Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Virginia

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Virginia has no standard parenting time schedule in the statutes we read; the order or agreement sets it. For support, more than 90 days a year with a parent triggers the shared custody formula, with a day counted as 24 hours.

Does Virginia have a standard parenting time schedule?

Not in the statutes we read. The court enters custody and visitation orders on the child’s best interests and the factors, promptly and with mediation where appropriate, and mediation may produce a proposal on the child’s residential schedule and how future disputes are handled (Va. Code 20-124.2(A)). Ask the clerk of your court whether it publishes a local schedule.

What is the 90-day line in Virginia?

Where a party has custody or visitation of the child for more than 90 days of the year, a shared custody support amount is calculated from the parents’ income shares and custody shares, and it is presumptive unless a party shows the sole custody amount is lower; the shared support need is the guideline amount multiplied by 1.4 (20-108.2(G)(3)).

Pattern (other parent)	Days a year	Fewer-days parent	Share of 365	Support formula
1 of 14 days	26	26	7.1%	Sole custody formula
2 of 14 days	52	52	14.2%	Sole custody formula
3 of 14 days	78	78	21.4%	Sole custody formula
4 of 14 days	104	104	28.5%	Shared custody formula
5 of 14 days	130	130	35.6%	Shared custody formula
6 of 14 days	156	156	42.7%	Shared custody formula
7 of 14 days	183	182	49.9%	Shared custody formula

These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday days.

How is a day counted in Virginia?

A day is a period of 24 hours; where the parent with fewer overnights has an overnight with the child but for less than 24 hours, each parent is presumptively allocated half a day for that period (20-108.2(G)(3)(c)).

Is a minimum standard of living protected in Virginia?

Yes. A shared custody calculation may not create or reduce a support obligation to an amount that seriously impairs the custodial parent’s ability to maintain minimal adequate housing and other basic necessities for the child (20-108.2(G)(3)(d)).

Does support continue past 18 in Virginia?

Support continues for a child over 18 who is a full-time high school student, not self-supporting and living with the parent seeking support, until 19 or graduation, and may continue for certain disabled adult children (20-124.2(C)).

Which calculators help after counting days in Virginia?

Take the days to the Virginia child support calculator, keep the Virginia parenting time calculator count consistent with your order and check the dates with the Virginia divorce timeline calculator.

Can the judge order mediation in Virginia?

In an appropriate case the court refers the parents to a dispute resolution orientation session at no cost (20-124.4).

What should a written schedule cover in Virginia?

The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
The day count, so child support uses the right formula.
Communication, transportation and decision-making.
Notice of a move.

Does a longer overnight count as a full day in Virginia?

A day is 24 hours; a short overnight counts as half a day for each parent under the presumption in 20-108.2(G)(3)(c).

What if the parents cannot agree in Virginia?

The court decides on the child’s best interests. See the uncontested versus contested divorce in Virginia post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a standard parenting schedule in Virginia?

No statewide schedule appears in the statutes we read; the order or agreement sets it.

How many days is Virginia shared custody for support?

More than 90 days a year, so 91 or more.

Does a 4-in-14 schedule reach the Virginia 90-day line?

Yes. It is about 104 days.

Does a 3-in-14 schedule reach the Virginia 90-day line?

No. It is about 78 days, 13 short of 91.

Who sets the schedule if Virginia parents cannot agree?

The court, on the child’s best interests.

Official sources

Going through a divorce or custody case in Virginia?

A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Virginia attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Virginia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Virginia attorney.