If you’re navigating separation, divorce, or a custody dispute in Virginia, one of your first questions is likely:
“How much child support will I have to pay (or receive)?”
That’s where the Virginia Child Support Calculator comes in. It’s the tool that family court judges, attorneys, and parents use to determine child support amounts based on state guidelines.
But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to understand. That’s why in this detailed blog post, we’re breaking it all down into 20 easy-to-follow, lawyer-style FAQs. By the end, you’ll know exactly how support is calculated, what the law says in 2025, and how to make the calculator work for your situation.
Table of Contents
1. What Is the Virginia Child Support Calculator?
The Virginia Child Support Calculator is a tool used to estimate monthly child support payments based on:
- Each parent’s gross income
- Number of children
- Custody arrangement (sole, shared, or split)
- Childcare, insurance, and medical expenses
It’s based on the Virginia Child Support Guidelines (Code of Virginia § 20-108.2), and while not legally binding, courts heavily rely on its results when issuing orders.
2. How Is Child Support Calculated in Virginia in 2025?
Virginia uses an income shares model, meaning both parents’ incomes are combined to determine what the child would have received in a two-parent home.
Here’s the simplified process:
- Combine gross monthly incomes
- Refer to the Virginia support schedule (2025 update)
- Divide the obligation based on each parent’s income percentage
- Adjust for custody type and add:
- Health insurance
- Work-related childcare
- Unreimbursed medical expenses
The result is your presumptive support amount.
3. Has the Virginia Child Support Law Changed in 2025?
Yes, in 2025, updates include:
- Revised income brackets in the child support schedule
- Increased recognition of shared custody time
- Stronger guidelines around self-employment income
- Clearer rules for imputing income to unemployed or underemployed parents
These changes are already reflected in updated calculators.
4. Where Can I Use the Official Virginia Child Support Calculator?
Use the official calculator on:
👉 Virginia’s Department of Social Services Website
Other trusted legal sites or family law attorneys may offer updated versions, but always check the date and make sure it’s aligned with 2025 guidelines.
5. What Income Is Included in the Calculator?
Virginia includes the gross income of both parents, including:
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment income
- Bonuses, overtime, and commissions
- Rental income
- Social Security (excluding SSI)
- Workers’ comp, disability, and pensions
- Unemployment benefits
Public assistance like TANF and SNAP is not included.
6. How Does Parenting Time Affect Support in Virginia?
Parenting time matters a lot.
- Sole custody: One parent has more than 90% of the time. The other pays full guideline support.
- Shared custody: Each parent has at least 90 days/year. The support is adjusted using a shared custody worksheet, which lowers support as the non-custodial parent has more time.
7. What Are the Different Custody Worksheet Types?
Virginia uses three worksheets:
- Worksheet A: Sole custody (one parent has primary)
- Worksheet B: Shared custody (both parents have ≥90 days)
- Worksheet C: Split custody (each parent has primary custody of at least one child)
Using the right worksheet is critical to getting the right amount.
8. What If One Parent Is Unemployed or Earning Less Than They Should?
Virginia courts can impute income, assigning an earning capacity based on:
- Work history
- Education
- Job market conditions
This prevents parents from dodging support by staying unemployed or underemployed on purpose.
9. Are Childcare and Health Insurance Included in the Calculator?
Yes, these are called add-on expenses and are included:
- Work-related daycare
- Medical/dental/vision insurance premiums
- Extraordinary unreimbursed medical expenses
Each parent’s share is typically based on income percentage.
10. Can Parents Agree to a Different Child Support Amount?
Yes, but only if:
- The court approves it
- It still meets the child’s needs
- It’s not the result of coercion
Courts prioritize the best interest of the child and will reject agreements that under-support a child.
11. How Can I Modify a Child Support Order in Virginia?
You can file for modification if there’s a material change in circumstances, such as:
- Job loss or income change (15%+)
- Change in custody or parenting time
- Medical needs or insurance changes
There’s no mandatory waiting period, but the change must be significant and not temporary.
12. What Happens If Child Support Isn’t Paid?
Virginia’s Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) can:
- Garnish wages or tax refunds
- Suspend driver’s or professional licenses
- File contempt of court charges
- Place liens on bank accounts or property
Non-payment is taken very seriously and can lead to jail in extreme cases.
13. How Long Does Child Support Last in Virginia?
Child support typically ends at age 18, but can continue until:
- Age 19, if the child is still in high school full time
- Longer, if the child has a physical or mental disability that existed before turning 18
Courts can also enforce back support even after the child reaches adulthood.
14. Can the Calculator Be Used for More Than One Child?
Yes. The calculator adjusts based on the number of children. The support schedule increases proportionally for 2, 3, or more children.
However, the court may consider cost-of-living, education, and health needs if there are special circumstances.
15. What If a Parent Has Children From Another Relationship?
If a parent has existing court-ordered support for other children, that amount is deducted from their gross income before calculating new support.
Children living in the home without a court order do not automatically reduce income, unless justified.
16. Do Courts Ever Set Support Below or Above the Calculator Amount?
Yes. Courts can deviate from the guideline amount if:
- There are high travel expenses
- One parent pays for private school or therapy
- The child has special needs
- Parents share expenses differently
But judges must explain the reason for any deviation in the court order.
17. How Is Self-Employment Income Handled in Virginia?
Self-employed parents must show:
- Tax returns
- Business expense records
- Proof of income stability
Courts are cautious of parents who underreport income, and may average earnings over time or estimate based on lifestyle.
18. Does Child Support Cover College Expenses in Virginia?
Not automatically.
Virginia law does not require parents to pay for college unless:
- They agree to it in a written settlement
- The child is disabled and needs continued care
Some families choose to include a college support clause in their parenting plans.
19. How Do I File a Child Support Case in Virginia?
You can:
- File as part of a divorce or custody case in circuit court
- Apply through the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE)
Both options result in a court order. DCSE also helps with enforcement, modification, and collection.
20. Should I Use the Calculator Before Filing or Going to Court?
Yes—always.
Using the calculator before filing:
- Prepares you for negotiations or mediation
- Helps avoid surprises in court
- Ensures you understand your rights and obligations
Even family lawyers use the calculator at the very first consultation to estimate potential support outcomes.
👨⚖️ Final Thoughts from a Virginia Family Lawyer’s Perspective
The Virginia Child Support Calculator is not just a number-generating tool—it’s your first step in protecting your child’s future and preparing your own.
Yes, child support is based on math. But the final number depends on your real-life circumstances, your parenting schedule, and your willingness to plan ahead.
By understanding the calculator—and how the court uses it—you’ll be better equipped whether you’re the parent paying or receiving support.
Use it, double-check the inputs, and if needed, talk to a family law attorney to get peace of mind. You and your child deserve financial clarity.