Virginia Child Support Basics: A Complete Guide for Parents

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

In this article

1. What Does Child Support Cover in Virginia?
2. How to Calculate Child Support in Virginia: Step-by-Step
3. Link to the 2025 Child Support tables can be found here:  Child Support Tables
4. Modifying Child Support: When and How?
5. FAQs: Virginia Child Support Basics

Navigating child support in Virginia can be overwhelming, especially with recent 2025 updates expanding guidelines. This guide breaks down the essentials: what child support covers, how it’s calculated, and your rights as a parent. Whether you’re establishing a new order or modifying an existing one, understanding these basics ensures your child’s needs are met fairly. For the latest changes, see our overview of 2025 Virginia family law updates.

What Does Child Support Cover in Virginia?

Under Virginia Code § 20-108.2, child support primarily funds a child’s basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, education, and healthcare.  It typically does not cover additional expenses such as extracurricular activities or private school unless the order provides for them.  Those can be considered as “deviations” once the guideline amount of child support is calculated.  Courts often use an income-share model, which assumes both parents contribute proportionally to such expenses.  Alternatively, where an activity isn’t agreed upon by the parents, a court may allow the child to participate but assign the cost to the parent who wants the activity.

• Basic Obligation: Daily living expenses based on combined parental income.
• Adjustments: Add-ons for health insurance, childcare, and special needs.
• Duration: Typically until age 18. Support continues for a child who is a full-time high school student, not self-supporting, and living at home until the child turns 19 or graduates, whichever occurs first.
• Deviations considered once guideline amount is calculated.

How to Calculate Child Support in Virginia: Step-by-Step

Calculating child support involves the official Virginia guidelines worksheet. Here’s a simplified breakdown—for precise figures, consult an attorney or use my Virginia Child Support Calculator.

Step	Details
1. Determine Gross Incomes	Include income from all sources (wages, bonuses, and imputed income for unemployed or under-employed parents)
2. Calculate Basic Obligation	Use the published tables: For example, $10,000 combined monthly income and 2 children produces a basic obligation of $1,824 per month under the current schedule, before add-ons.
3. Allocate Shares	Divide based on each parent’s income percentage (e.g., 60/40 split).
4. Add Adjustments	Prorate costs like $300/month childcare: 60% from higher earner.

Link to the 2025 Child Support tables can be found here:  Child Support Tables

Modifying Child Support: When and How?

“Material changes in circumstance” may warrant a modification.  Those can include significant changes in income, custody, or a child’s needs (e.g., a child’s medical condition).  If you need to modify the child support obligation, you can file a petition in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court or Circuit Court. Our full guide to Virginia child support covers the modification standard, shared custody, and add-ons in more detail.

FAQs: Virginia Child Support Basics

What is the average child support payment in Virginia?

There is no meaningful average. The guideline amount depends on combined income, the number of children, parenting time, and add-ons such as health insurance and child care. At $10,000 in combined monthly income, for example, the basic obligation for one child is $1,251 before add-ons.  

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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.