Child support is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of family law. Many parents assume support is a simple formula, or that the higher-earning parent automatically pays a specific percentage of income. In Virginia, child support is based on statewide guidelines, but the final amount depends on details that vary from family to family.

For parents in Fairfax County and the Fredericksburg region, child support issues commonly arise alongside custody schedules, daycare costs, and disputes over income. Understanding how support is calculated can help you prepare, reduce conflict, and avoid unrealistic expectations—whether you are requesting support, paying support, or seeking a modification.

The basics: Virginia uses guideline child support

Virginia child support generally begins with a guideline calculation that considers:

• each parent’s gross income
• the number of children
• health insurance costs for the child
• childcare expenses
• the custody schedule (including how many days the child spends with each parent)

In most cases, the guideline amount is presumed to be correct. Courts in Fairfax and Fredericksburg generally follow the guideline unless there is a legally valid reason to deviate.

What counts as “income” for child support?

A major point of dispute in child support cases is what counts as income. Virginia uses gross income, not net income. That includes wages and salary, but it may also include:

• bonuses and commissions
• overtime (depending on circumstances and consistency)
• self-employment income
• rental income
• investment distributions
• certain benefits and allowances
• unemployment or disability income (in some cases)

Income issues become more complicated when a parent is paid in cash, is self-employed, receives irregular bonuses, or has recently changed jobs.

Practical note: In many child support disputes, the legal question is not only “What does someone earn?” but also “What can the court reasonably rely on as consistent income?”

How custody schedules affect child support

Virginia’s guideline calculation adjusts based on the number of days the child spends with each parent. In general:

• If one parent has primary physical custody, the other parent typically pays guideline support.
• If parents share custody, support may be adjusted depending on the number of days and how costs are allocated.

This is why custody and child support often cannot be separated. A small difference in overnight counts can change the support amount significantly.

In Fairfax and Fredericksburg cases, disputes often arise when parents disagree about what counts as an overnight or when schedules shift informally over time.

Expenses that commonly affect the monthly amount

Even when incomes are straightforward, support can change based on child-related expenses. The guideline calculation commonly includes:

1) Health insurance premiums for the child

If one parent pays the child’s health insurance premium, that cost is typically included in the calculation.

2) Work-related childcare

Daycare costs can significantly increase the guideline support amount. Courts generally focus on work-related childcare, not optional childcare.

3) Extraordinary medical expenses

When children have significant medical needs or ongoing treatment costs, courts may consider additional adjustments.

4) Transportation costs

In some cases, especially where parents live farther apart, transportation costs may become part of the discussion, though not every case results in deviation.

When can the court deviate from guideline support?

Although guideline support is presumed correct, courts may deviate when applying it would be unfair or inappropriate. Common reasons include:

• special needs or extraordinary child expenses
• unusually high income (where guideline amounts may exceed reasonable needs)
• significant shared custody with unusual cost allocations
• one parent paying major expenses directly (tuition, medical treatment, etc.)
• agreement between the parties (if the court finds it reasonable and child-focused)

Deviation is not automatic. In contested cases, courts generally require a strong factual basis and clear evidence.

Modifying child support: when changes are allowed

Child support orders are not necessarily permanent. Support can often be modified when there is a material change in circumstances, such as:

• substantial income changes
• job loss or new employment
• changes in childcare costs
• changes in health insurance costs
• custody schedule changes
• the child’s needs changing over time

However, courts do not always grant modification simply because one parent believes the amount is too high or too low. The change must be meaningful and supported by documentation.

Important: Parents should not rely solely on informal agreements. If your child support order is not updated through the court, arrears may accumulate—even if both parents “agreed” to a change temporarily.

Common child support mistakes that create long-term problems

Child support becomes more difficult when parents make decisions based on assumptions rather than legal requirements. Common mistakes include:

• Not reporting income changes until arrears build up
• Assuming overtime doesn’t count (it may, depending on the facts)
• Using informal payment arrangements without court approval
• Underestimating the impact of custody schedule changes
• Failing to document childcare and insurance expenses
• Delaying action when support becomes unmanageable

In both Fairfax and Fredericksburg, courts generally expect parents to follow the existing order until it is legally modified.

Preparing for a child support case: practical steps

If child support is being established or modified, helpful preparation includes:

• recent pay stubs and tax returns
• documentation of bonuses and commissions
• childcare invoices or receipts
• proof of health insurance premiums for the child
• a clear custody schedule with accurate overnight counts
• business records if self-employed
• evidence of recent job changes or job searches (when relevant)

This type of preparation often reduces disputes and helps the court reach a clear, guideline-based decision.

Conclusion

Virginia child support is based on guidelines, but the “final number” often depends on details: how income is defined, how custody is structured, and what expenses are included. If you have questions about guideline calculations, shared custody adjustments, or whether a modification is appropriate, AMG LAW PLC can help you understand what the law requires and what outcome is realistic based on your circumstances in Fairfax County or the Fredericksburg region.