Court records of Monongalia County, West Virginia, are available through several channels. MonongaliaCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the state's official online court system tools, directly at the court clerk's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse in Morgantown.
Monongalia Court System & Jurisdictions
Monongalia County belongs to the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit of West Virginia. Several courts operate here, each handling specific categories of cases.
Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil lawsuits, appeals from lower courts, and probate cases (the judicial process of settling a deceased person's estate). The Circuit Clerk's office maintains the registry of all these cases.
Magistrate Court handles:
- Misdemeanors (less serious criminal offenses)
- Civil claims up to $10,000
- Small claims cases up to $5,000
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Issuance of arrest and search warrants
Magistrate court records can be searched through the Magistrate Case Record Search system.
Family Court covers divorces, child custody, alimony, division of marital property, and protective orders. Monongalia and Preston form the Twentieth Family Court Circuit. Child support enforcement cases are coordinated by the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement.
Monongalia Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The current schedule of hearings depends on the court level. The Circuit Court publishes its hearing calendar through the Circuit Clerk's office — it is usually available by phone or in person at the courthouse.
For Magistrate Court, use the Court Records Access page on the West Virginia court system's website — it provides links to search records for both county and magistrate courts in all 55 counties of the state. By entering a party's name or case number, you can see the filing date, case type, and current status.
To find out about hearings today or this week:
- Call the office of the relevant court (contacts below).
- Check the online Magistrate Case Record Search database by last name or case number.
- Visit the courthouse — schedules are often posted near the courtrooms.
Monongalia County Circuit Clerk
Monongalia County Magistrate Court
How to Get a Copy of a Monongalia Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy has the court's seal and the clerk's signature — it is required by other courts, government agencies, and employers. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the Circuit Clerk's or Magistrate Court's office at 75 High Street, Morgantown. You will need the party's name or case number.
- By mail — send a written request with the full name of the party, case number (if known), type of document, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — the free magistrate record search provides basic case information. To obtain physical copies of documents, contact the court clerk's office.
Mailing address for requests:
Some records have restricted access — including juvenile cases, adoptions, and certain family matters. Check with the clerk to see if a specific document is public.
Monongalia Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court documents in West Virginia are regulated by state law (W. Va. Code § 59-1). Below are approximate rates applicable in Monongalia County. Confirm exact amounts directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Document certification | $0.50 – $1.00 per document |
| Certified copy of court judgment | $5.00 and up |
| Filing a civil lawsuit (Circuit Court) | Depends on case type |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit cards — it's best to confirm in advance.
For birth, death, or marriage records, contact the Vital Registration Office of West Virginia — these documents are stored separately from court records.