Hancock County Court Records

Hancock County court records are documents filed with local court clerks that detail the proceedings and outcomes of legal cases in the county. Like all other West Virginia court records, these records include diverse information such as case numbers, parties' names, charges, court dates, judgments, and sentencing details. They are useful for maintaining the judicial system's transparency and accountability.

Are Court Records Public in Hancock County?

Yes. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Law (FOIA) (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.) governs all Hancock County public records, including court records. According to the FOIA, every member of the public has a right to examine or copy a court record in the custody of a Hancock County court. However, access to court records is not without limitations. The FOIA and other laws restrict access to the following court records for privacy and safety reasons:

• Certain family court records, such as adoption records, child abuse and neglect records
• Sensitive personal identifiers like social security numbers, full dates of birth, and financial account numbers
• Mental health evaluation records
• Juvenile records
• Court records sealed by court order

Hancock County Court Records Search

Individuals can generally access Hancock County court records in any of these ways:

• Contacting the Hancock County Clerk of Court
• Searching court databases online
• Utilizing third-party platforms

Hancock County Courts

Hancock County is in West Virginia's First Judicial Circuit, which consists of several courts, including the circuit, family, and magistrate courts. These courts handle all legal matters in the county. The following are the addresses of the courthouses in the county:

Hancock County Courthouse (houses the Circuit and Family Courts)
102 North Court Street
P.O. Box 428
New Cumberland, WV 26047
Phone: (304) 564-3311

Hancock County Magistrate Court
9000 North Chester Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
Phone: (304) 564-3880

Weirton Municipal Court
200 Municipal Plaza
Weirton, WV 26062
Phone: (304) 797-8500

Hancock County Criminal and Civil Records

Hancock County criminal records document local criminal proceedings, while civil records cover non-criminal legal matters like property disputes, contract breaches, and family issues. Criminal records and civil court records are primarily maintained by the Hancock County Circuit Clerk.

Individuals seeking to access criminal or civil court records may visit the circuit clerk’s Office at the Hancock County Courthouse. The clerk or attending personnel may require certain information, such as a name or case number, to enable them to search records. Inquirers may be allowed to inspect records for free; however, obtaining photocopies of court records costs $1 per page. As fees are subject to change without notice, individuals may contact the clerk's office via phone to confirm current rates. Criminal and civil court records can also be accessed on the Circuit Clerk’s Record Search portal.

Hancock County Marriage Records

The county clerk's office is directly responsible for maintaining and issuing certified copies of Hancock County vital records (marriage, birth, and death records).

Individuals can obtain a Hancock County marriage certificate at the county clerk’s office or by submitting the Vital Record Request Form via mail. A mail-in request must include a copy of the requester’s ID (driver’s license or state ID) and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of the record. The clerk's mailing address is

Hancock County Clerk
P.O. Box 367
New Cumberland, WV 26047

Requesters should ensure that all details they provide when requesting Hancock County marriage records are accurate, as making a false vital record request is a felony under state law (W. Va. Code § 16-5-38). The fee for obtaining a Hancock County marriage certificate is $5.

Hancock County Divorce Records

Divorce records detail proceedings regarding the termination of a marriage. The circuit clerk maintains all records on divorce proceedings in Hancock County. These records can be obtained at the clerk's office for a fee. Divorce records can also be accessed online on the clerk’s Record Search page.

Hancock County Birth Records

Birth records document a person's birth and typically include the registrant's (child's) name, the date and place of birth, and parent information. These records are considered vital records and are maintained by the county clerk’s office in Hancock. Per West Virginia Law (W. Va. Code § 16-5-27), Hancock County birth records are not public for 100 years after creation and, during that time, are limited to the following persons:

• The individual named on the record
• Parents or legal guardians
• Legal representatives
• Individuals with a court order

Individuals can request a Hancock County birth certificate at the county clerk's office. Alternatively, a completed Vital Record Request Form may be mailed to the office, along with a valid ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The fee for a certified birth record is $5.

Hancock County Death Records

The county clerk maintains Hancock County death records. These records are useful for life insurance claims and estate proceedings. However, they are confidential for 50 years after creation, after which they become available for genealogical purposes. During the 50-year period, certified copies can only be obtained by the following parties:

• A family member or legal representative
• Individuals with a legal interest or a court order
• Government agencies for an official purpose

In Hancock, the application process and fees for death certificates are the same as those for birth records. A death certificate can be obtained from the county clerk’s office or by submitting the Vital Record Request Form.

Hancock County Probate Court Records

Cases heard by the probate court in Hancock County involve the administration of a deceased person's estate, guardianships, and conservatorships. In the county, probate records are primarily maintained by the county clerk, while records of formal probate matters, especially contested cases, are maintained by the circuit court clerk.

Individuals can obtain probate records by visiting the county or circuit clerk’s office during business hours. Obtaining a copy of a probate record may attract a fee.

Hancock County Property Records

The Hancock County Clerk’s Office is responsible for filing and maintaining official property records, which include information on property ownership, transfers, liens, and other land-related transactions. These records can be accessed at the county clerk’s office or through the office's Online Services portal. For property valuation and assessment details, individuals can access the Hancock County Assessor’s Property Record Search page.

Hancock County Court Records Online

Researchers seeking an online alternative to official court channels for accessing Hancock court records may utilize third-party websites like Westvirginiacourtrecords.us. Third-party websites offer users the convenience of searching for court records remotely without going to a physical location. Users generally only need to have a person's name or case number on the record to begin a search. Searches may be free or require payment. However, in most cases, payment is required to access detailed information.

Third-party websites are an alternative but not a replacement for official sources. Certified copies of court records can only be obtained from official sources.