Child Support in West Virginia
State-specific overview · Family Law
West Virginia uses an income-shares model with statutory percentages, and support typically continues until age 18 or high school graduation.
How West Virginia treats Child Support
West Virginia applies the income-shares method under W. Va. Code § 48-13-601, where both parents' adjusted gross incomes determine the base child support obligation. The obligation is divided between parents proportionally based on their income contributions. Child support generally terminates when the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, though the court may extend support for post-secondary education. The state provides adjustment mechanisms for shared custody, overnight visitation, and other special circumstances.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.