Emergency Family-Law Resources in West Virginia

Temporary orders involving children

West Virginia does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the Family Court interim procedure and forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request an interim parenting plan through the Family Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a domestic violence protective order is a separate, faster route.

Domestic violence protective orders (W. Va. 48-27)

West Virginia's domestic-violence protective order is filed under W. Va. Code § 48-27-203/205. An emergency order may be issued ex parte on clear and convincing evidence of immediate and present danger, typically active until a hearing within ~10 days. A final protective order lasts 90, 180, or 365 days (1 year with an aggravating factor). There is no registration fee.

West Virginia child protective (DHS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to West Virginia DHS (Department of Human Services) / Child Protective Services; call 911 for immediate. The WV Child Abuse Hotline / Centralized Intake is 1-800-352-6513. An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end parenting time.