Kanawha County Court Records Search
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Kanawha County, the most populous county in West Virginia, is home to the state capital of Charleston and serves as the seat of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The county’s court system processes a substantial volume of cases each year across its Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, and more than a dozen Municipal Courts. The Circuit Clerk’s Office functions as the central recordkeeper for circuit and family court filings, while magistrate court records are maintained separately. Navigating this system efficiently requires knowing which office holds the records you need, what search tools are available, and what restrictions may apply.
For those researching court cases in West Virginia, the state judiciary makes several electronic search tools available to the public. WestVirginiaCourts.us can help users find court-related resources across the state. Additionally, the West Virginia Judiciary’s court record access page provides links to two statewide search portals: the West Virginia Public Access Search System (WVPASS) for circuit court records dating back to 1999, and the Magistrate Case Record Search for magistrate court case data. Records can also be obtained directly from the clerk’s offices in person, by mail, or by phone.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kanawha County?
Kanawha County court cases can be looked up through online portals or by contacting the appropriate clerk’s office directly. The method depends on which court handled the case.
Online Search — Circuit and Family Court Records
The WVPASS portal provides public access to circuit court documents from all 55 West Virginia counties, including Kanawha. It contains publicly available filings dating back to 1999. Users can search by party name, case number, or other identifying information.
Online Search — Magistrate Court Records
The Magistrate Case Record Search allows statewide lookups of magistrate court case data. Users can search by first name, last name, case number, or date of birth. The system returns up to 30 matching records per search.
In-Person Searches
Requesters may visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office in the Kanawha County Judicial Building during business hours to inspect or request copies of circuit court, family court, or mental hygiene records. Bring specific case details such as party names, the case number, and a government-issued photo ID.
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 357-0440
Fax: (304) 357-0473
Email: info@kanawha.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For magistrate court case records, contact the Magistrate Clerk:
Kanawha County Magistrate Clerk
Address: 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 357-0422
Fax: (304) 357-0431
Copy Fees
Under West Virginia Code § 59-1-11, the circuit clerk charges $1.00 per page for transcripts, copies, or papers prepared for use outside the office. Additional fees may apply for certified copies, subpoenas ($0.50 each), and postage for mailed records. The clerk collects fees in advance before providing services.
Court Locations
Kanawha County’s main courts are housed in the Judicial Building in downtown Charleston. The county also has numerous municipal courts:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301 | (304) 357-0440 |
| Family Court | 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301 | (304) 558-2567 |
| Magistrate Court | 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301 | (304) 357-0400 |
| Charleston Municipal Court | 501 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25330 | (304) 348-8079 |
| South Charleston Municipal Court | 401 D Street, South Charleston, WV 25303 | (304) 744-8321 |
| Dunbar Municipal Court | 210 12th Street, Dunbar, WV 25064 | (304) 766-0208 |
| Nitro Municipal Court | P.O. Box 308, Nitro, WV 25143 | (304) 755-0701 |
| St. Albans Municipal Court | 51 6th Avenue, Saint Albans, WV 25177 | (304) 357-0400 |
Additional municipal courts operate in Belle, Cedar Grove, Chesapeake, Clendenin, East Bank, Glasgow, Handley, Marmet, Pratt, and other municipalities within the county. Records from municipal courts are maintained by the individual municipalities rather than the Circuit Clerk.
Are Court Records Public in Kanawha County?
Court records in Kanawha County are generally open to the public. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), codified in West Virginia Code Chapter 29B, grants every person the right to inspect or copy public records held by public bodies, including court records, unless access is restricted by law. West Virginia Trial Court Rule 15A.26 further addresses public access specifically to court records filed electronically.
Categories of records that may be restricted or exempt from public disclosure include:
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption records
- Sealed records, including expunged criminal records
- Records containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Law enforcement investigatory records where disclosure would interfere with enforcement proceedings
- Trade secrets and confidential commercial information
- Health and medical information protected under state or federal law
- Confidential financial records
- Records protected by specific court order
Under WV Code § 29B-1-4, certain categories of records are specifically exempted from FOIA disclosure. When a records request is partially fulfilled, exempt portions may be redacted while the remainder is released.
For records that have been sealed, WV Code § 53-8-17 establishes a procedure for requesting access through the court. A person must demonstrate a legitimate reason, and the court may grant limited access under specific terms and conditions.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office processes FOIA requests for law enforcement records separately. Requests for police reports, body camera footage, or other incident-related records involving the requester personally can be submitted through the Sheriff’s records request portal. Broader FOIA requests are submitted through a separate FOIA form. The Sheriff’s Office notes that not all requested records are subject to public disclosure under the WVFOIA exemptions.
Kanawha County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kanawha County are adjudicated in either the Circuit Court or the Magistrate Court depending on the severity of the charge. The Circuit Court, as part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, handles all felony indictments returned by grand juries as well as serious misdemeanors. The Magistrate Court handles lesser criminal offenses, preliminary hearings, and bail proceedings.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records maintained by the Circuit Clerk can be searched through the WVPASS portal by party name or case number. For magistrate-level criminal cases, use the Magistrate Case Record Search, where users can filter by case type to locate misdemeanor, felony preliminary hearing, or other criminal case categories.
In-person criminal record inquiries should be directed to:
- Circuit Court criminal cases: Circuit Clerk’s Office — (304) 357-0440
- Magistrate criminal cases: Magistrate Clerk — (304) 357-0400
Criminal Background Checks
The West Virginia State Police Criminal Records Section administers fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Under WV Code § 15-2-24(d), criminal history records can be furnished to private and public entities with written authorization from the subject individual.
Background checks are no longer conducted at State Police headquarters. All background checks must be scheduled through IdentoGO or by calling (855) 766-7746. IdentoGO provides fingerprinting and electronic submission services at enrollment centers throughout West Virginia.
Arrest Records and Warrants
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and publishes active warrant information online. The warrants search page displays warrants received from various courts as a public record. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 301 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301, and can be reached at (304) 357-0169.
Expungements
Individuals seeking to expunge criminal records from their history must first obtain a background check through IdentoGO to confirm what records exist with the State Police. They then petition the Circuit Court in the county where the arrest occurred. The Circuit Clerk’s Office handles the filing of expungement petitions. Once granted, the State Police sends a certified letter to the Circuit Clerk confirming the record has been expunged.
Criminal Case Fees
Per WV Code § 59-1-11(d), a convicted defendant is taxed the following clerk fees: $85 for a misdemeanor conviction and $105 for a felony conviction. Criminal bond processing fees are $25 per bond.
Kanawha County Civil Court Records
The Kanawha County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds the magistrate court’s limit, as well as statutory summary proceedings, extraordinary remedies, and civil appeals from magistrate court. The Magistrate Court handles civil claims within its monetary jurisdiction.
Civil Filing Fees — Circuit Court
Filing fees are established by WV Code § 59-1-11 and collected by the Circuit Clerk in advance:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| General civil action | $200.00 |
| Each additional defendant (two or more named) | $15.00 per defendant |
| Medical professional liability action | $280.00 |
| Counterclaim, cross-claim, third-party complaint, or motion to intervene | $200.00 |
| Abstract of judgment | $5.00 |
| Issuing a suggestion with certified mail service | $25.00 |
| Issuing an execution | $25.00 |
| Arranging papers for appeal or removal to another court | $10.00 |
| Each subpoena | $0.50 |
| Additional service (case on docket beyond 3 years, per year) | $20.00 |
The Circuit Clerk currently accepts payment at the office. Contact the office at (304) 357-0440 to confirm accepted payment methods for specific filings.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records from the Circuit Court can be accessed through WVPASS, which includes all publicly available circuit court documents. Magistrate-level civil cases are searchable through the Magistrate Case Record Search. In-person requests for copies of civil filings should be directed to the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301.
Court forms for civil proceedings, including fee waiver applications, are available on the West Virginia Judiciary’s court forms page. Local rules and procedural guidance can be researched at the Kanawha County law library or through the Clermont County Law Library page on the county website.
Kanawha County Family Court Records
The Kanawha County Family Court is part of the Eleventh Family Court Circuit and operates out of the Judicial Building at 111 Court Street in Charleston. It handles all family-related legal matters, including:
- Divorce, annulment, and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption
- Guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults
- Grandparent visitation
- Domestic violence civil proceedings (protective orders)
- Family support proceedings (excluding child abuse and neglect, which are handled by the Circuit Court)
Family Court judges in Kanawha County include Judge Jim Douglas — (304) 558-2567 — and Judge Stephanie Abraham — (304) 357-0365. Both are located in the Judicial Building.
Family Court Filing Fees
Family court filing fees are set by WV Code § 59-1-11:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, separate maintenance, or annulment | $135.00 |
| Modification of family court order (custody, visitation, support) | $85.00 |
| Expedited child support modification | $35.00 |
| Other family court petitions (paternity, custody, guardianship, etc.) | $200.00 |
No filing fee applies for counterclaims in family court cases.
Accessing Family Court Records
The Circuit Clerk’s Office is the custodian of family court records. Divorce and dissolution decrees, custody orders, and other family law filings can be requested in person at the Clerk’s Office or by mail. Requesters should provide relevant case details and valid identification. Family court case documents are also accessible through WVPASS for cases filed in the circuit system.
Certain family court records carry access restrictions. Adoption records, juvenile records, confidential medical records, and documents containing personal identifiers are not publicly accessible. Access to these categories is limited to authorized individuals, including the parties, their attorneys, and persons with court orders.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Kanawha County Clerk’s Office, which is separate from the Circuit Clerk:
Kanawha County Clerk’s Office
Address: 409 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 357-0130
Fax: (304) 357-0585
Vital Records — Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates can be obtained from the West Virginia Vital Registration Office. The cost is $12.00 per certified copy, which includes a non-refundable search fee. Payment methods include cash, check, and money order for in-person or mail requests. Debit and credit cards are accepted at the walk-in counter (4% surcharge applies).
Requests can be made:
- In person at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301. Walk-in service is available. Bring a government-issued photo ID. Allow at least 15 minutes.
- By mail using the appropriate certificate request form, a color copy of identification, and a check or money order for $12.00 per copy, mailed to the Vital Registration Office at the address above.
Eligible requesters must demonstrate a qualifying relationship to the person named on the certificate and present valid identification.
Kanawha County Probate Court Records
West Virginia does not have a standalone probate court. In Kanawha County, probate matters are handled jointly by the Department of Fiduciary and Probate of the Kanawha County Commission and the Circuit Clerk’s Office. The Fiduciary Department supervises the administration of estates within the county, while the Circuit Clerk maintains the official court files associated with probate proceedings.
Types of Probate Records
Probate records in Kanawha County include:
- Last wills and testaments
- Estate administration filings (appointment of executors and administrators)
- Inventories and appraisals of decedent assets
- Fiduciary accountings and reports
- Guardianship records for minors and incapacitated adults
- Conservatorship filings
- Trust-related court orders
Obtaining Probate Records
To request probate records, contact either the Fiduciary and Probate Department or the Circuit Clerk’s Office:
Kanawha County Commission — Fiduciary & Probate Department
Address: 407 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301
Mailing: P.O. Box 3627, Charleston, WV 25336
Phone: (304) 357-0125
Fax: (304) 357-0426
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (appointments recommended)
Kanawha County Circuit Clerk
Address: 111 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 357-0440
Fax: (304) 357-0473
Email: cathy.gatson@courtswv.gov
Probate filings that have been entered into the circuit court system may also be searchable through WVPASS. In-person visitors should bring specific case details such as the decedent’s name, approximate date of death, and case number if known. Fiduciary and recording fees vary depending on the type of probate proceeding; the Fiduciary Department can provide current fee amounts upon inquiry.
Property records that may be relevant during estate administration — including deeds, tax assessments, and ownership histories — can be researched through the Kanawha County Assessor’s Office. Online tools include the Land Book Viewer, Property Records Search, and the Map Card Viewer. The Assessor’s Office is located at 409 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301 — Phone: (304) 357-0250