West Virginia Child Support Calculator

West Virginia uses the income shares model. West Virginia uses the Income Shares Model under W. Va. Code § 48-13-101 et seq. The child support obligation is based on the combined gross income of both parents and the number of children. The state provides a Table of Monthly Basic Child Support Obligations. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined adjusted gross income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care expenses, and special needs. The guidelines are maintained by the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE).

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in West Virginia generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in West Virginia can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

West Virginia has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.