How child support is calculated in Virginia

How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Virginia uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together and looked up in the state schedule for the number of children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Virginia child support calculator

Where the real number comes from in Virginia

Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together and looked up in the state schedule for the number of children. The cost of the child's health, dental and vision coverage and work-related child care is added, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Separate formulas apply to shared and split custody.

Law: Va. Code 20-108.1, 20-108.2

We don't estimate Virginia's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official Virginia child support calculator

Low incomes in Virginia

There is a presumptive minimum order of $68 a month (the schedule's lowest amount, for combined income $0-$350). If the paying parent's gross income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and they show no ability to pay, the court can set a lower amount. Some parents are exempt (for example, totally and permanently disabled with no ability to pay, including SSI recipients).

Law: (Va. Code 20-108.2(B); 2025 Guidelines Review, RD1035)

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

The child's health costs in Virginia

The cost of the child's health, dental and vision coverage paid by a parent is added to the basic support amount. Unless the court finds good cause or the parents agree otherwise, parents split reasonable unreimbursed medical and dental costs (such as glasses, prescriptions, orthodontics and mental health care) in proportion to their incomes.

Law: Va. Code 20-108.2(D), (E); 20-124.2(C)

How Virginia's formula works

Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together and looked up in the state schedule for the number of children. The cost of the child's health, dental and vision coverage and work-related child care is added, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Separate formulas apply to shared and split custody.

Law: Va. Code 20-108.1, 20-108.2

How this kind of formula works

In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Virginia

  1. Collect proof of income

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Run the official numbers

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Virginia child support calculator.

  3. Include other costs

    Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.

  4. Ask for an order

    Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), Virginia Department of Social Services (1-800-468-8894) · Apply online

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Legal aid can help for free: Virginia Legal Aid (ValegalAid.org).

Where to get free help in Virginia

Questions about the Virginia guidelines

How is child support calculated in Virginia?

Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together and looked up in the state schedule for the number of children. The cost of the child's health, dental and vision coverage and work-related child care is added, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Separate formulas apply to shared and split custody.

Is there an official child support calculator for Virginia?

Yes: Official Virginia child support calculator.

What if the paying parent has a low income in Virginia?

There is a presumptive minimum order of $68 a month (the schedule's lowest amount, for combined income $0-$350). If the paying parent's gross income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and they show no ability to pay, the court can set a lower amount. Some parents are exempt (for example, totally and permanently disabled with no ability to pay, including SSI recipients).

Is health insurance part of child support in Virginia?

The cost of the child's health, dental and vision coverage paid by a parent is added to the basic support amount. Unless the court finds good cause or the parents agree otherwise, parents split reasonable unreimbursed medical and dental costs (such as glasses, prescriptions, orthodontics and mental health care) in proportion to their incomes.

Keep reading about Virginia

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources