West Virginia § 48-20-202 - 48-20-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 48-20-202 — 48-20-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-20-202. 48-20-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 20-204, a court of this state which has made a child custody determination consistent with section 20-201 or 20-203 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:
(1) A court of this state determines that neither the child, the child and one parent, nor the child and a person acting as a parent have a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training and personal relationships; or
(2) A court of this state or a court of another state determines that the child, the child's parents and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this state.
(b) A court of this state which has made a child custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under section 20-201.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 48-20-202
What does West Virginia Code § 48-20-202 cover?
Section 48-20-202 ("48-20-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 48-20-202?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 48-20-202" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 48-20-202 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.