What Are the Biggest Child Support Myths in Virginia?
Shared custody does not mean no child support. And what child support covers may not be what you think.
Attorney Shameka L. Rhoades of Trustice Law Group clears up the most common child support myths in Virginia, explains exactly how the calculation works, and addresses the questions parents argue about most. In this segment from ABC News Showcase, Shameka covers:
- How child support is actually calculated in Virginia
- Why 50/50 custody does not automatically mean no child support
- How health insurance and childcare factor into the calculation
- What child support is actually supposed to cover
- The biggest misconception parents have when they arrive for a consultation
Watch the full segment below:
How Child Support Is Actually Calculated in Virginia
Virginia uses a formula based on three core inputs: each parent’s gross income, not net income, health insurance premiums paid for the child, and work-related childcare costs.
The process starts with both parents’ gross incomes combined. That combined figure is matched against a state schedule to establish a baseline support amount. Each parent then contributes proportionally based on their share of the total combined income.
Myth: 50/50 Custody Means Nobody Pays Child Support
Shared custody does not eliminate child support. What it affects is the amount.
If one parent earns minimum wage and the other earns significantly more, the higher-earning parent will still owe support to help balance the child’s standard of living across both households. The goal is for the child to have a reasonably consistent quality of life in each home.
How Health Insurance and Childcare Are Included
Health insurance premiums paid for the child are added to the support calculation. If a parent has a family plan, the cost is divided by the number of people on the plan and only the child’s proportional share is included.
Work-related childcare is included when a parent needs childcare in order to go to work or attend school. Courts sometimes weigh in on childcare costs when parents disagree about the level of care selected.
What Child Support Actually Covers
Child support covers the child’s full cost of living in that household, including housing, utilities, food, clothing, and ordinary expenses. Extracurricular activities and similar costs are generally considered included in the baseline amount unless the court specifically orders otherwise.
The Biggest Misconception
The receiving parent does not owe documentation of how every dollar was spent. The payment covers the whole child in that household, including the roof over their head and the lights that stay on. It is not a restricted fund for specific child-related receipts.
Trustice Law Group: Virginia Family Law Attorneys Who Help You Understand Child Support Clearly
At Trustice Law Group, we help parents across Virginia understand child support obligations, navigate disputes about childcare and insurance costs, and build a financial foundation that works for their children. We are a female-owned Virginia family law firm.
Real Law. Real Talk. Real Options.
Request a consultation or call us at 804-593-0788.
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FAQs
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses a formula based on both parents’ gross incomes, health insurance premiums paid for the child, and work-related childcare costs. The combined income is matched against a state schedule to establish a baseline amount, then divided proportionally.
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support in Virginia?
No. When parents share custody equally, support may still be owed if there is a significant income difference between them. The goal is to balance the child’s standard of living across both households.
What does child support actually cover in Virginia?
Child support covers the full cost of the child’s life in that household, including housing, food, utilities, and clothing. Extracurricular activities are generally considered included unless the court specifically addresses them separately.