West Virginia Child Support Calculator: Navigating child support in West Virginia can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a divorce or custody case. You might be wondering, “How much will I have to pay or receive? How is it calculated? What if my income changes?”

That’s where the West Virginia Child Support Calculator becomes crucial. But here’s the catch—just plugging in numbers isn’t enough. You need to understand the law behind the numbers to make informed decisions for your family.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20 real-world, lawyer-style FAQs, written in a conversational tone. I’ll explain everything as if you were my client, sitting across the table from me.

1. What Is the West Virginia Child Support Calculator?

The West Virginia Child Support Calculator is a tool used to estimate the amount of monthly support one parent may owe the other, based on the state’s child support guidelines.

It’s based on:

• Both parents’ gross income
• Number of children
• Custody arrangement
• Health care and daycare costs

It’s not a court order, but it gives a very close estimate of what a judge might order.

2. How Does West Virginia Calculate Child Support in 2025?

As of 2025, West Virginia uses an “Income Shares Model.” This means:

• The court estimates how much both parents would spend on the child if they were together.
• That number is split based on the percentage of each parent’s income.
• Then it’s adjusted for parenting time and other expenses.

You’ll use Form SCA-FC-113, which calculates support under WV Code §48-13.

3. What Counts as “Gross Income” in West Virginia?

The law is clear—gross income includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Commissions, bonuses, and tips
• Rental income
• Unemployment and disability benefits
• Retirement and pension
• Social Security (except SSI)

Voluntary gifts and public assistance do not count.

🧠 Legal Tip: If one parent is underemployed on purpose, the court may impute income—meaning assign income based on earning ability.

4. What Parenting Arrangements Affect the Calculator?

There are two major parenting time setups in WV:

• Basic custody: One parent has over 65% of the time.
• Shared custody: Each parent has the child at least 35% of the time.

The calculator adjusts the amount significantly based on shared parenting time.

5. Where Can I Access the Official West Virginia Child Support Calculator?

You can find it on:
👉 West Virginia Child Support Enforcement Division
👉 Family Court Forms & Worksheets

Make sure it’s updated with the 2025 guideline revisions, especially if you’re using third-party tools.

6. Can Parents Agree to a Different Amount Than What the Calculator Shows?

Yes—but the judge must approve it.

The amount produced by the calculator is presumed correct under the law. However, courts allow deviations if:

• It serves the best interest of the child
• There are unusual expenses (private school, medical needs)
• Both parents voluntarily agree and the child’s needs are still met

7. What If One Parent Doesn’t Have a Job?

The court can impute income to unemployed or underemployed parents. This means assigning income based on:

• Past employment
• Education and training
• Local job availability

⚖️ Judges don’t allow parents to avoid child support by working below their capability.

8. How Does Daycare or Health Insurance Factor Into the Amount?

Daycare and medical insurance for the child are added to the basic support amount. Those costs are:

• Split between parents based on income
• Factored into the calculator worksheet

These are called “adjusted expenses” under WV law.

9. Can I Claim My Other Children as a Deduction?

Yes, but only under certain conditions.

If you’re legally paying court-ordered support for other children, that can be deducted from your gross income before the calculator runs.

Children living with you (not subject to a legal order) may also reduce your income under the Self-Support Reserve calculation.

10. How Do I Fill Out the Child Support Worksheet?

The worksheet is part of Form SCA-FC-113. You’ll need:

• Monthly gross income
• Parenting time percentages
• Health and childcare costs
• Other child support obligations

Once complete, you’ll get a presumptive monthly amount. Many family lawyers will fill this out in mediation to see where both sides stand.

11. What If There’s a Big Income Difference Between Parents?

Even with shared parenting time, the higher-earning parent will typically pay support to the lower-income parent.

This ensures the child enjoys a similar quality of life at both households, especially after a divorce or breakup.

12. Does West Virginia Have a Minimum or Maximum Child Support Amount?

There is no absolute minimum, but very low-income parents (earning under $900/month) may qualify for a reduced amount under the Self-Support Reserve Test.

There’s no hard maximum, either—especially in high-income cases. Judges can order higher support if:

• There’s a private school or medical need
• The child has a disability
• Both parents have high earnings

13. Can I Modify Child Support Later?

Yes.

You can request a modification if:

• There’s been a 15%+ change in income
• There’s a major shift in custody or expenses
• Three years have passed since the last order

You must file a Petition to Modify Child Support with the family court.

14. How Long Does Child Support Last in West Virginia?

Support ends when the child turns 18, unless:

• They’re still in high school, in which case it may continue until age 20
• The child is disabled or dependent, in which case it may continue longer

🧾 No support is required for college unless it’s agreed to in a court order.

15. How Is Self-Employment Income Treated in WV?

Self-employed parents must report:

• Gross receipts
• Legitimate business expenses
• Net income

The court may adjust for non-cash benefits, like:

• Housing provided by business
• Vehicle used for both work and personal

If records are incomplete, income will be estimated based on evidence and tax returns.

16. Can Child Support Be Set to Zero in Any Case?

It’s rare, but possible if:

• Both parents have equal time and similar incomes
• One parent is disabled or unable to work
• The receiving parent waives support and the court agrees it’s in the child’s best interest

Even then, judges are cautious about waiving support altogether.

17. What Happens If a Parent Doesn’t Pay?

West Virginia has strong enforcement tools:

• Wage garnishment
• Suspension of driver’s license
• Tax refund interception
• Contempt of court (which can result in jail)

Unpaid support doesn’t disappear—it builds interest and remains enforceable for years.

18. Can Support Be Ordered Even If Parents Were Never Married?

Yes. Marriage is not required.

Once paternity is established, either parent can file for:

• Custody
• Parenting time
• Child support

The same guidelines and calculator are used for unmarried parents.

19. What Are the 2025 Updates to WV Child Support Laws?

Here are the major 2025 changes:

• Updated income tables to reflect cost-of-living adjustments
• Clearer language around shared custody thresholds
• Stronger enforcement mechanisms for out-of-state parents
• More flexibility for virtual parenting time in calculation adjustments

Make sure your calculator tool reflects these changes.

20. Should I Use the Calculator Before Filing?

Absolutely.

Using the calculator helps you:

• Set realistic expectations
• Negotiate better during mediation
• Avoid unnecessary court time
• Understand what the judge is likely to order

Even if you’re using a lawyer, it’s smart to run your own numbers and get comfortable with the process.

⚖️ Final Thoughts from a Family Lawyer

West Virginia’s child support calculator is more than just a math formula—it’s a roadmap for how courts expect both parents to care for their children financially. Whether you’re paying or receiving, understanding how it works gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your next steps.

And remember: the calculator gives you a presumption—but judges have the discretion to tailor it to your unique family situation.