Calculating Child Support in Virginia: Step-by-Step Guide

This topic is part of Child Support in Fairfax and Loudoun.

In this article

1. Understanding the Income Shares Model
2. Detailed Calculation Steps
3. Common Mistakes and Tips
4. Conclusion
5. FAQs: Calculating Child Support in Virginia

With Virginia’s revised child support guideline schedule in effect since July 1, 2025, accurate calculations are crucial to avoid disputes. This post details the process and common pitfalls; for a quick estimate, use my Virginia Child Support Calculator. Build on our child support basics guide for a full picture, and see our summary of the 2025 changes.

Understanding the Income Shares Model

Virginia’s model (Code § 20-108.2) shares the support burden based on both parents’ incomes, mimicking a shared household.

Detailed Calculation Steps

Follow these for the official worksheet:

1. Gross Monthly Income: Total verifiable earnings and income.
2. Basic Obligation: Lookup table—e.g., $15,000 combined income, 1 child: $1,635.
3. Proportional Shares: (Your income / total) x obligation.
4. Deviations: Court may adjust amount for unique circumstances once the guideline amount is calculated.

Combined Income	1 Child	2 Children
$8,000	$1,121	$1,642
$20,000	$1,990	$2,853
$42,500 (top of the table)	$3,306	$4,792

Common Mistakes and Tips

• • Include income from all sources
  • Apply the correct guideline (e.g., sole custody vs. shared custody)
  • A “day” for day-count purposes is a 24-hour period. An overnight of less than 24 hours is presumed to count as a half day for the parent with fewer overnights
  • Applicable health insurance cost is only the portion attributable to children

• • Self-employed individuals may deduct “reasonable” business expenses.
  • Which guideline applies depends on the custody schedule itself. For how custody and visitation are decided in Virginia, see our custody guide.

Conclusion

Precise calculations prevent costly court battles. Reach out for a consultation. For the rules behind each step of the Virginia child support guideline, including shared custody, add-ons, and deviations, see our full guide.

FAQs: Calculating Child Support in Virginia

How has the 2025 update affected calculations?

The July 1, 2025 revision raised the tabulated support amounts and extended the table from $35,000 to $42,500 in combined monthly gross income. Above $42,500, the statute adds a fixed percentage of the income over that figure (2.6% for one child, 3.4% for two). $42,500 is where the table stops, not a cap on support.

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This article provides general information about Virginia law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The application of the law depends on the specific facts of each case.