Kanawha County Court Records
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Kanawha County is West Virginia's most populous county and home to the state capital, Charleston. Its court system is part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit and handles a high volume of cases each year across the Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, and more than a dozen Municipal Courts. The Circuit Clerk's Office is the central recordkeeper for circuit and family court filings, while magistrate court records are kept separately. Knowing which office holds what you need — and what tools are available — will make your search much more efficient.
The West Virginia Judiciary offers several electronic search tools for public use. WestVirginiaCourts.us can help you find court-related resources across the state. The Judiciary's court record access page 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. You can also get records directly from the clerks' offices in person, by mail, or by phone.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kanawha County?
Court cases in Kanawha County can be searched online or by contacting the appropriate clerk's office. The right starting point depends on which court handled the case.
Online Search — Circuit and Family Court Records
The WVPASS portal gives the public access to circuit court documents from all 55 West Virginia counties, including Kanawha. It holds publicly available filings going back to 1999. You can search by party name, case number, or other identifying details.
Online Search — Magistrate Court Records
The Magistrate Case Record Search lets you look up magistrate court case data statewide. Search by first name, last name, case number, or date of birth. Each search returns up to 30 matching records.
In-Person Searches
You can 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 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. Fees are collected in advance before services are provided.
Court Locations
Kanawha County's main courts are 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 throughout the county. Records from municipal courts are kept by each individual municipality, not 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), found in West Virginia Code Chapter 29B, gives 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 addresses public access specifically to electronically filed court records.
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 release 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 record categories are specifically exempt from FOIA disclosure. When a request is partially fulfilled, exempt portions may be redacted while the rest is released.
For sealed records, WV Code 53-8-17 sets out a procedure for requesting access through the court. You must demonstrate a legitimate reason, and the court may grant limited access under specific conditions.
The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office handles FOIA requests for law enforcement records separately. If you need police reports, body camera footage, or other incident-related records involving yourself, submit a request through the Sheriff's records request portal. Broader FOIA requests go through a separate FOIA form. The Sheriff's Office notes that not all requested records are subject to public disclosure under WVFOIA's exemptions.
Kanawha County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kanawha County go to either the Circuit Court or the Magistrate Court, depending on the charge's severity. 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 deals with lesser criminal offenses, preliminary hearings, and bail proceedings.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records held 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 and filter by case type to find misdemeanor, felony preliminary hearing, or other criminal case categories.
For in-person criminal record inquiries, contact:
- 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 provided to private and public entities with written authorization from the subject individual.
Background checks are no longer conducted at State Police headquarters. All checks must be scheduled through IdentoGO or by calling (855) 766-7746. IdentoGO handles fingerprinting and electronic submission 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 at 301 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301, reachable at (304) 357-0169.
Expungements
If you want to expunge criminal records from your history, start by getting a background check through IdentoGO to confirm what records the State Police hold. Then petition the Circuit Court in the county where the arrest occurred. The Circuit Clerk's Office handles expungement petition filings. Once granted, the State Police send a certified letter to the Circuit Clerk confirming the record has been expunged.
Criminal Case Fees
Under WV Code 59-1-11(d), a convicted defendant is charged 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, along with 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 set 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 accepts payment at the office. Call (304) 357-0440 to confirm accepted payment methods for specific filings.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records from the Circuit Court are available through WVPASS, which includes all publicly accessible circuit court documents. Magistrate-level civil cases can be searched through the Magistrate Case Record Search. If you need physical copies of civil filings, go 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 also be researched through the Circuit Clerk's 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 holds 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. Bring relevant case details and valid identification. Family court case documents are also available through WVPASS for cases filed in the circuit system.
Some 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 — 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 are available from the West Virginia Vital Registration Office. Each certified copy costs $12.00, which includes a non-refundable search fee. Payment options 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).
You can request records in two ways:
- In person at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301. Walk-in service is available. Bring a government-issued photo ID and allow at least 15 minutes.
- By mail using the appropriate certificate request form, a color copy of your identification, and a check or money order for $12.00 per copy, sent to the Vital Registration Office at the address above.
You 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 oversees the administration of estates within the county, while the Circuit Clerk maintains the official court files tied to 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 entered into the circuit court system may also be searchable through WVPASS. If you visit in person, bring specific case details — the decedent's name, approximate date of death, and case number if you have it. Fiduciary and recording fees vary by type of proceeding; contact the Fiduciary Department directly for current fee amounts.
Property records relevant to 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 at 409 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301 — Phone: (304) 357-0250