Custody & Visitation in West Virginia

4 verified resources.

About Custody & Visitation for Fathers

Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.

Custody & Visitation in West Virginia

West Virginia Family Court is a statewide unified system handling divorce, custody, and child support. The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement operates under DHHR. Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown are the largest cities. Legal Aid of West Virginia is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

4 Resources

1. Legal Aid of West Virginia – Family Law — Free

Free legal help for custody, visitation, and family law for low-income West Virginia residents. Attorneys and paralegals assist fathers with parenting plans, modification motions, and enforcement of existing court orders. Call the intake line or apply online; bring a photo ID, pay stubs, and any prior court paperwork to your appointment. Serving all 55 counties from the Charleston office Monday through Friday.

866-255-4370 · 922 Quarrier St #400, Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. WV State Bar – Lawyer Referral — Paid

Connects West Virginia residents with licensed family law attorneys handling custody, visitation, divorce, and child support matters. The referral service provides an initial consultation for a reduced fee, after which standard attorney rates apply. Based in Charleston and serving the entire state; call during business hours to request a referral and describe your case type before being matched with a private-practice lawyer.

304-558-2456 · 2000 Deitrick Blvd, Charleston, WV 25311 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Jefferson County Family Court — Free

Family court serving the Charles Town, Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry area of the Eastern Panhandle. Handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and divorce matters for Jefferson County residents. Self-represented fathers can obtain forms from the clerk and should arrive early with a photo ID, any prior orders, and proof of income. Open Monday through Friday at the courthouse in Charles Town.

304-728-3386 · 100 E Washington St, Charles Town, WV 25414 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Mountain State Justice – Family Law — Free

Legal advocacy nonprofit serving low-income West Virginia families in custody and related disputes. Attorneys represent qualifying clients in contested custody, visitation enforcement, and domestic-violence-related family law matters at no cost. Based in Charleston with statewide intake; call to screen for eligibility and bring a photo ID, income documentation, and any existing court paperwork to your appointment. Monday through Friday.

304-344-3144 · 1217 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

Custody & Visitation — Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?
No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.
How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?
Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.
Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?
Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.
What if my ex violates the custody order?
File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.