Civil Cases

These types of cases include, but are not limited to, torts, contract cases, extraordinary writs, condemnation cases, removals from magistrate court, post-conviction habeas corpus proceedings, foreign judgment actions, and appeals from county commissions (unless the county commission is acting in its capacity as the board of equalization and review). Information regarding some more common civil cases can be found below.

Note: Civil complaints seeking a monetary amount of $20,000 or less should be filed in the Magistrate Court. While the WV Supreme Court does not supply civil complaint forms for the Circuit Court, there are forms available for the Magistrate Court and can be found here by searching "Magistrate Court".

Adoptions, including stepparent adoptions and recognition of foreign adoptions. These types of cases are not public record, and all hearings are closed to the public. Currently there are no fillable forms available for adoption cases.

Helpful information and resources can be found on the WV Legal Aid Website here.

• Instructions - click here
• Petition for Expungement of Felony Violations (WV Code § 61-11-26 and 61-11-26a) - click here
• Petition for Expungement of Misdemeanor Violations and Traffic Citations - click here
• Motion for Expungement of Criminal Records Due to Acquittal or Dismissal for Reasons Other than Entry of a Plea - click here
• Helpful Resource - Home - Jobs and Hope (wv.gov) 

Minor guardianship cases filed in circuit court (also known as Infant guardianship) 

• Legal name changes cases can be filed in Circuit or Family Court.
• Legal Aid of West Virginia help, information, and forms can be found here.