Free · Virginia · Current law
Based on Virginia's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Virginia Code § 20-108.2 Schedule of Monthly Basic Child Support Obligations. Official calculator → A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Virginia's child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model. First, the combined monthly gross income of both parents is determined. This combined income, along with the number of children, is used to find a basic child support obligation from a statutory schedule. This basic obligation is then prorated between the parents based on their respective shares of the combined gross income. Adjustments are made for health care coverage costs, child care costs, and any spousal support paid or received. For shared custody arrangements, a specific worksheet is used to adjust the basic obligation based on the number of days each parent has the children.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Virginia guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
Virginia has no mandatory statewide waiting period. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 45–90 days for uncontested cases. Contested divorces involving custody disputes or complex assets can take 12–24 months or longer.
To file for divorce in Virginia, there is no fixed residency waiting period, though you must be domiciled in Virginia at the time of filing. Filing in the wrong jurisdiction can result in your case being dismissed, so confirm with your county clerk if you recently moved.
Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault filings cite 'irreconcilable differences' or 'incompatibility.' Fault grounds such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty can be alleged, and in some cases fault can influence alimony or property awards.
Virginia follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally, considering factors like each spouse's income, contributions to the marriage, and economic circumstances. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance) is generally not divided.
Virginia uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support. Both parents' incomes are considered along with the number of children, timesharing schedule, childcare costs, and health insurance. The resulting guideline amount is presumed correct but a judge can deviate based on special circumstances.
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