Harrison County Courts – A Practical Guide to Court Records and Services
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Harrison County occupies a prominent position in north-central West Virginia, with its county seat in Clarksburg. Established in 1784, the county is part of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit and the Eighteenth Family Court Circuit. Court records here cover a wide range — complaints, motions, docket sheets, journal entries, sentencing orders, probate filings, divorce decrees, and protective orders — maintained by different clerk offices depending on the type of case. The Circuit Clerk's office keeps Circuit Court and Family Court records, the Magistrate Court Clerk maintains magistrate-level proceedings, and the County Clerk's office handles land records, vital records, marriage licenses, and estate administration filings.
Anyone looking for court records in West Virginia has several options. The West Virginia Judiciary website has court directories, forms, and links to electronic search tools covering all fifty-five counties. WestVirginiaCourts.us can also help locate publicly available court case information. Beyond these online resources, you can contact the appropriate clerk's office directly, visit the courthouse during business hours, use public-access terminals where available, or submit a written request by mail. The key to an efficient search is first figuring out which court — Circuit, Family, or Magistrate — handled the matter.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Harrison County?
Harrison County's courts operate from buildings in Clarksburg, and records are distributed among the Circuit Clerk, the Magistrate Court Clerk, and the County Clerk based on case type. The directory below covers each court's location and how to start a search.
Circuit Court – Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil actions, appeals from lower courts, and other matters. Three judges currently preside:
| Judge | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Christopher McCarthy | 301 W. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 | (304) 624-8620 |
| Judge D. Andrew McMunn | 301 W. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 | (304) 624-8593 |
| Judge Joe Shaffer | 301 W. Main Street, 4th Floor, Room 321, Clarksburg, WV 26301 | (304) 624-8630 |
Circuit Clerk
Albert Marano, Circuit Clerk
Harrison County Courthouse
301 West Main Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301-2967
Phone: (304) 624-8640
Fax: (304) 624-8710
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Circuit Clerk's office keeps all Circuit Court and Family Court records. A downloadable filing fee schedule is available from the Harrison County Commission website.
Family Court – Eighteenth Family Court Circuit
Family Court handles divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, domestic violence protective orders, and related matters. Harrison County shares this circuit with Doddridge County.
Judge Peter Conley
306 Washington Avenue
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: (304) 627-2148
Fax: (304) 627-2186
Magistrate Court
The Magistrate Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims within its monetary jurisdiction, emergency protective orders, preliminary hearings in felony matters, and minor traffic offenses. Harrison County has five magistrates:
| Magistrate | Room | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Warren Gizzy Davis | 306 | (304) 624-8561 |
| Frank A. DeMarco | 304 | (304) 624-8544 |
| Kevin Renzelli | 223 | (304) 624-8564 |
| Michael Weiss | 303 | (304) 624-8562 |
| Kimberly D. Wygal | 302 | (304) 624-8560 |
Magistrate Court Clerk
Leslie J. Haning, Clerk
306 Washington Avenue, Room 222
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: (304) 624-8645
Fax: (304) 624-8740
Probation Office
Michael Burnside, Chief Probation Officer
Janis Leckenbusch, Deputy
Harrison County Courthouse
301 West Main Street, Room 204
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: (304) 624-8698
Fax: (304) 624-8697
Online Search Tools
West Virginia offers two statewide electronic search systems that cover Harrison County cases:
- WVPASS (West Virginia Public Access Search System): Launched in March 2025, WVPASS gives online access to publicly available circuit court documents dating back to 1999 across all fifty-five counties. Registration is free, and users can download documents for a per-page fee.
- Magistrate Court Record Search: The Magistrate Case Record Search lets anyone look up magistrate court case information statewide by entering a name or case number. Results include up to 30 records per query.
To search for a case, follow these steps:
- Determine whether the matter was handled in Circuit Court, Family Court, or Magistrate Court.
- Gather identifying information — a party's full name, approximate case year, or case number.
- Use WVPASS for Circuit and Family Court records, or the Magistrate Court Record Search for magistrate-level cases.
- If online results aren't enough, call the Circuit Clerk at (304) 624-8640 or the Magistrate Clerk at (304) 624-8645.
- Visit the courthouse in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) to inspect files or request copies.
Are Court Records Public in Harrison County?
West Virginia operates under a strong presumption of public access to government records. Two overlapping legal frameworks shape how court records are accessed in Harrison County.
West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code 29B-1-1 et seq.)
Under FOIA, every person has the right to inspect or copy public records held by a public body, including law enforcement agencies and county offices. Agencies must respond to written FOIA requests within five business days of receipt. Copying fees may apply at reasonable rates, and requesters may be required to pay in advance for extensive requests.
West Virginia Trial Court Rules Rule 10 and Rule 15A.26
Trial Court Rule 10.03 limits access to certain court files, while Rule 10.04 addresses access under FOIA. Rule 15A.26, adopted as part of the statewide electronic filing framework, sets the rules for public access to electronically filed court records. Under these rules, most case documents filed in Circuit and Family Court are presumptively public and viewable through WVPASS.
Records that are generally accessible include:
- Civil and criminal complaints, answers, and motions
- Docket sheets and scheduling orders
- Judgments, sentencing entries, and final orders
- Land records, deeds, and liens (through the County Clerk)
- Marriage records and vital statistics indexes
Categories of records that are exempt or restricted under W. Va. Code 29B-1-4:
- Personal information constituting an unreasonable invasion of privacy (medical files, personal financial data)
- Law-enforcement investigative records maintained for internal use
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Internal memoranda and deliberative materials
- Records related to terrorism prevention and security infrastructure
- Concealed weapons permit applications and holder information
- Juvenile case records (generally confidential)
- Adoption files
- Sealed or expunged records, accessible only by court order under W. Va. Code 53-8-17
When a record contains both public and non-public information, clerks are expected to redact the exempt portions and release the rest. Requesters who believe access has been improperly denied may seek judicial review.
Copy fees at the Circuit Clerk's office are generally $1.00 per page for standard copies. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards are accepted with a photo ID, and cash and money orders are also accepted. Call (304) 624-8640 to confirm current rates.
Harrison County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Harrison County are divided between the Circuit Court and the Magistrate Court based on the severity of the offense. Felony prosecutions go to Circuit Court; misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and certain traffic matters are handled at the magistrate level.
Circuit Court Criminal Cases
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felony criminal matters in Harrison County. Upon conviction, the clerk assesses fees of $105 for a felony case and $85 for a misdemeanor, as set by W. Va. Code 59-1-11. Criminal docket information and publicly available documents from Circuit Court cases can be searched through WVPASS, which includes records from 1999 forward. To obtain certified copies of criminal judgments or sentencing orders, contact the Circuit Clerk at (304) 624-8640.
Magistrate Court Criminal Cases
Misdemeanor charges, initial appearances, bail hearings, and preliminary examinations in felony cases are all handled by Harrison County's five magistrates. The Magistrate Case Record Search gives online access to magistrate-level criminal case data, including case numbers, charges, and dispositions. For records not available online, contact the Magistrate Clerk at (304) 624-8645.
Sheriff's Office and Arrest Information
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office, under Sheriff Robert Matheny II, is the county's chief law enforcement agency, handling criminal investigations, arrest warrants, and prisoner transport.
Harrison County Sheriff's Office – Law Enforcement Division
609 W. Main Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: (304) 423-7700
Administrative offices — civil process, tax collection, and concealed weapon permits — are at 229 S. Third Street in the Harrison County Courthouse. Public records requests to the Sheriff's Office may be submitted under the West Virginia FOIA by emailing SheriffFOIA@harrisoncountywv.gov or by sending a written request that includes your name, contact information, and a clear description of the records you need.
Background Checks
West Virginia doesn't operate a statewide public criminal-record search portal like some other states. If you need formal criminal history information, contact the West Virginia State Police, Criminal Identification Bureau, which processes fingerprint-based background checks. Employers and licensing agencies typically use approved channelers for these requests.
Harrison County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Harrison County is filed in either the Circuit Court or the Magistrate Court, depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Circuit Court Civil Filings
The Circuit Court hears general civil actions, equity cases, appeals from Magistrate Court, and statutory proceedings. Under W. Va. Code 59-1-11, the filing fee for a general civil action is $200, with an additional $15 per defendant beyond the first. Other civil filing fees include:
- Medical professional liability action: $280
- Counterclaim, cross-claim, third-party complaint, or motion to intervene: $200
- Guardianship or conservatorship: $110
- Abstract of judgment: $5
- Subpoena: $0.50
- Transcript or copy for use outside the office: $1.00 per page
- Writ of execution: $25
- Suggestion and certified mail notice to debtor: $25
The Harrison County Circuit Clerk's office accepts payment by cash, money order, and Visa/Mastercard/Discover. Electronic filing is available through the West Virginia E-Filing system for registered attorneys and, in some cases, self-represented parties.
Magistrate Court Civil Cases
The Magistrate Court handles small claims and civil matters within its statutory monetary limit. File these cases with the Magistrate Clerk at 306 Washington Avenue, Room 222, Clarksburg, WV 26301. Call (304) 624-8645 for filing fee information and procedures.
Land and Property Records
Deeds, deeds of trust, liens, mortgages, powers of attorney, and other recorded instruments are maintained by the Harrison County Clerk's Office. The County Clerk, John R. Spires, runs the recording office at:
229 S. Third Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: (304) 624-8674
Fax: (304) 624-8575
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The County Clerk maintains an online IDX land records search system where you can search deeds, liens, estates, marriages, births, deaths, and miscellaneous recorded instruments by name, date range, or document type. Recording fees for common instruments include $50 for a deed and $46 for a deed of trust (first five pages), with additional per-page charges for longer documents. A full recording fee schedule is available online.
Harrison County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Harrison County are adjudicated in the Family Court division of the Eighteenth Family Court Circuit. Judge Peter Conley presides from chambers at 306 Washington Avenue, Clarksburg. The Circuit Clerk's office at 301 West Main Street handles all filing and record-keeping for Family Court cases.
Divorce and Dissolution
West Virginia law requires a divorce petition to be filed in the circuit where at least one party resides. The filing fee for a divorce, separate maintenance, or annulment action is $135, as set by W. Va. Code 59-1-11(a)(3). Standardized divorce forms — including the Petition for Divorce (SCA-FC-101), Civil Case Information Statement (SCA-FC-103), Financial Statement (SCA-FC-106), and other required documents — are available for download from the West Virginia Judiciary court forms page. Service of process by sheriff costs $30 (payable to the Sheriff); service by certified mail costs $20 (payable to the Circuit Clerk).
If minor children are involved, both parties must complete a mandatory parent education course at a cost of $25.
Child Custody, Support, and Modification
Petitions involving child custody, child support, or minor guardianships carry a $200 filing fee. Modifying an existing custody, visitation, or support order costs $85 to file, while an expedited modification of a child support order costs $35.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
Petitions for domestic violence protective orders are filed in Family Court. Emergency temporary protective orders may be obtained from a magistrate when Family Court is not in session. There is no filing fee for a petitioner seeking a protective order.
Marriage Licenses
The County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses in Harrison County. West Virginia law sets the standard fee at $57, reduced to $37 if both applicants present a certificate of completion of a premarital education course. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification. There is no waiting period or blood-test requirement, and the license is valid anywhere in West Virginia. Contact the County Clerk at (304) 624-8674 for current requirements.
Vital Records
Certified copies of West Virginia birth, death, and marriage certificates are available from the West Virginia Vital Registration Office in Charleston. The fee is $12 per certified copy. Historical vital records can also be researched through the West Virginia Culture Center's interactive vital records database, which includes digitized images of older certificates. The Harrison County Clerk's office maintains local indexes of births, marriages, and deaths recorded in the county and can assist with locating records through the IDX search system.
Harrison County Probate Court Records
West Virginia does not have a separate probate court. Probate and estate matters are administered through the County Clerk's office — for fiduciary supervision, estate filings, and appraisements — and, when litigation arises, through the Circuit Court.
Estate Administration
When a Harrison County resident dies, the process of administering the estate begins at the County Clerk's office. The County Clerk receives filings related to the appointment of executors and administrators, will submissions, appraisements, estate settlements, fiduciary reports, and final accountings. Common estate-related filings visible in the County Clerk's IDX system include wills, small estate affidavits (both testate and intestate), executor bonds, guardian bonds, fiduciary orders, estate claims, and settlement reports.
To probate a will or open an estate, contact the County Clerk at (304) 624-8674 and bring the original will (if any), a certified death certificate, and identification. Recording fees for estate documents vary; confirm the applicable schedule with the clerk.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Petitions for guardianship or conservatorship of an incapacitated adult or minor are filed with the Circuit Clerk's office and heard in Circuit Court. The filing fee is $110 under W. Va. Code 59-1-11. The West Virginia Judiciary offers downloadable guardianship and conservatorship forms, including petitions, inventory forms, annual reports, and motions for approval of compensation.
Searching Probate Records
Estate records filed with the County Clerk can be searched through the online IDX land and records system — select the Estates category and enter the decedent's name. The system shows indexed entries and, where available, scanned document images. For records not yet digitized or when certified copies are needed, visit the County Clerk's office in person at 229 S. Third Street, Clarksburg, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
Guardianship and conservatorship case records maintained by the Circuit Clerk can be searched through WVPASS or requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's window at 301 West Main Street. Standard copy fees of $1.00 per page apply; certified copies may carry an additional charge. Certain guardianship records — particularly those involving mental health evaluations or minor wards — may be subject to confidentiality restrictions and require a court order for release.