue for an adult child who is severely and permanently mentally or physically disabled. Virginia does not require parents to pay for college as part of child support.

Yes. Under Virginia's guidelines, work-related childcare costs and the cost of health insurance coverage for the child are added to the basic child support obligation. These costs are then divided proportionally between the parents based on their respective shares of the combined gross income. The court may also consider extraordinary medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Virginia child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered support may differ because Virginia judges may deviate from the guidelines when application would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors considered include the support obligations for other children, extraordinary capital gains, debts incurred during the marriage, the earning capacity and special needs of each parent, and the best interests of the child. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for an accurate assessment.