How to change child support in West Virginia

The rule for changing support, the forms, and a ready letter to the agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. The court can change support if there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the guidelines would give a new amount more than 15% different from the current order, that counts as a substantial change.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Petition for Expedited Modification of Child Support (SCA-FC-226)

When West Virginia allows a change

The court can change support if there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the guidelines would give a new amount more than 15% different from the current order, that counts as a substantial change. BCSE will review an order at either parent's request 3 years after it took effect, or sooner if a substantial change can be shown.

Law: (W. Va. Code 48-11-105; BCSE); W. Va. Code 48-11-105, 48-11-106

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

West Virginia's rule: The court can change support if there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the guidelines would give a new amount more than 15% different from the current order, that counts as a substantial change. BCSE will review an order at either parent's request 3 years after it took effect, or sooner if a substantial change can be shown.

Law: (W. Va. Code 48-11-105; BCSE); W. Va. Code 48-11-105, 48-11-106

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in West Virginia: Ask your local BCSE office for a review, or file in family court: a Petition for Expedited Modification of Child Support (SCA-FC-226) if a parent's income changed because of a job change (not quitting voluntarily) and the new amount would differ by more than 15%, or a regular Petition for Modification (SCA-FC-201).

How to ask for a change in West Virginia

Ask your local BCSE office for a review, or file in family court: a Petition for Expedited Modification of Child Support (SCA-FC-226) if a parent's income changed because of a job change (not quitting voluntarily) and the new amount would differ by more than 15%, or a regular Petition for Modification (SCA-FC-201).

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

New rules in West Virginia

The basic support table in W. Va. Code 48-13-301 was updated by S.B. 573 (2023 Regular Session). The modification statute 48-11-105 was amended by H.B. 4274 (2024). BCSE says the next guidelines review is in 2026.

Incarceration and changes

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Your next steps in West Virginia

  1. Find your order

    Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.

  2. Compare with the rule

    In West Virginia: The court can change support if there is a substantial change in circumstances.

  3. Gather proof

    Bring proof of the change, such as pay stubs or a layoff notice.

  4. Send your request

    Ask for a review with Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE), West Virginia Department of Human Services (1-800-249-3778) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Ask for free help: Legal Aid of West Virginia.

Free help in West Virginia

Questions about changing support in West Virginia

How often can I ask for a change in West Virginia?

The court can change support if there is a substantial change in circumstances. If the guidelines would give a new amount more than 15% different from the current order, that counts as a substantial change. BCSE will review an order at either parent's request 3 years after it took effect, or sooner if a substantial change can be shown.

How do I request a review in West Virginia?

Ask your local BCSE office for a review, or file in family court: a Petition for Expedited Modification of Child Support (SCA-FC-226) if a parent's income changed because of a job change (not quitting voluntarily) and the new amount would differ by more than 15%, or a regular Petition for Modification (SCA-FC-201).

Related West Virginia pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources