West Virginia Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using West Virginia's official guidelines
About West Virginia's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Uses gross income with schedule
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a West Virginia family law attorney for official calculations.
Official West Virginia Court Forms
Download official court forms from the West Virginia judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official West Virginia court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
West Virginia Child Support Guidelines
West Virginia uses the West Virginia Child Support Guidelines (WV Code § 48-13) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined gross income.
West Virginia has several distinctive features in its child support system. West Virginia has one of the lowest self-support reserves ($1,125) reflecting the state's lower cost of living. The state uses gross income with a straightforward schedule. West Virginia includes specific provisions for coal miners and other seasonal workers with variable income.
West Virginia bases calculations on gross income — meaning income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources. The self-support reserve in West Virginia is $1,125/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How West Virginia Calculates Child Support
West Virginia follows a 6-step process under the West Virginia Child Support Guidelines (WV Code § 48-13):
- 1
Calculate each parent's gross monthly income
- 2
Subtract pre-existing support orders
- 3
Combine adjusted incomes and find the basic obligation
- 4
Prorate based on income shares
- 5
Apply extended visitation adjustment if 128+ overnights
- 6
Add childcare and health insurance
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in West Virginia
Self-Support Reserve
$1,125/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $240 | $348 | $416 |
| $3,000 | $435 | $635 | $770 |
| $5,000 | $638 | $935 | $1,138 |
| $8,000 | $885 | $1,305 | $1,588 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in West Virginia
West Virginia recognizes "Extended Visitation" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under West Virginia's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 128 overnights, West Virginia generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Child Support
How does West Virginia handle variable income?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in West Virginia
While child support is determined by West Virginia's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In West Virginia, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
West Virginia allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in West Virginia
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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