Judicial discretion state

West Virginia Alimony Calculator

Estimate spousal support (maintenance) amount and duration in West Virginia. Updated for 2026.

Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored

$0
estimated monthly spousal support ·
Educational estimate, not legal advice. Alimony in West Virginia is discretionary — actual awards vary widely by judge and circumstances.
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How alimony works in West Virginia

West Virginia does not use a fixed statutory formula for alimony amounts. Judges weigh statutory factors — length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. Our calculator uses the AAML guideline formula (30% of payor's income minus 20% of recipient's) that attorneys commonly use for ballpark estimates.

Governing law: W. Va. Code § 48-6-301 — Courts weigh twenty statutory factors to set amount and duration, and fault such as adultery can bar support entirely.

Frequently asked questions

How is alimony calculated in West Virginia?

West Virginia does not use a fixed statutory formula for alimony amounts. Judges weigh statutory factors — length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. Our calculator uses the AAML guideline formula (30% of payor's income minus 20% of recipient's) that attorneys commonly use for ballpark estimates. See W. Va. Code § 48-6-301.

How long does alimony last in West Virginia?

Duration is generally tied to the length of the marriage. Short marriages (under ~5 years) typically produce short-term or no support; long marriages (20+ years) can produce long-term support. West Virginia courts set duration case-by-case.

What types of alimony does West Virginia recognize?

West Virginia recognizes: permanent, temporary, rehabilitative, spousal support in gross. Courts weigh twenty statutory factors to set amount and duration, and fault such as adultery can bar support entirely.

Is alimony taxable in West Virginia?

For divorces finalized after 2018, federal law (TCJA) makes alimony non-deductible for the payer and non-taxable for the recipient. A few states differ for state income tax — confirm with a tax professional.

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