West Virginia Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in West Virginia.
Maximum Claim
$20,000
Filing Fee
$45
Fee waiver available
Court Name
Magistrate Court
Hearing Timeline
30–60 days from filing
Find your courthouse in West Virginia
Search by city, county, or ZIP code to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
How Much Can You Sue For in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, individuals can file small claims cases for up to $20,000. This limit applies to both individuals and businesses.
West Virginia Small Claims Court Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard filing fee | $45 |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application when you file.
Statutes of Limitations in West Virginia
You must file your claim within the time limits below, or the court will dismiss your case regardless of its merits.
10
years — written contract
5
years — oral contract
2
years — property damage
2
years — personal injury
Ready to take action in West Virginia?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWhere to File in West Virginia
Small claims cases in West Virginia are handled by the Magistrate Court. West Virginia has 55 county Magistrate Courts.
Where to file: File in the county where the defendant lives or where the injury occurred
Not sure which court you need? Our step-by-step filing guide walks you through finding the right court for your case.
Find your specific courthouse: Search for your county courthouse below ↓ — get the address, phone number, hours, and see if e-filing is available.
How to Serve the Defendant in West Virginia
After filing your claim, you must formally notify the defendant. This is called "service of process" and is required before your case can be heard.
Accepted methods: Personal service by sheriff or magistrate court clerk sends by certified mail
Deadline: Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing.
West Virginia Small Claims Court Procedures
Can I bring a lawyer?
Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in West Virginia small claims court.
Can I appeal?
Either party may appeal within 20 days to circuit court
Is e-filing available?
No, e-filing is not currently available for small claims in West Virginia. You must file in person or by mail.
Are remote hearings available?
Remote hearings are available in some West Virginia courts. Check with your specific court location for current policies.
Official West Virginia Court Resources
Find Your Courthouse in West Virginia
Select your county to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
Barbour County
Philippi area
(304) 457-3676
Berkeley County
Martinsburg area
(304) 264-1957
Boone County
Madison area
(304) 369-7366
Braxton County
Sutton area
(304) 765-7362
Brooke County
Wellsburg area
(304) 737-1321
Cabell County
Huntington area
(304) 526-8642 or (304) 526-8644
Calhoun County
Grantsville area
(304) 354-6698
Clay County
Clay area
(304) 587-2131
Doddridge County
West Union area
(304) 873-2694
Fayette County
Fayetteville area
(304) 574-4279
Gilmer County
Glenville area
(304) 462-7812
Grant County
Petersburg area
(304) 257-4637
Greenbrier County
Lewisburg area
(304) 647-6632 ext. 301 (Clerk)
Hampshire County
Romney area
(304) 822-4311
Hancock County
New Cumberland area
(304) 564-3080 or (304) 564-3355
Hardy County
Moorefield area
(304) 530-0212 (Clerk)
Harrison County
Clarksburg area
(304) 624-8645
Jackson County
Ripley area
(304) 373-2313
Jefferson County
Charles Town area
(304) 728-3233
Kanawha County
Charleston area
(304) 357-0420
Lewis County
Weston area
(304) 269-8230
Lincoln County
Hamlin area
(304) 824-7999 ext. 235
Logan County
Logan area
(304) 792-8651 or (304) 792-8650
Marion County
Fairmont area
(304) 367-5330
Marshall County
Moundsville area
(304) 221-2701
Mason County
Point Pleasant area
(304) 675-6840
McDowell County
Welch area
(304) 436-8587
Mercer County
Princeton area
(304) 431-7115
Mineral County
Keyser area
(304) 788-2625
Mingo County
Williamson area
(304) 235-2445 (Clerk's Office)
Monongalia County
Morgantown area
(304) 291-7296
Monroe County
Union area
(304) 772-3321
Morgan County
Berkeley Springs area
(304) 258-8631
Nicholas County
Summersville area
(304) 872-7829
Ohio County
Wheeling area
(304) 234-3709
Pendleton County
Franklin area
(304) 358-2343 or (304) 358-2344
Pleasants County
St. Marys area
(304) 684-7197
Pocahontas County
Marlinton area
(304) 799-6603
Preston County
Kingwood area
(304) 329-2762 ext. 3508 or 3507 (Clerk)
Putnam County
Winfield area
(304) 586-0234 or (304) 586-0270
Raleigh County
Beckley area
(304) 255-9197 (Magistrate Clerk)
Randolph County
Elkins area
(304) 636-5885
Ritchie County
Harrisville area
(304) 643-4409
Roane County
Spencer area
(304) 927-4750
Summers County
Hinton area
(304) 466-7129
Taylor County
Grafton area
(304) 265-5762
Tucker County
Parsons area
(304) 478-2665
Tyler County
Middlebourne area
(304) 758-2137
Upshur County
Buckhannon area
(304) 472-2053
Wayne County
Wayne area
(304) 272-6388 or (304) 272-5648
Webster County
Webster Springs area
(304) 847-2613
Wetzel County
New Martinsville area
(304) 455-5171
Wirt County
Elizabeth area
(304) 275-3642
Wood County
Parkersburg area
(304) 422-3444
Wyoming County
Pineville area
(304) 732-8000 ext. 218
Don't see your county? Let us know here!
Ready to take action in West Virginia?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court — our free guide shows you how to write one.
Read the demand letter guide