Updated May 2026 West Virginia
West Virginia Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)
Exact filing fees for the Magistrate Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$30–$100
Filing Fee Range
$10,000
Court Limit
✗
E-Filing Available
Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator
Enter your claim amount and state to estimate the court filing fee.
$
Estimated Filing Fee
Court Name
E-Filing Available
· Filing fee:
How to File → West Virginia Small Claims Filing Fees Explained
To file a small claims case in the Magistrate Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In West Virginia, filing fees are $30–$100 depending on the amount of your claim.
0West Virginia Magistrate Courts handle small claims with relatively modest fees.
Tip
West Virginia has a 10-year statute of limitations on written contracts — very plaintiff-friendly.You can recover the filing fee
If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.Fee waiver available
Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. West Virginia courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in West Virginia?
The small claims filing fee in West Virginia is $30–$100. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.
What is the small claims filing fee in West Virginia?
The fee to start a small claims case in West Virginia is $30–$100. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.
Can I file small claims online in West Virginia?
E-filing availability varies by county in West Virginia. Contact your local Magistrate Court clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.
How do I waive the filing fee in West Virginia small claims?
If you cannot afford the $30–$100 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most West Virginia courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our West Virginia small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.
What court handles small claims in West Virginia?
Small claims cases in West Virginia are handled by the Magistrate Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.
Also See for West Virginia
West Virginia Small Claims Limit
Maximum you can sue for: $10,000
How to File in West Virginia
Step-by-step West Virginia filing guide
West Virginia Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in West Virginia?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in West Virginia
Enforce your judgment after winning
Trusted by millions
Know the Fee — Now Prepare Your West Virginia Filing
LegalZoom helps you draft a demand letter and small claims filing documents — reviewed by attorneys. Most cases settle after a proper written demand.
★★★★☆41M+ customers