Menu
Child Support in West Virginia

Child Support in West Virginia

West Virginia Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency situations:


  • Immediate danger: Call 911
  • Domestic violence support: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or chat via the National Domestic Violence Hotline website
  • Legal help: Legal Aid of West Virginia Helpline at 1-866-255-4370 or visit Legal Aid of West Virginia
  • Crisis assistance and local referrals: West Virginia 211 (dial 2-1-1) or visit WV 211
  • Suicide and mental health crisis: 988 (call or text)
  • Emergency food: Mountaineer Food Bank Pantry Finder and Facing Hunger Foodbank Find Help

Quick action steps:

  1. Apply for child support services: Start with the West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) at West Virginia BCSE
  2. Estimate support: Use the West Virginia Child Support Guidelines and Calculator from BCSE or the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia resources
  3. Get legal advice: Contact Legal Aid of West Virginia for free help if you qualify
  4. Need money for food/health care now: Apply for benefits through the WV PATH portal (SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP)

Main Points

  • West Virginia uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Both parents’ incomes are considered under state law (see West Virginia Code Title 48, Child Support Guidelines).
  • You can apply for services through the state BCSE even if you were never married to the other parent (BCSE services page).
  • No law school needed: the state provides a calculator and worksheets. The judge sets the final amount.
  • Payments come through the State Disbursement Unit. You can choose direct deposit or a state-issued prepaid debit card (BCSE payment information).
  • Child support usually ends at 18. If your child is still in high school and living with a parent, support can continue—check West Virginia Code §48-11-103 for details on when support ends.
  • Enforcement is real: wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, bank levies, credit reporting, passport denial at $2,500+ in arrears (federal program), and contempt of court (BCSE enforcement; HHS OCSE Passport Denial Program).

Reality check: Getting an order can take time, especially if the other parent is hard to find, works cash jobs, or lives in another state. Keep records, respond quickly to BCSE requests, and use the calculator and forms to avoid delays.

Understanding West Virginia Child Support

West Virginia child support is handled by the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) within the West Virginia Department of Human Services. The rules for how support is calculated are set in state law and court rules, mainly in West Virginia Code Chapter 48 and the Child Support Guidelines.

Helpful official pages:

What “Income Shares” means for you:

  • The state estimates what both parents would spend on the child if living together.
  • It looks at combined gross income, the number of children, health insurance, childcare, and parenting time.
  • Each parent pays their share of that amount, based on their share of the combined income.
  • The calculator and worksheet do the math for you.

What affects your West Virginia child support amount

Table 1: Key factors the court and calculator use

  • Combined gross monthly income
    • Both parents’ incomes before taxes, including wages, self-employment, unemployment benefits, retirement, and other regular income. See Title 48 Child Support Guidelines.
  • Number of children
    • Base support amount increases with each additional child covered by the order.
  • Health insurance for the child
    • The cost of the child’s portion of premiums is considered.
  • Work-related childcare
    • Daycare, after-school care, or sitter costs needed so a parent can work or go to school.
  • Parenting time
    • The guidelines adjust when there’s significant time with both parents. The worksheet and calculator handle this.
  • Other support obligations
    • Court-ordered support for other children can affect the calculation.

Source: West Virginia BCSE Guidelines and West Virginia Code Title 48.

Reality check:

  • Overtime, bonuses, and side jobs count. If pay changes a lot, keep records and update the court when needed.
  • Cash jobs are harder to prove. Bring what you can: texts, invoices, bank deposits, and any proof of work.

Using the West Virginia Child Support Calculator

Use the official calculator and guidelines:

What you’ll need:

  • Your gross monthly income (before taxes)
  • The other parent’s gross monthly income (best estimate if you don’t know exactly)
  • Monthly childcare costs (work/school related)
  • Child’s portion of health insurance premium
  • Parenting time details (overnights or schedule)
  • Any existing support orders for other kids

Note: The judge has the final say and can deviate if there are special circumstances. The calculator gives an estimate.

How to Apply for Child Support in West Virginia (Step-by-Step)

Table 2: Your step-by-step path

  • Gather documents
    • Photo ID; child’s birth certificate; proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters, taxes); other parent’s info (name, SSN if known, DOB, employer, last known address); any court orders; health insurance info. See BCSE Applying for Services.
  • Apply for services
    • Start at BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse. You can apply for services whether or not you get cash assistance. If you receive certain benefits, you may be required to cooperate with BCSE.
  • Establish paternity (if needed)
    • Voluntary acknowledgment (if both agree), or genetic testing ordered by the court. See BCSE Paternity.
  • Get an order for support
    • BCSE prepares the case and takes it to court (or assists with an administrative process, as applicable). The order will cover child support and medical support.
  • Set up payments
    • Payments are processed by the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). Choose direct deposit or a state-issued prepaid card. See BCSE Payments.
  • Enforce and modify as needed
    • If payments stop or life changes (income, childcare, parenting time), contact BCSE to enforce or review for modification.

Where to start:

  • West Virginia BCSE home page: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse
  • Find forms, FAQs, local office information, and the guidelines and calculator from that page.

Timelines (what families commonly see):

  • Straightforward cases (other parent cooperative, address/employer known): a few months
  • Hard-to-locate or interstate cases: longer (several months or more)
  • Disputed paternity: adds time for testing and hearings

Tip:

  • Respond to BCSE mail and calls quickly. Missed letters and deadlines are a common reason cases stall.

Fees and Costs: What to Expect

There is no tuition for child support services, but some fees can apply under federal and state rules.

Table 3: Common fees and who pays

  • Annual federal fee
    • What it is: Federal IV-D annual fee in certain cases where the family never received TANF and at least a set amount is collected during the year (federal law sets this at 35after35 after 550 is collected in the year).
    • Who pays: Typically deducted from support collected. See HHS Office of Child Support Services – Annual $35 Fee FAQs.
  • Genetic (DNA) testing
    • What it is: Used to establish paternity if not acknowledged voluntarily.
    • Who pays: Often assessed to the alleged father if paternity is confirmed; otherwise handled per court order. See BCSE Paternity information.
  • Court filing/service costs
    • What it is: Some court-related costs may be assessed depending on the action.
    • Who pays: As ordered by the court or per statute.
  • Employer withholding admin fee
    • What it is: Employers may charge a small administrative fee when processing income withholding (if allowed by state law).
    • Who pays: The obligor (paying parent). See West Virginia Code provisions on income withholding (Title 48, e.g., §48-14-401 and related sections).

Note: West Virginia program details and fees are described on BCSE’s official site: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse. Federal fee information: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Services.

Reality check:

  • Fees should never stop you from applying. The program is designed to collect support, not add burdens. If fees apply, they are usually small compared to the support collected.

Getting Your Money: Payment Methods and Timing

All child support payments are processed by the West Virginia State Disbursement Unit (SDU).

Payment options:

  • Direct deposit to your bank account (fastest and safest)
  • State-issued prepaid debit card (no bank account needed)

You’ll find current options and enrollment forms on the BCSE “Payments” and “Receiving Payments” pages: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Table 4: Payment options at a glance

  • Direct deposit
    • Pros: Fast, no card fees, goes straight to your account.
    • Cons: Requires an open, active bank account.
  • Prepaid debit card
    • Pros: No bank account needed; use at ATMs and stores like a standard debit card.
    • Cons: Some ATM or out-of-network fees may apply; read the cardholder fee schedule on the BCSE site.

How long it takes:

  • After an order is entered and income withholding starts, many families see the first payment within a few pay cycles, but timing depends on the employer, court processing, and whether the other parent changes jobs.

Reality check:

  • New jobs and job changes cause delays. If the other parent switches employers, tell BCSE immediately so withholding can restart.
  • If you receive an amount that doesn’t look right, contact the SDU/BCSE right away using the contact options on https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse.

When Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement in West Virginia

BCSE has strong tools—used step by step, starting with the easiest and moving up if needed.

Common enforcement tools (see BCSE Enforcement and West Virginia Code Title 48; federal programs via HHS OCSE):

  • Income withholding: Money taken from paychecks, unemployment benefits, or certain other income.
  • Federal and state tax refund intercepts: Past-due support can be taken from refunds.
  • License suspension: Driver’s, hunting/fishing, and professional licenses can be suspended for nonpayment (after due process).
  • Credit reporting: Past-due amounts reported to credit bureaus.
  • Financial Institution Data Match (FIDM): Bank accounts can be frozen and funds seized for arrears.
  • Property liens: Liens can be recorded on real estate or titled property.
  • Passport denial: If arrears are $2,500 or more, the U.S. State Department can deny or revoke a passport (HHS OCSE Passport Denial Program).
  • Contempt of court: For willful nonpayment; can include fines and jail in serious cases.

What you can do:

  • Keep a simple log of missed/partial payments (date, amount).
  • Report changes fast: new employer, address, or assets of the paying parent.
  • Use the calculator and request a review if your costs or parenting schedule changed.

Reality check:

  • Enforcement takes time, especially if the other parent works off the books or moves. Share any leads you have (worksites, vehicles, social profiles) with your caseworker.

How Long Support Lasts, Modifications, and Retroactive Support

When support ends:

  • In general, support ends when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school and living with a parent, support can continue—see West Virginia Code §48-11-103 for the rules on emancipation and termination of support: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-11-103/

Modifying your order:

  • Ask for a review if your income, the other parent’s income, childcare costs, health insurance, or parenting time changes in a lasting way, or if it has been several years since the last order. Start with BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Retroactive support:

  • Courts can order support back to the date you filed your case, and can address birth expenses and back support in paternity cases as allowed by West Virginia law. See West Virginia Code Title 48 (support and paternity chapters) and BCSE policy pages.

Tip:

  • Don’t wait on a “perfect” time to file. Support generally starts from filing forward. Filing today protects future months.

Real-World Example (How the math works, simplified)

Note: Use the official calculator for your exact estimate.

Example setup:

  • You earn 1,600/month;theotherparentearns1,600/month; the other parent earns 3,400/month (combined $5,000).
  • One child, with 200/monthwork−relatedchildcareand200/month work-related childcare and 80/month for the child’s health insurance.
  • Parenting time is mostly with you, with regular weekends at the other parent’s home.

What the calculator does:

  • Pulls a base support amount from the state schedule (for $5,000 combined income, 1 child).
  • Adds allowable costs (childcare, child’s insurance portion).
  • Divides by your share of combined income (you pay your share by covering costs at home; the other parent pays their share as the monthly transfer).

Why this matters:

  • If the other parent’s income goes up, their share goes up. If your childcare drops when your child starts school, the total support need might go down. That’s when to ask for a review.

Use the official calculator and forms via BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse and the West Virginia Courts site: https://www.courtswv.gov/

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ single mothers in West Virginia

  • Parentage and support: If both parents are legal parents (birth certificate, adoption, or court order), support rules apply the same way. See Title 48 for support obligations and the BCSE site for case processing.
  • Assisted reproduction: If parentage wasn’t established, speak with Legal Aid of West Virginia for guidance on establishing legal parentage.
  • Discrimination concerns: For help, contact Fairness West Virginia and ACLU of West Virginia.

Resources:

Tribal-specific considerations

  • West Virginia does not have federally recognized tribal reservations. If your case involves a parent living on tribal land in another state, BCSE can coordinate with tribal child support programs and courts when appropriate.
  • Learn more about Tribal Child Support Programs at the federal Office of Child Support Services: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/css/tribal-child-support

Rural single mom families with limited access

  • Application and paperwork:
  • Limited internet:
    • Use library computers, ask your local DHHR office about assistance, or call Legal Aid of WV for guidance.
  • Transportation issues:
    • Ask BCSE about phone appearances or remote options the court may allow in your county.
  • Other rural supports:

Single fathers

  • BCSE services are available regardless of gender. If your child primarily lives with you, you can apply for support from the other parent through BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse
  • Many custodial fathers report trouble getting consistent payments and sometimes receive non-cash help instead of money. The same enforcement tools apply to your case.
  • For legal help: Legal Aid of West Virginia: https://legalaidwv.org

West Virginia Programs and Partners You Should Know

West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE)

  • What they do: Locate parents, establish paternity, get and enforce child support and medical support orders, process payments, and review orders for changes under state and federal rules.
  • Services provided: Parent location, paternity (voluntary acknowledgment and DNA testing), court order establishment, income withholding, tax intercepts, license actions, credit reporting, FIDM bank matches, liens, and case review for modification.
  • How to start: Visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse for applications, the calculator, payment info, and local office contacts.

Legal Aid of West Virginia

  • What they do: Free civil legal services for eligible residents, including child support, custody, domestic violence protection orders, and parenting plan issues.
  • Services: Advice, representation, clinics, and self-help forms.
  • Apply: https://legalaidwv.org or 1-866-255-4370.

West Virginia Department of Human Services (Benefits via WV PATH)

  • What they do: Runs safety net programs that many single parents use while child support gets set or enforced.
  • Services: SNAP (food), WV Works/TANF (cash), Medicaid and CHIP (health), Child Care Subsidy, energy help.
  • Apply: WV PATH portal: https://wvpath.wv.gov. Program details at the Department of Human Services website.

Food and Essentials

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to be married to get child support in West Virginia?
A: No. Marriage is not required. If paternity isn’t legally established yet, BCSE can help with acknowledgment or genetic testing. Start at BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Q: I don’t know where the other parent lives. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. BCSE uses state and federal databases (employment, taxes, motor vehicles, etc.) to locate parents. Provide any details you have, even if old: past employers, relatives, social profiles. See BCSE locate services via https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Q: How is support calculated here?
A: West Virginia uses the Income Shares Model. Both incomes and certain child-related costs are considered. Use the official calculator and worksheets via BCSE and the Courts: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse and https://www.courtswv.gov/

Q: When does child support end?
A: Generally at age 18, but it can continue if your child is still in high school and living with a parent. See West Virginia Code §48-11-103: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-11-103/

Q: Can I get back support for the time before I applied?
A: Courts can award support retroactive to the date you filed, and paternity cases can address back support and birth-related costs under Title 48. Ask BCSE or your attorney how retroactive support works in your situation.

Q: What if the other parent quits a job to avoid paying?
A: The court can look at earning capacity, not just current pay, when someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Enforcement can continue through other tools. See Title 48 guidelines and ask BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Q: The other parent moved out of state. Now what?
A: West Virginia works with every other state under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Your order remains enforceable. BCSE coordinates with the other state’s agency.

Q: I’m not comfortable getting mail at home because of safety concerns. What can I do?
A: Ask BCSE about safe contact options and consider using a trusted mailing address. If you’re experiencing abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for safety planning.

Q: How do I change from the prepaid card to direct deposit?
A: Go to the BCSE “Payments/Receiving Payments” section to complete direct deposit enrollment. See: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Q: Does going to jail automatically stop child support?
A: No. The obligation doesn’t stop automatically. The paying parent must ask the court for a modification. Without a court change, debt keeps building. See Title 48 and talk to BCSE or Legal Aid.

Q: I just lost my job. Can my order be lowered?
A: You can request a review and ask the court for a modification based on a material change in circumstances. Start with BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Q: Are there extra fees taken out of my support?
A: Some cases are charged the federal annual 35fee(after35 fee (after 550 is collected in the year) when the family never received TANF. There may be court-related costs or DNA testing fees as ordered. See BCSE and HHS OCSE fee guidance.

Quick Reference Tables

Table 5: What to bring when you apply

  • Your ID and your child’s birth certificate
  • Proof of your income (pay stubs, benefits letters, tax return)
  • The other parent’s info: full name, DOB, SSN (if known), last known address, employer, phone/email, relatives
  • Any existing court orders (divorce, custody)
  • Child’s health insurance information
    Source: BCSE Applying for Services (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse)

Table 6: Common enforcement steps and when they’re used

  • Wage withholding: When the employer is known; most common and reliable
  • Tax refund intercept: Seasonal; depends on filing and refunds
  • License suspension: For significant past-due support after notice
  • Credit reporting: Monthly reporting of arrears
  • FIDM bank match and seizure: For larger arrears
  • Passport denial (federal): At $2,500+ in arrears
    Sources: BCSE Enforcement (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse); HHS OCSE Passport Denial Program (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/css/parents/enforcement/passport-denial)

Table 7: When to ask for a modification

  • Income changes up or down in a lasting way
  • Big changes in childcare or health insurance costs
  • Parenting time changes
  • It’s been years since your last order and your situation is different now
    Start with BCSE: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse

Resources by Region (How to find local help fast)

Find your local BCSE office:

Courts and forms:

State benefits and childcare:

General help anywhere in WV:

  • WV 211 (food, housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, more): https://wv211.org

Tip:

  • Keep all case numbers handy (BCSE case number, court case number). It speeds up every call.

Official Sources and Helpful Links (West Virginia and Federal)

Note: For employer reporting changes, see West Virginia New Hire Reporting (official site linked from the WV Department of Human Services or Workforce WV).

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This West Virginia guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including the West Virginia Department of Human Services, the West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, Legal Aid of West Virginia, and federal sources to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official West Virginia Department of Human Services, West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement, West Virginia Judiciary, Legal Aid of West Virginia, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about West Virginia child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary.

Always:

  • Verify current information with the West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcse
  • Consult an attorney for advice about your situation (see Legal Aid of West Virginia at https://legalaidwv.org)
  • Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
  • Report changes in your circumstances to BCSE promptly
  • Review your case regularly using BCSE tools or by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

  • Is for education only and should not replace professional legal advice
  • May not apply to every case
  • Can change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
  • Should be verified with official sources before legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we work hard for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every situation or exception in West Virginia child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, contact BCSE directly or speak with a qualified family law attorney.

🏛️More West Virginia Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in West Virginia

Related Posts