2026 Guide Charleston, WV Kanawha County

Legal Costs in Charleston, WV (2026)

Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Charleston — all sourced from official West Virginia state records.

$100

LLC filing fee

$135

Divorce fee

$10,000

Small claims max

$10

Notary fee cap

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

Charleston is a city in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the West Virginia state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $100 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $10,000 in the Magistrate Court. Divorce filing fees in West Virginia start at $135. All figures on this page are verified from official West Virginia government sources and updated for 2026.

Form an LLC in Charleston, WV

To form an LLC with a Charleston address, you file with the West Virginia Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $100. Standard processing takes 5 business days. There is also an annual report fee of $25.

State filing fee	$100
Annual report fee	$25
Standard processing	5 business days
Expedited processing	1
Publication cost	Not required

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Small Claims Court in Charleston

Small claims cases in Charleston are heard at the Magistrate Court in Kanawha County. The maximum you can sue for is $10,000. Filing fees range from $30–$100 depending on the claim amount.

Court name	Magistrate Court
Filing location	Kanawha County
Maximum claim limit	$10,000
Filing fee	$30–$100
Written contract SOL	10 years
Oral contract SOL	5 years

Full West Virginia small claims guide →

Where to File in Charleston

Kanawha County Magistrate Court

Address

111 Court St, Charleston, WV 25301

Phone

(304) 357-0499

Hours

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Official Website

www.courtswv.gov

Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.

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Filing for Divorce in Charleston

Divorce petitions in Charleston are filed at the Kanawha County courthouse. The West Virginia state filing fee is $135. Sheriff service costs $40.

Filing location	Kanawha County Courthouse
Filing fee	$135 (West Virginia state)
Sheriff service fee	$40
Children surcharge	None
Parenting class	Not required
Certified copy fee	$5

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Find a Notary in Charleston, WV

West Virginia caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act ($10 for remote online notarization). Common places to find a notary in Charleston: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.

West Virginia also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) — get documents notarized via video call from anywhere, capped at $10. Useful if you can't travel to a Charleston notary in person.

Acknowledgment fee cap	$10
Jurat fee cap	$10
RON (remote online)	$10
State fee law	Yes — fee cap enforced

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Charleston, WV?

Forming an LLC in Charleston costs $100 for the West Virginia state filing fee. The annual report fee is $25/year. This is a statewide fee — the same amount regardless of which city you're in. Use a registered agent service for privacy and compliance.

Where is the small claims court in Charleston?

Small claims cases in Charleston are filed in the Magistrate Court serving Kanawha County. Contact the Kanawha County courthouse to confirm the address, hours, and accepted payment methods before you go. The maximum claim limit is $10,000 and the filing fee is $30–$100.

How much does a notary cost in Charleston?

In Charleston, notary fees are capped at $10 per notarial act. Typical in-person fees at UPS Store or FedEx are $10–$15 per signature. Many banks offer free notary service to account holders. For RON (remote online notarization), the cap is $10.

How do I file for divorce in Charleston?

To file for divorce in Charleston, file your petition at the Kanawha County courthouse. The West Virginia base divorce filing fee is $135. You must meet West Virginia's residency requirement (typically 6+ months in the state). For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all your paperwork.

What is the small claims limit in Charleston?

The small claims limit in Charleston is $10,000 — the maximum you can sue for in Magistrate Court in West Virginia. This limit applies throughout the state regardless of city. Filing fees are $30–$100. If your claim exceeds the limit, you can reduce it to qualify for small claims or file in a higher civil court.

Where do I file small claims in Kanawha County?

Small claims cases in Kanawha County are filed at the local courthouse in Kanawha County. The West Virginia small claims court (Magistrate Court) handles all monetary disputes up to $10,000. Filing fees are $30–$100. Contact the Kanawha County court clerk for the current address, hours, and filing procedures.