Quick answer: Virginia uses income shares on gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Each parent’s monthly gross income from all sources, less spousal support paid, half of self-employment tax, support actually paid under orders for other children and, for other children in the household, the schedule amount based on that parent’s income alone, is added to the other parent’s. The schedule of monthly basic child support obligations (updated in 2025, from $0 to $42,500 of combined monthly income and one to six children, extrapolated between rows) gives the basic obligation; above $42,500 the court adds 2.6% to 5.0% of the excess. The cost of the children’s health, dental and vision coverage and work-related child care are added, and each parent pays his or her percentage of combined gross income; the noncustodial parent’s share is reduced by coverage he or she pays directly. When the parent with fewer days has the children more than 90 days a year, a shared custody formula applies: the basic obligation is multiplied by 1.4 and each parent’s obligation reflects the time with the other, with the difference paid. Split custody offsets each parent’s obligation for the other’s children. There is a presumptive minimum of $68 a month. The guideline amount is a rebuttable presumption, and unreimbursed medical and dental costs are shared by gross income.
How Virginia child support works
- Gross income and the schedule. See the Virginia schedule and gross income.
- Sole, shared and split custody. See sole, shared and split custody formulas.
- Health care, child care and deviations. See health care, child care and deviations.
What this calculator checks
The calculator uses the 844 rows of the schedule ($350 to $42,500) read from the Code of Virginia, applies the extrapolation and the percentages above $42,500, follows sections G 1 to G 3 of § 20-108.2 for sole, split and shared custody, and was checked against an independent re-implementation. Figures are rounded to the nearest dollar. It does not compute imputed income, the exemption for obligors at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, multiple custody arrangements (G 4 to G 6) or deviations.
Child support across Virginia
The guidelines apply in every circuit and juvenile and domestic relations district court, from Virginia Beach, Richmond, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Arlington or Alexandria, and in cases handled by the Department of Social Services. The court must make written findings to depart from them.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the schedule gives the basic obligation for the number of children, health coverage and child care are added, and each parent pays his or her percentage of combined gross income.
How many days make shared custody child support in Virginia?
More than 90 days a year for the parent with fewer days; then the shared formula with a 1.4 multiplier applies.
What is the minimum child support in Virginia?
A presumptive $68 a month, with exemptions and a lower amount possible for obligors at or below 150% of the federal poverty level who cannot pay.
What is the highest income in the Virginia schedule?
$42,500 of combined monthly gross income; above it the court adds 2.6% to 5.0% of the excess depending on the number of children.
Does Virginia use gross or net income for child support?
Gross income, less spousal support paid, half of self-employment tax and support for other children.