Shared custody child support in Virginia (worksheet DC-640)
When both parents have the children for a substantial part of the year, Virginia uses the shared custody worksheet, form DC-640. Each parent’s obligation is figured separately, and the larger one pays the difference.
Last reviewed November 13, 2026
Calculate with the shared custody worksheet
When this worksheet applies
Virginia’s shared custody worksheet applies when each parent has the children more than 90 days a year (Va. Code § 20-108.2(G)(3)). The days for both parents add up to 365. If one parent has the children 90 days or fewer, use sole custody (DC-637). If the children are divided so that each parent has at least one living with them, use split custody (DC-638).
How the calculation works
- Work out each parent’s available income (lines 1 to 10), the same way as on the sole custody worksheet: gross income, adjusted for spousal support, other children and self-employment expenses.
- Combine the incomes (line 11) and find each parent’s percentage (lines 12 and 13).
- Look up the basic obligation (line 15) in the § 20-108.2(B) schedule for the combined income and number of children.
- Multiply it by 1.4 (line 16). This is the “total shared support,” which reflects the cost of keeping two homes.
- Divide it by time (lines 17 to 20). Each parent’s custody share is their days divided by 365.
- Figure each parent’s obligation to the other (lines 21 to 30). Party A’s portion of the shared support (by Party A’s days), plus the health, dental and vision coverage and work-related child care Party A pays, is multiplied by Party B’s income percentage. That’s what Party B owes Party A. The same is done in the other direction.
- Net the two amounts (lines 31 and 32). The parent who owes more pays the difference. Adjustments such as disability benefit credits are then applied (lines 33 to 40).
Worked example
Party A earns $6,000 a month and Party B earns $4,000. They have two children. The children spend 220 days a year with Party A and 145 with Party B. Party A pays $200 a month for the children’s health, dental and vision coverage, and Party B pays $500 a month for work-related child care.
| Line | Item | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Combined monthly income | $10,000 |
| 12–13 | Income shares (Party A / Party B) | 60% / 40% |
| 15 | Basic obligation from the schedule, 2 children | $1,824 |
| 16 | Total shared support ($1,824 × 1.4) | $2,554 |
| 19–20 | Custody shares (220 and 145 of 365 days) | 60.27% / 39.73% |
| 21–24 | Party A’s portion ($1,539) plus the insurance Party A pays ($200) | $1,739 |
| 25 | Party B owes Party A (40% of $1,739) | $696 |
| 26–29 | Party B’s portion ($1,015) plus the child care Party B pays ($500) | $1,515 |
| 30 | Party A owes Party B (60% of $1,515) | $909 |
| 31–32 | Party A pays Party B each month ($909 − $696) | $213 |
Party A has the children more often but still pays, because Party A earns more and Party B carries the child care cost. Figures are rounded to the dollar as the worksheet instructions direct.
Common questions
How many days does a parent need for shared custody child support in Virginia?
Each parent must have the children more than 90 days a year. With 90 days or fewer, the sole custody worksheet (DC-637) applies instead.
Why is the support amount multiplied by 1.4?
Raising children in two homes costs more than in one, since both parents need space, furniture and everyday items. The shared worksheet raises the basic obligation by 40% (line 16) before dividing it between the parents.
Can the parent with more days still pay support?
Yes. Each parent’s obligation depends on both income and time, so a parent with more days but a much higher income can still owe the difference.
How are days counted?
Va. Code § 20-108.2(G)(3) counts a day as a 24-hour period and has a specific rule for some overnights. Because a few days either way can move a case across the 90-day line, it’s worth confirming the count with an attorney.