Mason County Court Records Search
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Mason County, West Virginia, sits along the Ohio River with Point Pleasant serving as its county seat. Court records generated within the county document the full range of judicial proceedings — from felony criminal cases and civil disputes to family matters, probate estates, and municipal violations. These records are created and maintained by the clerks of the various courts that operate within the county and are, with limited exceptions, available to the public for inspection or copying.
Finding Mason County court records typically requires identifying which court handled the case you are researching, then contacting the appropriate clerk or using an online portal. West Virginia court records can be searched through official tools available on WestVirginiaCourts.us, which directs users toward the judiciary's public access systems. For circuit and family court matters, the West Virginia Public Access Search System (WVPASS) provides statewide electronic access to circuit court documents dating back to 1999. Magistrate court records are accessible through a separate Magistrate Record Search tool. Both portals are free to use and searchable by party name, case number, or citation. In-person access and written requests to clerk offices remain available for records not yet indexed online or for certified copies.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Mason County?
Mason County's court system includes a Circuit Court, a Magistrate Court, a Family Court, and six Municipal Courts. Because jurisdiction is divided between these courts, the first step in any records search is pinpointing the correct venue. Circuit Court handles felonies, civil disputes over $300, divorces, custody matters, and appeals; Magistrate Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary examinations in felony cases, and civil claims up to $20,000 (the jurisdictional limit was raised from $10,000 to $20,000 effective approximately July 2025 under West Virginia HB legislation). Municipal Courts address local ordinance violations in their respective towns.
Online Search Options
- WVPASS (Circuit Court): Search all 55 counties statewide at wvpass.courtswva.com. Covers circuit and family court records from 1999 forward.
- Magistrate Record Search: Free statewide lookup at mcrsearch.courtswv.gov. Search by name, case ID, or citation number.
- West Virginia Judiciary Court Record Access: A central landing page linking to both portal tools.
In-Person Access
All three principal Mason County courts share the Mason County Courthouse address. Contact information is listed below:
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court / Circuit Clerk | 200 Sixth Street, Suite 9, Point Pleasant, WV 25550 | (304) 675-4400 | (304) 675-7419 |
| Magistrate Court / Magistrate Clerk | 200 Sixth Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550 | (304) 675-6840 | (304) 675-5949 |
| Family Court | 200 Sixth Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550 | (304) 675-4400 | (304) 675-7419 |
Circuit Clerk and County Clerk offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Requesting Copies
You may appear in person, send a written request by mail, or submit requests by phone. Include sufficient identifying details — party names, approximate filing date, and case number if known — with any request. Fees apply for copies; payment is generally accepted via cash, check, or money order.
Are Court Records Public in Mason County?
Under WV Code § 51-4-2, West Virginia court records are open for public inspection, and anyone may request copies unless a specific statute or court order restricts access. WV Trial Court Rule 10.04 reinforces this by affirming the public's right to full and complete access to information about the judiciary's operations.
Several categories of records are, however, restricted or partially confidential:
- Adoption records — sealed to protect the privacy of all parties
- Juvenile court records — confidential under WV Code § 49-5-103
- Medical and mental health records incorporated into court files
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and debit card numbers, which must be redacted per WV Code § 5A-8-22
- Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old, which are restricted to eligible parties under WV Code § 16-5-27
Requesters who believe a record has been improperly withheld may invoke the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which also governs judicial branch transparency.
Mason County Criminal Court Records
Felony cases in Mason County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court, while the Magistrate Court conducts preliminary examinations and handles misdemeanor charges. Municipal Courts handle ordinance violations and petty offenses within their respective jurisdictions.
Court-Generated Criminal Records
Criminal case records — including indictments, motions, orders, and judgments — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk for Circuit Court matters and by the Magistrate Clerk for magistrate-level proceedings. You can search these online using WVPASS (circuit) or the Magistrate Record Search (magistrate), or contact the clerks directly for copies.
Arrest Records and Sheriff's Office
Arrest records are generated and held by the arresting law enforcement agency, not the court clerk. The Mason County Sheriff's Office is the primary county-level law enforcement agency:
- Address: 200 Sixth Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
- Main Phone: (304) 675-1110
- Records Division: (304) 675-3838 / (304) 675-1990
Individuals inquiring about a specific arrest may contact the Records Division directly. Each agency sets its own procedures and fees for producing copies of arrest reports.
Statewide Offender Information
For broader criminal history information, the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains the West Virginia Offender Search tool, which allows the public to search for individuals in state custody or under supervision. This tool covers state correctional facilities and does not substitute for a certified criminal history report.
Municipal Courts
Mason County's six municipal courts serve Hartford, Henderson, Leon, Mason, New Haven, and Point Pleasant. Contact information for each:
| Municipality | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 19 Front Street, P.O. Box 96, Hartford, WV 25247 | (304) 882-2864 |
| Henderson | 1 Chester Street, P.O. Box 205, Henderson, WV 25106 | (304) 675-5722 |
| Leon | Drawer 136, Leon, WV 25123 | (304) 812-7070 |
| Mason | 656 2nd Street, P.O. Box 438, Mason, WV 25260 | (304) 773-5200 |
| New Haven | 218 5th Street, P.O. Box 217, New Haven, WV 25265 | (304) 882-3203 |
| Point Pleasant | 400 Viand Street, P.O. Box 204, Point Pleasant, WV 25550 | (304) 675-2360 |
Mason County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Mason County are divided by the dollar amount in dispute. The Magistrate Court hears civil claims up to $20,000, which includes small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. The Circuit Court handles all civil cases involving amounts over $300 that exceed magistrate jurisdiction, as well as equity actions and cases involving injunctive relief.
Searching Civil Records
- Magistrate Court civil records: free search via the Magistrate Record Search portal
- Circuit Court civil records: search via WVPASS for cases from 1999 onward
- Older records may require an in-person visit or written request to the appropriate clerk
Filing Fees
West Virginia Magistrate Court civil filing fees are established by WV Code § 50-3-1. Parties initiating a civil claim in Magistrate Court pay a filing fee collected in advance; amounts scale with the claim size. Circuit Court civil filing fees are set by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and are generally higher. Standard forms for civil filings are available through the West Virginia Judiciary court forms page.
Requesting Copies
Civil case file documents may be requested from the Circuit Clerk (for circuit-level cases) or the Magistrate Clerk (for magistrate-level cases). The Circuit Clerk's jury line for civil juror inquiries is (800) 796681. There are three terms of Circuit Court each year: January, May, and September.
Mason County Circuit Clerk
Address: 200 Sixth Street, Suite 9, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-4400
Fax: (304) 675-7419
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Mason County Family Court Records
Mason County participates in the Fifth Family Court Circuit, which encompasses Jackson, Mason, and Wirt Counties. The Family Court operates out of the Mason County Courthouse and shares clerk services with the Circuit Court — the Circuit Clerk is the official record keeper for both Circuit and Family Court matters.
Family Court jurisdiction in West Virginia includes divorce and legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence protective orders. Adoption proceedings, guardianship of minors, and juvenile matters are handled through the Circuit Court's family division.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related case documents are filed with and maintained by the Mason County Circuit Clerk. These records are subject to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed by court order. Requests may be made in person or by mail to the Circuit Clerk at Suite 9, 200 Sixth Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.
Marriage Records
Marriage records in Mason County date back to 1806 and are held by the Mason County Clerk's Office. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for $5 per copy by completing the Certificate Request Application and submitting it with valid photo identification. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at the Mason County Clerk, 200 Sixth Street, Suite 7, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
- By mail with the completed application, $5 fee (check or money order payable to Mason County Clerk), and a self-addressed stamped envelope
Marriage certificates from the state level are available through the West Virginia Vital Registration Office for $12 per copy, using the agency's marriage certificate application form. The application may be submitted in person or by mail to the Vital Registration Office, 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301-3701.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by both the Mason County Clerk (for $5 per copy, or $7 for a laminated birth certificate) and the WVDHHR Vital Registration Office (for $12 per copy). Access to birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those holding a court order, per WV Code § 16-5-27. Older birth and death records dating back to 1853 are accessible through the Mason County Clerk's Office. Historical records are also available through the West Virginia Culture Center Vital Records database.
The County Clerk's office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Phone: (304) 675-1997
Mason County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in West Virginia are not handled by a separate probate court. Instead, the Mason County Clerk's Office administers the probate of wills and assists with estate settlements under the supervision of the Circuit Court. This includes the formal opening of estates, appointment of personal representatives, administration of trusts, and the filing of inventories and accountings.
What the County Clerk Handles
- Probating wills and admitting them to record
- Initiating estate administration proceedings
- Appointing and qualifying personal representatives (executors/administrators)
- Recording estate inventories, appraisals, and settlements
- Guardianship and conservatorship filings for minors or incapacitated adults
Accessing Probate Records
Most probate records are public under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. You may visit or contact the Mason County Clerk's Office to inspect or obtain copies. The County Clerk's online property records portal also indexes certain recorded documents, including wills admitted to probate.
The Clerk's Office maintains dedicated staff for probate and recording matters (extensions 119 and 156 for Probate/Recording and Probate respectively). The online IDX search tool at the Mason County Clerk's record portal allows users to search recorded documents by instrument type, including wills and estate-related filings.
Mason County Clerk
Address: 200 Sixth Street, Suite 7, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-1997
Fax: (304) 675-2521
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For guardianship and conservatorship matters that require active court supervision beyond the County Clerk's administrative role, filings are made through the Mason County Circuit Court. Those records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are searchable through WVPASS or by request at the Circuit Clerk's office.