West Virginia · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

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.

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

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

    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).

  3. Mediation

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

  4. The child support agency

    West Virginia's child support agency: West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE)

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.