Virginia Divorce with Children

Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Virginia — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.

Types of Custody in Virginia

Legal Custody

The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.

Joint:Both parents share decision-making authority
Sole:One parent has exclusive decision-making authority

Physical Custody

Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.

Joint:Child splits time between both households
Primary:Child lives mainly with one parent; other gets visitation

"Best Interests of the Child" Factors

Virginia courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:

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Parent-Child Bond: The emotional relationship between each parent and the child
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Stability: Each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment
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Co-Parenting Ability: Each parent's willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent
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Child's Adjustment: The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
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Mental & Physical Health: The mental and physical health of all parties involved
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Child's Preference: The child's reasonable preference (if old enough to express one)
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History of Abuse: Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
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Work Schedules: Each parent's work schedule and availability to the child

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Child Support in Virginia

Income shares Model

Virginia uses the Income Shares Model under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic support obligation is determined from the statutory schedule based on combined income and number of children. The obligation is then divided between parents in proportion to their incomes. Adjustments are made for health care coverage, work-related childcare costs, and extraordinary expenses. The guideline amount is presumptive and can only be deviated from upon written findings that application would be unjust or inappropriate.

Official Virginia child support calculator →

Factors Considered

•Both parents' gross income
•Number of children
•Custody arrangement / parenting time
•Health insurance costs for children
•Childcare expenses
•Special needs of the child
•Other child support obligations
•Standard of living during marriage
Use our Virginia child support calculator →

Mandatory Parenting Course

Virginia requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.

A parent education seminar is required in all cases where child custody, visitation, or support is contested. The court may also require it in uncontested cases at its discretion. The seminar covers the effects of separation or divorce on children, parenting responsibilities, and conflict resolution. Va. Code § 20-103.

Typical cost: $50

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What Goes in a Parenting Plan?

A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:

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Regular Parenting Schedule

Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.

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Holiday & Vacation Schedule

How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.

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Decision-Making Authority

Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.

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Communication Rules

How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).

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Transportation & Exchange

Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.

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Dispute Resolution

How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).

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Relocation Rules

Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.

Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce

1.

Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.

2.

Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.

3.

Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.

4.

Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child custody decided in Virginia?
Virginia courts determine custody based on the "best interests of the child" standard. Factors include each parent's relationship with the child, ability to provide stable housing, mental and physical health, and the child's preferences (if old enough). Courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents significant time with the child.
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses the income shares model to calculate child support. Virginia uses the Income Shares Model under Va. Code § 20-108.2. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic support obligation is determined from the statutory schedule based on combined income and number of children. The obligation is then divided between parents in proportion to their incomes. Adjustments are made for health care coverage, work-related childcare costs, and extraordinary expenses. The guideline amount is presumptive and can only be deviated from upon written findings that application would be unjust or inappropriate.
Is a parenting course required for divorce with children in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires parents to complete a parenting course during divorce proceedings. A parent education seminar is required in all cases where child custody, visitation, or support is contested. The court may also require it in uncontested cases at its discretion. The seminar covers the effects of separation or divorce on children, parenting responsibilities, and conflict resolution. Va. Code § 20-103.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Virginia?
Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing (education, healthcare, religion). Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Both can be sole (one parent) or joint (shared). Virginia courts can award different arrangements for legal and physical custody.
Can child support be modified in Virginia?
Yes, child support orders in Virginia can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either parent's income, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. You must petition the court for a modification.

Related Virginia Guides

Virginia Divorce GuideVirginia Divorce FormsVirginia Divorce CostVirginia Divorce TimelineVirginia Uncontested DivorceVirginia Property DivisionVirginia Residency RequirementsVirginia Child Support CalculatorVirginia Alimony Calculator

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