West Virginia Child Support Calculator

Estimate West Virginia child support for 2026 using the Income Shares guideline model under W. Va. Code § 48-13. Enter both parents' incomes and the parenting-time split to see what you may owe or receive.

West Virginia follows the Income Shares model under W. Va. Code § 48-13. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

West Virginia uses a shared-physical-custody formula when each parent has at least 35% of the yearly overnights. When the time split crosses that 35% threshold, the worksheet shifts to a shared-care calculation that accounts for the cost of raising the child in two homes, which usually lowers the paying parent's amount. Below that threshold, support is set under the standard Income Shares worksheet without the shared-care adjustment.

The cost of the child's health insurance premium is treated as an add-on under West Virginia's Income Shares model. The premium paid for the child is added to the basic support obligation and then divided between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of the combined gross income. A parent who actually pays the premium generally receives credit for the other parent's share, so the expense is shared rather than carried by one person alone.

Work-related child care and daycare costs are treated as an add-on in West Virginia. Reasonable child care expenses that a parent pays so they can work are added to the basic support obligation and split between the parents according to each parent's percentage of the combined gross income. Because these costs are layered on top of the guideline base amount, daycare can raise the final support figure noticeably, especially for younger children.

The West Virginia guideline amount under W. Va. Code Section 48-13 is presumed correct, but a family court judge may deviate when applying the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case. The parent asking for a different number carries the burden of showing why, and the judge must put written findings in the order explaining the reason for the deviation. Common grounds include extraordinary expenses or special needs of the child.

Frequently asked questions

How is child support calculated in West Virginia?

West Virginia follows the Income Shares model under W. Va. Code Section 48-13. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates that obligation between the parents based on each parent's percentage share of the combined income. Add-ons like health insurance and work-related child care are layered in, and a shared-care formula applies when overnights are split closely enough. The calculator on this page gives you an estimate only. The official West Virginia worksheet and a licensed attorney control the real number.

Is there an official West Virginia child support worksheet I should use?

Yes. West Virginia has an official guideline worksheet that carries out the Income Shares calculation under W. Va. Code Section 48-13, and the West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement also offers an online calculator at its parents page. That worksheet is the controlling form the family court relies on, not any third-party tool. The estimator here is built to mirror the guideline logic so you can plan ahead, but it is not legal advice and cannot replace the official worksheet. Always confirm your figures against the state form and, when stakes are high, with a West Virginia family lawyer.

What income counts when West Virginia sets child support?

West Virginia bases support on gross income from nearly any source, not take-home pay. That includes wages, self-employment earnings, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and even recurring gifts. Because the state starts from gross income, overtime and bonuses that show up regularly are typically counted too. Self-employed parents should expect the court to look closely at business records to separate true income from deductible expenses. The combined gross income figure is what drives the guideline schedule, so accurate income reporting matters. This page's estimate is only as good as the income numbers you enter.

How do overnights and 50/50 parenting change support in West Virginia?

West Virginia applies a shared-physical-custody formula when each parent has the child for at least 35% of the yearly overnights. Once you cross that 35% line, the worksheet switches to a shared-care calculation that recognizes both parents are paying to house and feed the child, which usually reduces the paying parent's obligation. A true 50/50 split still does not automatically zero out support, because the higher earner often pays the difference under the Income Shares model. Use this page's estimate as a starting point and verify with the official worksheet.

Can the judge order a different amount than the guideline in West Virginia?

Yes, but the guideline amount is presumed correct under W. Va. Code Section 48-13, so deviations are the exception. A family court judge may order a higher or lower amount when following the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate for the particular family. The parent asking for the change must prove why it is warranted, and the judge has to write findings in the order explaining the reason. Typical grounds include a child's special needs, extraordinary medical or educational expenses, or other unusual circumstances. The estimator here assumes the standard guideline result and cannot predict how a judge will rule on a deviation request.

What happens if a parent is unemployed or hiding income in West Virginia?

Because West Virginia builds support on each parent's gross income, a parent who quits, works below their ability, or underreports earnings can have income imputed to them. The court can assign an earning capacity based on work history, education, and job opportunities rather than letting someone dodge support by staying unemployed. For self-employed parents, the court can add back personal expenses run through a business. The West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement can also help establish and enforce orders. This page's estimate uses the income you type in, so if imputed income is at issue, your real number may differ.

When does child support end in West Virginia, and how do I change an order?

West Virginia child support generally ends when the child turns 18, but it extends to age 20 if the child is still attending high school full time, and support for a disabled adult child may continue. To change an existing order, you file a petition in family court or request a review through the West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement. A modification is supported by a 15% variance between the current order and a fresh guideline calculation, or by any substantial change in circumstances such as a job loss or a shift in parenting time. The estimator here does not file anything for you.