West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure for the Magistrate Courts – 2026
The Rules of Civil Procedure for the Magistrate Courts of West Virginia, which hear civil claims up to $10,000 and, as small-claims courts, the informal civil docket. Coverage runs from application of the rules, through commencement, service, pleadings, discovery and trial, to judgment, appeal to circuit court and family violence contempt bonds.
Browse all 26 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Application of rules
Rule 2
Complaint
Rule 3
Service of process
Rule 4
Answer
Rule 5
Counterclaim and cross-claim
Rule 6
Third-party complaint
Rule 6A
Election of jury trial
Rule 7
Amended and supplemental pleadings
Rule 8
Service of pleadings, motions and other papers
Rule 9
Filing of pleadings, motions and other papers
Rule 10
Default judgment
Rule 11
Notice of trial and pretrial hearings
Rule 12
Pretrial motions
Rule 13
Discovery
Rule 14
Subpoenas
Rule 15
Dismissal
Rule 15A
Consolidation and separate trials
Rule 16
Trial
Rule 17
Setting aside judgment
Rule 18
Appeal to circuit court
Rule 18A
Stay of execution of judgment
Rule 19
Harmless error
Rule 20
Time
Rule 21
Clerical mistakes
Rule 22
Waiver of fees and costs for indigents
Rule 23
Family violence contempt bond