West Virginia Family Law on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can break up a marriage and serve as grounds for a divorce in some states. In West Virginia, the abuse of a child or of one of the parties to the marriage can provide the grounds to legally dissolve the marriage. This article provides an overview of West Virginia's domestic violence laws and briefly outlines how acts of domestic abuse can affect divorce proceedings and child custody.

West Virginia Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic Violence Protection During Divorce Proceedings

In West Virginia, during a divorce proceeding the court may order a protective order if one party has abused the other. These protective orders can enjoin the offending party from:

• Entering the school, business, or work of the other party for the purpose of harassment
• Contacting the other party, in person or by telephone, for the purpose of harassment, or
• Harassing or verbally abusing the other in a public place

Child Custody and Domestic Violence

When a family law court in West Virginia finds that a child has been abused or neglected, a permanency plan will be put in place. If the court finds that there isn't a reasonable likelihood that the conditions of abuse can be substantially corrected in the near future, then the abusive parent's parental rights may be terminated. This is a fairly drastic step, and will only be taken if doing so is necessary for the welfare of the child.

In these situations, the non-abusing parent may be award the permanent and sole custody of the child after the court takes into consideration the child's need for continuity of care, the amount of time required for the child to be integrated into a stable and permanent home environment, and other factors that the court considers to be necessary and proper. For more information see section 49-6-5.

Additional Resources

• Domestic Violence: Order of Protection and Restraining Orders
• Firearms and Domestic Violence

State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding West Virginia's family law on domestic violence contact a local family law lawyer or criminal defense attorney.

If you or someone you know is a domestic violence survivor there is help available to you. During an emergency dial 911 and when you're safe contact the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.