Split custody child support in Virginia (worksheet DC-638)
When the children are divided between the parents’ homes, Virginia uses the split custody worksheet, form DC-638. Each parent is treated as the non-custodial parent of the children in the other home, and the larger obligation pays the difference.
Last reviewed November 13, 2026
Calculate with the split custody worksheet
When this worksheet applies
Split custody is limited to situations where each parent has physical custody of at least one child born of both parents, born of one parent and adopted by the other, or adopted by both. Each parent is the custodial parent for the children in their own home and the non-custodial parent for the children in the other home. If all the children live mainly in one home, see sole custody (DC-637) or shared custody (DC-640).
How the calculation works
- Work out each parent’s available income (lines 1 to 5), the same way as on the other worksheets, and each parent’s percentage of the combined income (line 6).
- Count the children in the other home (line 7). Party A’s column uses the number living with Party B, and Party B’s column uses the number living with Party A.
- Look up each basic obligation (line 8.a) in the § 20-108.2(B) schedule, using the combined income and that number of children.
- Add health, dental and vision coverage and work-related child care paid by the other parent for those children (lines 8.b and 8.c) to get each total (line 9).
- Apply each parent’s income share (line 10): each parent owes their own percentage of their column’s total.
- Net the two amounts (lines 11 to 13). The parent with the larger obligation pays the difference.
Worked example
Party A earns $6,000 a month and Party B earns $4,000. They have two children: one lives with Party A and one lives with Party B. Neither parent pays health, dental, vision or child care costs.
| Line | Item | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 5.b | Combined monthly income | $10,000 |
| 6 | Income shares (Party A / Party B) | 60% / 40% |
| 8.a | Basic obligation from the schedule, 1 child (each column) | $1,251 |
| 10 | Party A’s obligation (60% × $1,251) | $751 |
| 10 | Party B’s obligation (40% × $1,251) | $500 |
| 13 | Party A pays Party B each month ($751 − $500) | $251 |
Figures are rounded to the dollar as the worksheet instructions direct. Your result will depend on your own numbers.
Common questions
What is split custody in Virginia child support?
Split custody is when each parent has physical custody of at least one of the children. Each household is treated as its own family unit for the calculation.
How is split custody child support calculated?
Each parent’s obligation is figured as if they were the non-custodial parent of the children living in the other home, using both parents’ combined income. The parent with the larger obligation pays the other the difference.
Which children count in split custody?
Only children born of both parents, born of one parent and adopted by the other, or adopted by both. Each parent’s calculation uses the number of those children living in the other parent’s home.