/
Child Support Services / Understanding Child Support Amounts
Child support helps cover a child’s basic needs like food, housing and care. This page explains how support amounts are set and what may affect your amount.
How Your Child Support Amount Is Set
Child support is set based on a formula set by Virginia law. The goal is to share the cost of raising a child between both parents.
You can estimate your support amount using Virginia’s online Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. Instructions are included on page two to help you fill it out. *This is only an estimate.
Reviewing or Changing Your Child Support Order
Life can change. If your income, job or child-related costs change, your child support order may be reviewed.
Most orders can be reviewed every three years, based on when the order was first set or last reviewed. A review does not always mean the order will change.
Child Support Guidelines Review
Virginia reviews its child support guidelines every four years. Under Virginia law (§ 20-108.2), a review panel looks at the guidelines and recommends updates if needed.
Find my local department