West Virginia Court Locations and Records
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Family cases in West Virginia are heard in the Family Court. West Virginia has a dedicated Family Court for divorce, custody, and support; Circuit Court handles appeals and some related matters. West Virginia's counties are grouped into family court circuits.
The clerk's office is a different thing from the court itself. The clerk accepts filings, keeps the record, and collects fees, while judges and hearings belong to the court. For a filing question, the clerk is the right first call. The official West Virginia directory and case record search are below.
Official West Virginia court locators
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WV family courts by county (West Virginia judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/family-court-circuit-map
WV Public Access Search System (WVPASS) (West Virginia courts): Look up existing case records. Access is listed as mixed and the system is organized statewide. https://wvpass.courtswva.com/
West Virginia state courts website (West Virginia judicial branch): The official home of the West Virginia court system, with statewide rules, news, and links to every court. https://www.courtswv.gov
WV Circuit and Family Courts E-File (CourtPLUS) (WV Judiciary): West Virginia's e-filing went statewide for circuit and family courts in July 2024, but only attorneys and government agencies can register. If you are representing yourself, file on paper with the circuit clerk in your county. https://efile.courtswva.com/
West Virginia court self-help resources (West Virginia courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own West Virginia family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.lawv.net
WV Public Access Search System (WVPASS): Free account for WVPASS; documents cost. Divorce/custody/support are handled in Family Court (within the circuit system) and are largely confidential - they may not appear in public results. https://wvpass.courtswva.com/
Open wvpass.courtswva.com and register a free account
Verify and log in to search circuit court records (back to 1999)
The separate Magistrate Court search needs no account
Official link data for West Virginia was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in West Virginia?
Family cases in West Virginia are heard in the Family Court. West Virginia has a dedicated Family Court for divorce, custody, and support; Circuit Court handles appeals and some related matters. West Virginia's counties are grouped into family court circuits.
Can I look up an existing West Virginia case online?
WV Public Access Search System (WVPASS) is the official search. Free account for WVPASS; documents cost. Divorce/custody/support are handled in Family Court (within the circuit system) and are largely confidential - they may not appear in public results.
Is the clerk the same as the court?
No. The clerk of court accepts filings, keeps records, and collects fees. Judges and hearings belong to the court itself. For filing questions, start with the clerk's office.