How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Virginia

7 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

7 Resources

1. Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) — Free

State agency administering Virginia's child support program including locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, setting and modifying support orders, and enforcing payments statewide. Services include income withholding, license suspension, and tax intercept. Contact DCSE by phone or through the MyChildSupport online portal. Both custodial and non-custodial parents can request a review of existing orders when circumstances change significantly.

1-800-468-8894 · 5600 Cox Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

2. MyChildSupport Online Portal — Free

Virginia's official online portal for managing child support cases around the clock. View payment history, make payments, update contact information, upload documents, and check case status at any time. Both custodial and non-custodial parents can create an account. No cost to use. For help navigating the portal or to speak with a case worker, call DCSE at 1-800-468-8894 Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm.

1-800-468-8894 · Online portal · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

3. DCSE Northern Virginia District Office — Free

Serves Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church with walk-in and appointment-based child support services. Staff can assist with opening new cases, modifying support orders, reviewing payment history, and addressing enforcement actions. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any existing court orders to appointments. For general inquiries, call the statewide DCSE line at 1-800-468-8894.

1-800-468-8894 · 9990 Fairfax Blvd, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Virginia Child Support Guidelines Worksheets — Free

Official DCSE guidelines worksheets for calculating child support obligations in Virginia based on both parents' gross monthly income and allowable deductions. Virginia uses the Income Shares Model, meaning both parents' earnings factor into the final amount. Download worksheets directly from the DCSE website at no cost. Use the results as an estimate — courts may deviate based on special circumstances. Consult an attorney or DCSE for a final determination.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Virginia DSS - Paternity Establishment — Free

Information on establishing paternity in Virginia through voluntary acknowledgment (VAP) at the hospital after birth or through a court order for disputes. Paternity must be legally established before child support, custody, and visitation rights can be ordered. DCSE can assist unmarried parents with the paternity process at no cost. Genetic testing is available through the agency. Contact your local DSS office or DCSE for assistance with next steps.

1-800-468-8894 · Online resource / local DSS offices · Online 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Virginia Child Support Enforcement - Employer Services — Free

DCSE resources for Virginia employers handling income withholding orders, new hire reporting requirements, and lump sum reporting for child support compliance. Employers are legally required to withhold support from employee wages when served with an income withholding order. New hire reporting must be completed within 20 days of hire. Access employer forms, instructions, and electronic reporting options directly through the DCSE employer services portal.

1-800-468-8894 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Office of the Attorney General - Child Support Division — Free

Virginia AG's office assists with interstate child support enforcement and complex cases involving parents living in different states. When a non-custodial parent moves out of Virginia or when a Virginia parent owes support across state lines, the AG's Child Support Division coordinates with other states under the UIFSA framework. Contact DCSE first — they handle most cases — and the AG's office handles escalated or interstate matters that require attorney involvement.

804-786-2071 · 202 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.