Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

unemployment benefits, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet 

Secretary Karen L. Bowling today reminded residents that individuals owing child support may 

be eligible for a modification in the amount owed. 

 

If there is a substantial change in circumstances due to loss of employment, unemployment 

benefits, or other involuntary causes, individuals may petition the Court for this modification,” 

Bowling said. “However, individuals are still responsible for paying all child support unless the 

amount is changed by the Court.” 

 

Petition forms are available in county Circuit Court Clerk offices and should be completed and 

submitted to the Family Court. The DHHR Bureau for Child Support Enforcement is also 

available to assist in reviewing and filing petitions and can be reached by calling a local child 

support office or the Bureau’s hotline at 1-800-249-3778. 

 

“If you qualify for a modification, the sooner a petition is filed, the better,” said Garrett Jacobs, 

Commissioner for the Bureau. “Modifications may only be made retroactive to the filing date 

and that affects the amount of support that would be owed for a particular time period.” 

 

Additional information on the modification process can be obtained by emailing the Bureau 

at https://www.wvdhhr.org/bcse/problems.cfm. An instructional slide show is also available at 

http://www.wvdhhr.org/bcse/slideshows/changingyourorder/changing_your_order_files/frame.ht

ml.