West Virginia

West Virginia Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of West Virginia. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid of West Virginia

Provides free civil legal services to low-income West Virginians statewide in housing, family, consumer, public benefits, and elder law matters.

Visit Website →

Mountain State Justice

Provides free legal assistance to low-income West Virginians in consumer protection, housing, employment, and public benefits issues through impact litigation.

Visit Website →

West Virginia Senior Legal Aid

Offers free legal services to West Virginians age 60 and older on issues including healthcare, housing, consumer fraud, and estate planning.

Visit Website →

Legal Aid of West Virginia

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents statewide in housing, family, consumer, and benefits matters.

Visit Website →

Mountain State Justice

Offers free legal services focused on consumer protection, housing, and employment for low-income West Virginians.

Visit Website →

Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia is the court of last resort with five justices (uniquely named among state supreme courts). The Intermediate Court of Appeals, established in 2022, handles certain categories of appeals. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across 31 judicial circuits. Family Courts handle divorce, custody, and domestic violence matters. Magistrate Courts handle minor civil and criminal cases.

Key State Laws & Protections

West Virginia Residential Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under WV Code Chapter 37, Article 6, covering security deposits, habitability, maintenance, and eviction procedures with notice requirements.

West Virginia Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability, and familial status under WV Code 5-11.

West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act

Consumer protection law under WV Code 46A prohibiting unfair and deceptive business practices with enforcement by the Attorney General and private right of action.

West Virginia Homestead Exemption

Protects up to $25,000 of equity in a homestead from forced sale by creditors, with additional protections for senior citizens and disabled persons.

West Virginia Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under WV Code Chapter 37, Article 6A, with habitability and security deposit protections.

West Virginia Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations with enforcement by the WV Human Rights Commission.

Bar Association

West Virginia State Bar
Visit Official Website →

Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call Legal Aid of West Virginia at 1-866-255-4370 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

WV DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-800-352-6513

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

WV HOPE Scholarship (2025)

Expanded education savings account program with updated legal protections for participating families.

WV Substance Abuse Recovery (2025)

New legal protections for individuals in recovery, including employment discrimination safeguards and expanded treatment access.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 5 years (oral) / 10 years (written)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $30-$50 (claims up to $10,000 in Magistrate Court)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$300

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $100-$200

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid of West Virginia

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income residents in housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

Visit Website →

Mountain State Justice

Legal advocacy for low-income West Virginians on issues of consumer protection, housing, and employment.

Visit Website →

West Virginia Senior Legal Aid

Free legal services for West Virginia residents age 60 and older.

Visit Website →

State Bar Resources

West Virginia State Bar

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (304) 558-7993

Pro Bono: West Virginia Access to Justice Commission coordinates pro bono programs.

Visit State Bar Website →
Featured Attorney
Your Firm Name Here
Serving your state — all practice areas
★★★★★
Experienced attorneys ready to help with your legal situation. Free consultations available.
Get Free Consultation Sponsored — Place Your Ad Here

Frequently Asked Legal Questions in West Virginia

West Virginia has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In West Virginia, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for West Virginia-specific details.
West Virginia allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
West Virginia sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current West Virginia minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in West Virginia sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in West Virginia.