Monongalia County Court Records Search
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Monongalia County, situated in north-central West Virginia with Morgantown as its county seat, maintains a multi-court judicial system that handles criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The county’s courts include the Circuit Court (part of the 20th Judicial Circuit), the Monongalia County Magistrate Court, the Family Court, and several municipal courts in Morgantown, Granville, Star City, Westover, and Blacksville. The Circuit Clerk serves as the official record keeper for both Circuit Court and Family Court proceedings, while the County Clerk’s office manages vital records and probate filings.
West Virginia provides several pathways for searching court records, and WestVirginiaCourts.us offers a useful starting point for finding court information by county, accessing court forms, and locating online record search tools. Monongalia County records can also be retrieved through the Circuit Clerk’s office, the Magistrate Court, and the County Clerk’s office, depending on the type of record. Online search portals, in-person visits, and mail requests are all accepted methods.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Monongalia County?
The process for finding a court case in Monongalia County depends on which court handled the proceeding. Two primary online portals cover the county’s courts, and both the Circuit Clerk and Magistrate Court accept in-person inquiries.
Online Search Options
- WVPASS (West Virginia Public Access Search System) — This statewide system provides online access to publicly available circuit court records from all 55 counties, including Monongalia County. Users can search by party name or case number.
- Magistrate Case Record Search — Maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary, this portal allows name-based and case number searches for magistrate court records across the state. Search results display filing dates, charges, dispositions, and available documents.
Note that these portals may not represent a complete civil or criminal history. The West Virginia Judiciary advises contacting the clerk of the court where the case was filed to verify any information retrieved online.
In-Person Requests
Both the Circuit Clerk and the Magistrate Court accept walk-in requests during their operating hours:
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
Address: 75 High Street, Suite 12, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 291-7240
Fax: (304) 291-7273
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–Noon and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Monongalia County Magistrate Court
Address: 265 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 291-7296
Fax: (304) 284-7313
Mail Requests
Written requests for court records can be sent to the Circuit Clerk’s office at the address above. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, the applicable fees, and as much identifying information as possible — including case numbers, party names, and approximate filing dates.
Copy and Search Fees
Under WV Code §59-1-11, the Circuit Clerk charges the following for copies:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies for use outside the office | $1.00 per page |
| Abstract of judgment | $5.00 |
| Arranging papers for appeal/transfer | $10.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Monongalia County?
West Virginia law creates a presumption of public access to government records, including court files. Under Chapter 29B of the West Virginia Code (the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act), any person has the right to inspect or copy public records maintained by state and local government entities. The Circuit Clerk, as the official record keeper, is responsible for providing access to court documents filed in the Circuit Court and Family Court.
Publicly Accessible Records
Most court records in Monongalia County are open to public inspection, including civil complaints and judgments, criminal case dockets and dispositions, divorce decrees, protection orders (to the extent permitted by law), and court calendars.
Exempt and Restricted Records
§29B-1-4 of the West Virginia Code identifies several exemptions from mandatory disclosure:
- Records specifically exempted by state or federal statute
- Records sealed or restricted by court order or motion
- Personal medical data or private information whose release would constitute an invasion of privacy or jeopardize safety
- Juvenile court records, which are generally confidential
- Sealed and expunged records, which typically require a court order to access
Additionally, personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, home addresses, and telephone numbers of case parties are routinely redacted from publicly available court documents to prevent identity misuse.
Monongalia County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Monongalia County are divided between the Circuit Court and the Magistrate Court based on the severity of the charge. The Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions and serious criminal matters, while the Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses and conducts initial appearances for felony charges. The municipal courts in Morgantown, Granville, Star City, Westover, and Blacksville address city ordinance violations within their respective boundaries.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case docket information is accessible through two online portals:
- WVPASS for Circuit Court criminal records
- Magistrate Case Record Search for misdemeanor and traffic cases handled in Magistrate Court
For in-person requests, visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at 75 High Street, Suite 12, Morgantown, WV 26505, or the Magistrate Court at 265 Spruce Street.
Criminal Background Checks Through the State Police
The West Virginia State Police maintains centralized criminal records generated throughout the state, including Monongalia County. Criminal background checks are processed through a licensed third-party vendor that handles fingerprint collection. The process involves:
- Booking a fingerprint appointment through the vendor’s website
- Visiting the vendor’s nearest location for fingerprinting
- The vendor submitting the completed request to the State Police for processing
- The State Police mailing the results to the applicant
Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office
The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office maintains local arrest records and can be contacted for records inquiries.
Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 116 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 291-7260
Municipal Court Contacts
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Morgantown Municipal Court | 300 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 | (304) 284-7487 |
| Granville Municipal Court | 233 Dents Run Blvd., P.O. Box 119, Granville, WV 26534 | (304) 599-5080 |
| Star City Municipal Court | 370 Broadway Avenue, Star City, WV 26505 | (304) 599-3550 |
| Westover Municipal Court | 500 DuPont Road, Westover, WV 26501 | (304) 296-6860 |
| Blacksville Municipal Court | P.O. Box 55, Blacksville, WV 26521 | (304) 432-8512 |
Monongalia County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Monongalia County are heard by the Circuit Court (for cases of all dollar amounts, including foreclosures, personal injury suits, and contract disputes) and the Magistrate Court (for smaller claims and civil actions within its jurisdictional limits). The Circuit Clerk maintains all civil case records filed in the Circuit Court, including pleadings, motions, contracts, financial data, court transcripts, and final judgments.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case docket information can be searched online through WVPASS for Circuit Court records and the Magistrate Case Record Search for cases handled in Magistrate Court.
For official copies, certified documents, or records not available online, requesters should visit or contact the Circuit Clerk:
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
Address: 75 High Street, Suite 12, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 291-7240
Fax: (304) 291-7273
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–Noon and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Civil Filing Fees (per WV Code §59-1-11)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Instituting a civil action | $200.00 |
| Medical professional liability action | $280.00 |
| Counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint | $200.00 |
| Each additional named defendant/respondent | $15.00 |
| Docketing execution on transcript from Magistrate Court | $3.00 |
| Issuing an execution | $25.00 |
Copy fees are $1.00 per page for documents to be used outside the clerk’s office. The West Virginia Judiciary also maintains a court forms page with downloadable forms for various civil proceedings.
Monongalia County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Monongalia County are adjudicated by the Monongalia County Family Court, with records maintained by the Circuit Clerk. The Family Court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support modifications, domestic violence protective orders, paternity actions, guardianship, name changes, termination of parental rights, adoptions, and juvenile matters.
Monongalia County Family Court
Address: Monongalia County Justice Center, 75 High Street, Suite 27, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 285-3107
Fax: (304) 285-3161
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records can be searched through WVPASS for basic case information. For copies of specific documents — including divorce decrees, custody orders, and protection orders — contact the Circuit Clerk at (304) 291-7240 or visit the office at 75 High Street, Suite 12. The clerk processes in-person requests during regular business hours.
Certain family court records contain confidential information. Access to sealed records, juvenile proceedings, and sensitive personal data is restricted to the record subject, close family members, and authorized legal representatives. A valid photo ID may be required for confidential record requests.
Family Court Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, separate maintenance, or annulment | $135.00 |
| Modification of custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support | $85.00 |
| Expedited modification of child support | $35.00 |
Marriage Records
Marriage records in Monongalia County are maintained by the Monongalia County Clerk’s office. The office allows online searches through its electronic record search portal as well as mail-based requests. To obtain a copy by mail:
- Complete the marriage certificate request form
- Include a $5.00 fee (money order payable to Monongalia County Clerk’s Office; no personal checks)
- Mail to: Office of the Monongalia County Clerk, 243 High Street, Courthouse Room 123, Morgantown, WV 26505-5491
At the state level, the West Virginia Vital Registration Office also issues marriage certificates. Requests require a completed marriage certificate request form, a copy of a valid government-issued ID, and a $12.00 non-refundable fee (check or money order payable to “Vital Registration”). Mail requests to: Vital Registration Office, 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301-3701. Access is restricted to the parties named on the license, their children, and their legal representatives.
Divorce Records
Divorce records can be requested from the Circuit Clerk’s office in person during regular business hours. Requesters should provide case details and pay any applicable copy fees.
Birth and Death Certificates
The Monongalia County Clerk’s office maintains local birth and death records, searchable through the electronic record search portal. Mail requests should include a completed request form, a $5.00 fee (no personal checks), and a photocopy of a valid ID. Mail to the County Clerk at 243 High Street, Courthouse Room 123, Morgantown, WV 26505-5491. Phone: (304) 291-7230
The state Vital Registration Office also processes birth and death certificate requests for a $12.00 non-refundable fee. Access to certified vital records is restricted to the record subject, guardians, and immediate family members.
Monongalia County Clerk (Vital Records)
Address: 243 High Street, Courthouse Room 123, Morgantown, WV 26505-5491
Phone: (304) 291-7230
Fax: (304) 291-7233
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Monongalia County Probate Court Records
In West Virginia, probate is administered at the county level through the County Clerk’s office rather than a separate probate court. The Monongalia County Clerk’s Probate Office handles the recording of wills, administration of estates, appointment of fiduciaries, guardianships, conservatorships, and related proceedings.
Types of Probate Proceedings
The Probate Office processes three main categories when a decedent had a will:
- Record the Will only — The original will is filed at the courthouse for recording. No Letters of Administration are issued. Filing fee is $12.00 for the first 4 pages, plus $1.00 per additional page. West Virginia law (WV Code §41-5-1) requires wills to be recorded within 30 days of death.
- Record the Will and file a Small Estate Affidavit — Available when the decedent’s personal property assets total less than $50,000 (WV Code §44-1A-1). A Certificate of Authorization is issued to the Authorized Successor. The relevant form is the Small Estate Affidavit (Testate).
- Record the Will and open full probate — Required when assets exceed $50,000 or include real estate solely in the decedent’s name. Letters of Administration are issued. Use the Opening Probate Forms and Instructions (Testate).
When no will exists, the Probate Office offers two paths: the Small Estate Affidavit (Intestate) for qualifying estates, or Opening Probate (Intestate) for larger estates. Full probate takes a minimum of four months.
Probate Filing Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing affidavit or will (first 5 pages) | $12.00 |
| Each additional page | $1.00 |
| Publication fee | $20.00 |
All fees are payable to the Monongalia County Clerk’s office by cash, check, or credit/debit card (a 2.5% transaction fee or $1.00 minimum applies for card payments).
How to Access Probate Records
Probate records can be requested in person at the Probate Office or by mail. To schedule an appointment with the Probate Department (recommended), call (304) 291-7230 ext. 7270, email probate@monongaliacountyclerk.com, or use the online scheduling link. Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM, and may take up to one hour.
Mail documents and fees to: Monongalia County Clerk’s Office, Attn: Probate, 243 High Street, Room 123, Morgantown, WV 26505. Drop-off submissions are accepted in person, though a meeting with probate staff may require a prior appointment.
The Probate Office also provides additional downloadable resources, including an Estate Appraisement and Non-Probate Inventory Form, a Full Probate Overview and Timeline, and an Intestate Succession Pamphlet for estates without a will. The County Clerk’s office also hosts an online searchable portal for land records that may be relevant for probate-related property transfers.