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Legal Information: West Virginia

Custody

Laws current as of April 16, 2025

What is decision-making responsibility?

Decision-making responsibility, or legal custody, means the right and responsibility to make significant life decisions for your child. This includes decisions about your child’s education, spiritual guidance, and health care.1

Note: Regardless of the custody arrangement in your parenting plan, you and the other parent each have the right to make emergency or other non-elective healthcare decisions that are necessary for your child’s health or welfare during your parenting time.1

1 W. Va. Code § 48-1-220

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