Guidelines for Determination of Child Support
Virginia observes the Income Shares Model when determining a child support obligation.
The Income Shares Model is based on the concept that a child or children should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together.
Here are a few factors that are used when determining a child support amount:
- Combined income of both parents
- The number of children for which child support is being sought
- Custody arrangement, which determines if Sole, Shared or Split Child Support Guidelines will be calculated
- Childcare expenses
- Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance expenses
- Other biological or adopted children living in the household or other child support obligations
- Other factors can be considered when determining a child support order, as each case is unique. (Example: If a parent is self-employed or owns a business, reasonable business expenses will be considered when determining the parent's income to establish the child support obligation.)
Basic child support guidelines are determined from the Virginia Code §20-108.2 (b) Statutory Schedule. Select the link to learn more about the Income Shares Model.
Brochure
- Every Child Needs Support Brochure - English (PDF)
- Every Child Needs Support Brochure - Spanish (PDF)
Tools
Guidance & Procedures
- Affidavit of Nondisclosure (PDF)
- Annual Fee Update (PDF)
- Child Support & the Courts (PDF)
- Child Support Appeals
- Debit Card Authorization (PDF)
- Direct Deposit Authorization (PDF)
- Every Child Needs Support - English (PDF)
- Every Child Needs Support - Spanish (PDF)
- Facts About Establishing Paternity 2024 (PDF)
- Government Shutdown - Custodial Parent (DOCX)
- Government Shutdown - Noncustodial Parent (DOCX)
- MoneyGram Information (PDF)
- Virginia Paternity Establishment Program
- Ways to Pay Child Support (PDF)
Program Manual
- DCSE Program Manual (PDF)
