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Virginia Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Virginia, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2025
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: VA Code § 20-108.2

Calculate Your Virginia Child Support

Free estimate — official Virginia guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in Virginia?

If you make $60,000 a year in Virginia, child support for 1 child is estimated at $701 per month ($8,412 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $669/month for 1 child.

Virginia Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $576/mo $859/mo $1,079/mo
$50,000/yr $658/mo $978/mo $1,231/mo
$60,000/yr $701/mo $1,026/mo $1,306/mo
$70,000/yr $759/mo $1,114/mo $1,414/mo
$80,000/yr $816/mo $1,185/mo $1,501/mo
$100,000/yr $947/mo $1,381/mo $1,740/mo
$120,000/yr $1,063/mo $1,532/mo $1,904/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Virginia

Factors That Affect Child Support in Virginia

Both parents' gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Custody arrangement (sole, shared, or split)
Number of days each parent has custody
Extraordinary medical and dental expenses
Other support obligations
Technical details and legal basis

Virginia uses the Income Shares model (VA Code § 20-108.2) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for Virginia

  • • Virginia uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • • The schedule was updated effective July 1, 2025 (SB 805, 2025 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 702), expanding the income range from $35,000 to $42,500 combined monthly gross income and adding a 6th child column.
  • • Each parent is responsible for their pro rata share based on their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • • Virginia provides separate calculation methods for sole custody, shared custody (each parent has more than 90 days), and split custody arrangements.
  • • For combined gross monthly incomes above $42,500, add the support amount at $42,500 plus a percentage of income above that amount (2.6% for 1 child, 3.4% for 2, 3.8% for 3, 4.2% for 4, 4.6% for 5, 5.0% for 6 children).

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in Virginia

  • Virginia uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The schedule (updated July 1, 2025 under SB 805) covers combined gross income from $400 to $42,500/month. The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $78/month at $400 to $3,306/month at $42,500 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • Virginia uses separate worksheets for sole custody, shared custody (more than 90 days each), and split custody arrangements.
  • The 2025 update added a 6th child column and percentage-based extensions above $42,500 combined income.

Virginia Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is found in the guidelines schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Virginia uses different calculation worksheets for sole custody, shared custody (each parent has the child more than 90 days per year), and split custody.
What counts as income for Virginia child support?
Virginia considers gross income from all sources, including salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, pensions, Social Security benefits, interest, dividends, rental income, and workers' compensation. The court may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
How does shared custody affect child support in Virginia?
Virginia defines shared custody as each parent having the child for more than 90 days per year. In shared custody cases, the court uses a different formula that accounts for the number of days each parent has custody. This generally results in a lower child support obligation compared to sole custody, as each parent bears more direct costs during their time with the child.
What is the maximum child support in Virginia?
The Virginia guidelines schedule covers combined gross monthly incomes up to $42,500 (expanded from $35,000 effective July 1, 2025 under SB 805). For incomes above $42,500, the guideline amount at $42,500 is used as a base, plus a percentage of income above that amount (e.g., 2.6% for 1 child, 3.4% for 2 children).
How long does child support last in Virginia?
In Virginia, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. However, if the child is a full-time high school student, is not self-supporting, and lives in the home of a parent, support continues until age 19 or graduation from high school, whichever comes first. Support may also continue for a child with a severe and permanent disability.

About This Calculator

Uses the official VA Code § 20-108.2 (2025 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Virginia courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per VA Code § 20-108.2.

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