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Child custody and support in West Virginia

For divorcing parents in West Virginia: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Quick answer

West Virginia law uses the term “custodial responsibility and decision-making responsibility (parenting plan)” for custody. Parenting class: Required with minor children: both parents must complete a Parent Education Class and pay a $25 Parent Education Fee (unless waived) (W. Va. Code 48-9-104; WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

Custody term
Custodial responsibility and decision-making responsibility (parenting plan)
Parenting class
Required (with conditions)
Child support agency
West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE)

Custody terms in West Virginia

Custodial responsibility and decision-making responsibility (parenting plan)

Mediation

The family court may order mediation of parenting issues, with safeguards for domestic violence (W. Va. Code 48-9-202).

Parenting class in West Virginia

Required with minor children: both parents must complete a Parent Education Class and pay a $25 Parent Education Fee (unless waived) (W. Va. Code 48-9-104; WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

Child support in West Virginia

Child support follows West Virginia's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.

Children in a West Virginia divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use West Virginia's term for custody: custodial responsibility and decision-making responsibility (parenting plan).

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if West Virginia requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in West Virginia

What is child custody called in West Virginia?

West Virginia uses the term “custodial responsibility and decision-making responsibility (parenting plan)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a West Virginia divorce?

Required with minor children: both parents must complete a Parent Education Class and pay a $25 Parent Education Fee (unless waived) (W. Va. Code 48-9-104; WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

Which agency handles child support in West Virginia?

West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE).

Is mediation required for custody in West Virginia?

The family court may order mediation of parenting issues, with safeguards for domestic violence (W. Va. Code 48-9-202).

More about divorce in West Virginia

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.