West Virginia Family Court 101
IN THIS LESSON
This lesson explains how family court works in West Virginia and what people can generally expect when navigating it. It breaks down the role of family court compared to magistrate court and circuit court, the types of issues family court typically handles, and how decisions are made.
You’ll learn:
What family court does (and does not do)
Common types of cases handled in family court
How family court differs from magistrate and circuit court
Who the key players are (judges, attorneys, guardians, CPS, etc.)
Common misconceptions about family court
Why outcomes don’t always align with safety or fairness concerns
This lesson is designed to help people feel more informed and less overwhelmed before or during involvement with family court.
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Additional Resources
The resources below are provided for general information and education related to family court and related systems in Kanawha County and West Virginia. They are not legal advice.
West Virginia Court System
West Virginia Family Court General information about family court structure, jurisdiction, and processes. https://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/family-court
West Virginia Magistrate Court Information about protective orders and magistrate court procedures.
https://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/magistrate-courts
West Virginia Circuit Court Information about appeals and abuse and neglect proceedings.
https://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/circuit-courts
Kanawha County Court Information
Kanawha County Family Court Court location, schedules, and administrative information.
https://www.courtswv.gov/court-information-by-county/kanawha/family-court
Kanawha County Magistrate Court Protective order filings and magistrate court hearings.
https://www.courtswv.gov/court-information-by-county/kanawha/magistrate-court
Kanawha County Circuit Court Appeals and abuse and neglect case information.
https://www.courtswv.gov/court-information-by-county/kanawha/circuit-court
Court staff can assist with filing logistics but cannot provide legal advice.
Domestic Violence & Advocacy Resources
YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program (Kanawha County) Advocacy and support services for individuals impacted by domestic violence.
West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WVCADV) Statewide education, advocacy, and referral information.
Legal Information (Not Legal Advice)
Legal Aid of West Virginia Civil legal information and assistance; eligibility requirements apply.
West Virginia Legal Aid Civil legal education and assistance resources.
West Virginia State Bar – Lawyer Referral Service Referrals to private attorneys for consultation.
https://wvbar.org/public-services/lawyer-referral-service
Important Note
Accessing these resources does not require you to take any specific action. Information is shared to help people better understand available systems and supports and decide what feels appropriate for their situation.
Crisis Support
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you need immediate emotional support or help thinking through next steps, the following resources are available 24/7:
National Domestic Violence Hotline Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text: START to 88788 Website: https://www.thehotline.org Confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text: 988 Website: https://988lifeline.org Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program (Kanawha County)
Website: https://www.ywcaresolve.org Local advocacy and support services for individuals impacted by domestic violence.
Important Note: Reaching out to a crisis or support resource does not require you to take any specific action. These services are available to provide support, information, and help you think through options at your own pace.