What it costs to file in West Virginia
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
Set by each court
This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.
More about West Virginia
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in West Virginia?
- West Virginia does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
- How much can you claim in small claims court in West Virginia?
- An individual can claim up to $20,000. A business can claim up to $20,000. A public agency can claim up to $20,000. That comes from W. Va. Code §50-2-1.
- Which court handles small claims in West Virginia?
- Magistrate Court. The magistrate court in the county where the defendant lives or the claim arose.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in West Virginia?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under W. Va. Code §55-2-12. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open West Virginia's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2026-09-05.
- West Virginia Judiciary, Magistrate Courts · effective 2026-09-05 · West Virginia does not require a written demand before filing a civil claim in magistrate court. The filing fee varies by county; the magistrate clerk has the exact amount. Asking first is still the usual first step.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.