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West Virginia Child Support Calculator (2026)

In West Virginia, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: WV Guidelines (WV Code § 48-13)

Calculate Your West Virginia Child Support

Free estimate — official West Virginia guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in West Virginia?

If you make $60,000 a year in West Virginia, child support for 1 child is estimated at $613 per month ($7,356 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $562/month for 1 child.

West Virginia Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $474/mo $641/mo $738/mo
$50,000/yr $549/mo $742/mo $854/mo
$60,000/yr $613/mo $829/mo $954/mo
$70,000/yr $669/mo $904/mo $1,041/mo
$80,000/yr $718/mo $971/mo $1,118/mo
$100,000/yr $802/mo $1,084/mo $1,248/mo
$120,000/yr $870/mo $1,176/mo $1,355/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in West Virginia

Factors That Affect Child Support in West Virginia

Both parents' gross incomes adjusted for applicable deductions
Number of children
Health insurance premiums for the children
Work-related child care costs
Parenting time (extended visitation adjustments)
Pre-existing child support or spousal support obligations
Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
Special needs of the child
Technical details and legal basis

West Virginia uses the Income Shares model (WV Guidelines (WV Code § 48-13)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for West Virginia

  • West Virginia uses the Income Shares model with adjusted gross income, combining both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Adjusted gross income accounts for certain deductions such as pre-existing child support orders, spousal support paid, and other applicable adjustments.
  • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined adjusted gross income.
  • The court considers additional factors including health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in West Virginia

  • West Virginia uses the Income Shares model with adjusted gross income to calculate child support obligations.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $182/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,462/month at $18,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined adjusted gross income.
  • Adjusted gross income accounts for deductions such as pre-existing support obligations and spousal support payments.
  • West Virginia includes adjustments for health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses.

West Virginia Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in West Virginia?
West Virginia uses the Income Shares model with adjusted gross income. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined adjusted income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and extended parenting time.
What counts as income for West Virginia child support?
West Virginia considers gross income from all sources including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, pensions, Social Security, and workers' compensation. Adjusted gross income is calculated by subtracting items such as pre-existing support obligations and spousal support payments.
Does shared parenting time affect child support in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia may adjust child support when the non-custodial parent exercises extended visitation. If the parent has the children for a significant portion of the year, the court may reduce the standard support obligation to account for the direct costs incurred during those periods.
Can West Virginia courts deviate from child support guidelines?
Yes, West Virginia courts may deviate from the guidelines when strict application would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors for deviation include special needs of the child, extraordinary travel expenses for visitation, the child's own income or assets, and shared physical custody arrangements.
How long does child support last in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or until age 20 if the child is still attending secondary school (high school). Support may continue for children with disabilities who are unable to support themselves.

About This Calculator

Uses the official WV Guidelines (WV Code § 48-13) (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by West Virginia courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per WV Guidelines (WV Code § 48-13).

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