Child Support in Virginia

What has changed since June 2026

The federal passport rule changed in 2026. Since September 28, the State Department may revoke a passport if a parent owes $15,000 or more in past-due support across cases. This is not automatic. A pre-offset notice gives 30 days to ask for review; a later revocation notice cannot be appealed. The DCSE passport FAQ explains payment plans. Call DCSE at 1-800-468-8894 if you get a notice.

Where to start

Your first step depends on the problem: a first order, missing payments, or a change in income, child care, health costs, custody, or your child’s needs.

For a broader plain-English overview, see ASMOM’s child support basics and the Virginia help page.

Quick reference table

Who can apply for child support in Virginia

A parent or caregiver of a child can apply for child support services through DCSE. Either parent may apply. A caregiver may also apply if the child lives with them and they need help getting or paying support.

DCSE can find a parent, help establish legal fatherhood and support, collect payments, enforce orders, and work with other states or nations. It may help with medical and spousal support tied to a case.

You can apply without a court order or a known address for the other parent. Share what you safely know: name, birth date, old address, job, phone, email, relatives, or court records.

Child support and public benefits can affect one another. Virginia uses CommonHelp for TANF, SNAP, child care, energy help, and some health coverage. See ASMOM’s Virginia TANF guide and Virginia SNAP guide. If you are asked to help collect child support but fear harm, tell your benefits worker and ask about a good-cause exception before you act.

How Virginia sets child support

Virginia uses state support guidelines. They give a starting amount. The court or agency may use a different amount when the law allows it. An estimate is not an order.

Virginia’s formula can use both parents’ gross monthly income, the number of children, health care coverage costs, work-related child care costs, and the custody schedule. The official support amounts page explains that the goal is to share the cost of raising a child between both parents.

Use the official worksheet on the support amounts page. It asks for income, children, health costs, and work-related child care. Report accurate custody days and other relevant costs.

How to apply for child support in Virginia

DCSE says online filing through MyChildSupport is fastest. The portal can also help you send files, check payments, update your contact details, and message your case team.

1. Gather basic details. You may need your contact information, your child’s name and date of birth, the other parent’s information if known, any court orders, and bank information if you want direct deposit.
2. Apply online or on paper. Use DCSE forms to get a current form. You can upload it in MyChildSupport, pick up or drop off a copy at a DCSE office, or mail it to DCSE, P.O. Box 28450, Richmond, VA 23228-8450. Call 1-800-468-8894 for help.
3. Watch for follow-up. DCSE may contact you for more details. After your application is processed, a case manager should contact you about next steps.
4. Keep your contact information current. Missed mail or old phone numbers can cause delays, missed hearings, or payment setup problems.

If you are filing through court instead of DCSE, the Virginia Judicial System has court self-help information. The court also has court forms for custody, visitation, and child support.

Documents and details to gather

You can apply even if you do not have everything. Still, organized records can reduce back-and-forth. Keep copies of what you send. Write down the date, method, and person you talked to. For a wider list, use the ASMOM documents checklist.

If paternity must be established

If the child has no legal father, you may need to establish paternity first. Options include signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP), asking DCSE for help with DNA tests, or going to court.

If the mother was married to someone else at the time, Virginia says an Acknowledgment of Paternity cannot be used and paternity must be established through Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

Do not sign if you are unsure who the father is. Ask for legal help first. Paternity affects child support, birth records, health history, and legal rights.

Payments, missed payments, and enforcement

DCSE can collect and send child support. Online applicants can choose direct deposit or a debit card. Others can set up either method later.

If payments are late, tell DCSE. It may withhold wages, use tax refunds, seek a license action, or go to court. Collection can take longer if the parent has no job, is self-employed, or lives in another state.

Ask whether any fee applies to your case. The DCSE FAQ says federal law requires a $35 yearly fee if DCSE collects at least $550 during the federal year and you have never received TANF. It also lists a $25 fee if you reopen a case within 6 months of closing it, plus possible fees for items such as genetic testing or tax refund intercepts.

DCSE’s application warns that each case is different and DCSE cannot guarantee specific results. DCSE also says it cannot collect support from a parent without assets or income, though it may have programs to help that parent with job skills and employment.

Payment-only cases: If your order has a pass-through case, DCSE sends payments but cannot enforce or change the order. Ask to apply for full DCSE services if you need enforcement or an order review.

How to ask for a change

A child support order does not change just because parents talk about a new amount. If the current order no longer fits your situation, ask DCSE or the court about a legal change.

Most orders can be reviewed every 36 months. An earlier review needs a qualifying change. Under Virginia’s review rule, one path is a documented change of at least 25% in a parent’s income, medical insurance cost, or work-related child care cost. Other listed reasons include changes involving a child or health coverage. A review does not guarantee a new amount.

If the review shows that an administrative order should change, the rule sets a change test of at least 10% and at least $25 per month. Court orders need court approval. Use the order review steps or ask DCSE for its review packet. Military service or a parent’s long period in jail may also raise special issues.

If a decision is delayed or you disagree

Keep notices, mail, receipts, messages, payment records, and call notes. Ask what is missing, which step is next, and how soon you must respond.

Virginia has different steps for different notices. Read the date and deadline on yours. For some income-withholding notices, the law gives 10 days after receipt to ask DCSE for review. After a DCSE hearing decision, an appeal to court may be due within 10 days of receipt. See DCSE appeal steps. A review of your support amount is a different process.

For help organizing case problems, see ASMOM’s guide on benefits case problems. If a deadline or hearing is involved, contact DCSE, the court, or legal aid as soon as you can.

Safety concerns and private information

If there has been abuse, stalking, threats, or fear, get help before you share your home address or contact the other parent. Use a safe device if someone tracks your phone or browsing.

Virginia DSS pages include safe browsing reminders and the statewide hotline. You can also use ASMOM’s Virginia safety resources.

DCSE offers an Affidavit of Nondisclosure form. Ask how it works before putting your address on forms. It does not replace a personal safety plan.