Ohio County Court Records

Ohio County court records include judgments, motions, affidavits, docket sheets, orders, and other items prepared, received, or maintained by local courts regarding a civil or criminal matter. These records are essential for background checks, ensure transparency in judicial proceedings, and help verify legal claims.

Are Court Records Public in Ohio County?

Yes, court records are public in Ohio County, West Virginia. Accessibility to the county's court records is governed by the West Virginia Court Rule 10.04 and the Freedom of Information Act, codified in W. Va. Code §29B-1-1 et seq. These regulations uphold the public's right to access most judicial records, and under them, anyone can obtain access to Ohio County public records, including court documents, by meeting the relevant records custodian.

However, there are some limitations to accessing Ohio court records, including:

• Juvenile Cases: Juvenile court records are only accessible to authorized individuals or entities to protect minors' privacy.
• Adoption Records: Adoption records are unavailable without a court order.
• Mental Health Commitment Records: Records relating to mental health commitments are confidential per W. Va. Code §27-5-4 (3)
• Domestic Violence Proceedings: Domestic violence cases are not open for public inspection to safeguard victims.
• Expunged and Sealed Court Case Records: West Virginia's expungement laws permit the removal of expunged and sealed records from public access.
• Medical and Sensitive Information: Documents containing sensitive personal information, such as medical data, Social Security numbers, or financial account details, may be redacted or sealed (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-4.(2)).

Ohio County Court Records Search

Generally, the search process for Ohio court records depends on the kind of court record being sought. Interested persons may use county or statewide resources to search for Ohio court records. County resources typically include the Circuit Court and County clerk's offices. Statewide options include the West Virginia Judiciary resources such as the Magistrate record search tool. While some records searches may be done online by providing case numbers, party names, or filing dates, individuals may need to visit the records offices in person to access other records.

Ohio County Courts

The Ohio County court system comprises Circuit, Magistrate, Family, and Municipal courts.

Ohio County Circuit Court

This is the highest court in the county. It oversees civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, probate matters, juvenile cases, child abuse/neglect, mental health, protective orders, and minors' guardianships.

1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3611
Fax: (304) 232-0550
1500 Chapline Street, Room 506

Ohio County Magistrate Courts

These courts conduct preliminary hearings for crimes, civil claims under $5,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and emergency domestic violence orders in Ohio County.

1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3709
Fax: (304) 234-3898

Ohio County Family Court

This court handles domestic relations matters, including divorce, child custody, support, guardianships of minors, and domestic violence protection.

1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3611
Fax: (304) 232-0550

Ohio County Municipal Courts

These courts typically handle cases related to local ordinances and other minor infractions. There are five municipal courts in Ohio County.

Bethlehem Municipal Court
7 Chapel Road
Bethlehem, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 242-4180

Triadelphia Municipal Court
4453 National Road
P.O. Box 177
Triadelphia, WV 26059
Phone: (304) 547-5000
Fax: (304) 547-5025

Valley Grove Municipal Court
8566 National Road
P.O. Box 103
Valley Grove, WV 26060
Phone: (304) 547-1550
Fax: (304) 547-1223

West Liberty Municipal Court
1006 Van Meter Way
P.O. Box 353
West Liberty, WV 26074
Phone: (304) 336-7410
Fax: (304) 336-3033

Wheeling Municipal Court
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3747

Ohio County Criminal and Civil Records

In West Virginia, criminal court cases involve the state prosecuting an individual alleged to violate criminal laws, which may result in fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions. Ohio arrest records often provide preliminary information about such cases, detailing the initial stages of criminal proceedings. Ohio criminal records typically include felony and misdemeanor case files, sentencing records, arrest warrants and preliminary hearing records, disposition records, probation violations, post-conviction motions, etc.

Civil cases typically involve disputes between non-government entities or institutions, where one party seeks claims for damages, injury, or other disputes. Civil court records typically include case records from contract disputes, property disputes, probate cases, tort actions, and family law cases.

Interested individuals may access Ohio County criminal records and civil records using county resources or statewide resources via:

• In-Person Requests: Interested persons may visit the Circuit Clerk or Magistrate Clerk's office where the case was filed and provide specific details like case number, party names, or filing dates. A nominal fee may apply (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3.(5))
• Online: An individual may search Ohio County court records using the West Virginia Magistrate Case Records Search. Inquirers must provide at least a citation number, case ID number, or last name to return a search result. This website is free.

Ohio County Marriage Records

The Ohio County Clerk's office has been the primary custodian of Ohio County marriage records since 1970. Access to Ohio County marriage records is restricted to immediate family members. However, marriage records more than 50 years old are accessible to the public. Eligible individuals may request Ohio County marriage certificates or other marriage records via:

In-Person Request: In-person requesters must provide a valid identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport) linking them to the record owner and a credit card or cash payment of $5 per requested copy. These items should be taken to the county clerk's office at:

1500 Chapline Street
Room 205
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3729
Fax: (304) 234-3829

Mail Requests: Mail requesters can prepare a written request (bearing the spouses' names prior to marriage and the date of marriage) or complete an online request form. A driver's license or other state-issued ID, a cash or money order for $5 per copy, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and proof of relationship to the record owner must accompany the request.

Marriage records older than 50 years can be searched by providing the couples' first and last names and marriage dates at:

• The West Virginia Department of Art Culture and History's Vital Records database
• The Ohio County Clerk's office
• Third-party websites

Requests for certified copies of Ohio County marriage records should be sent to the West Virginia Vital Registration Office, along with applicable fees.

Ohio County Divorce Records

Ohio County divorce records include divorce certificates, decrees, and other court case files that provide an account of a divorce proceeding. These records include the party's full names, marriage dates, divorce finalization date, the court that heard the case, judgment details, and so on. Ohio County divorce records are typically maintained by the Ohio County Circuit Court, which generally handles divorce proceedings.

Ohio County divorce records are only accessible to the divorced parties or their immediate family members. To obtain these records, one should visit the Ohio County Circuit Court clerk's office with the case parties' full names and divorce date, a valid identification, and proof of relationship at:

1500 Chapline Street (4th Floor)
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3611
Fax: (304) 232-0550

To confirm the availability of these records, one may also visit the website or call (304) 234-3613. Copying fees may apply.

Ohio County Birth Records

Ohio County birth records in West Virginia are primarily maintained by the Ohio County Clerk's office and the state's Vital Registration Office. Like other vital records in Ohio County, Ohio County birth records are restricted to family members with proof of relationship. However, anyone can access birth records for persons born 100 years ago or earlier. Certified birth records are obtainable from the state's Vital Registration Office.

A person who wants to obtain recent Ohio County birth certificates or other birth records from 1853 till date should contact the county clerk, following the exact in-person or mailing process requirements as they would for marriage records. Older records can be sought at the county clerk's office, the state's Department of Art Culture and History's Vital Records database, or on reputable third-party websites.

Birth records are essential to establish an individual's identity or verify citizenship, obtain a driver's license and ID card, and apply for certain social benefits. Additionally, they are vital for genealogical research, especially when older than 100 years and accessible to the public.

Ohio County Death Records

The Ohio County Clerk's office maintains official records of deaths that occurred in the county as far back as 1953. Per state laws, death records in Ohio County are restricted to direct relatives of the deceased, such as parents, spouses, or children. This restriction does not apply to death records over 50 years old, as they are typically available to the public.

Eligible family members may access Ohio county death records by visiting the County Clerk's office with valid identification and proof of relationship and presenting their request with a $5 per for each copy requested. Otherwise, they may mail a written request with the deceased's full name, date of death, and the county where the death occurred. This request should include the required fee of $5 per copy, a valid identification, and a return envelope, which should be sent to:

1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003

Standard identification includes a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport. Alternative documents such as vehicle insurance or registration cards, utility bills, or pay stubs can be used where these are unavailable. To obtain Ohio County-certified death records, a requester should fill out an application and forward it to the West Virginia Vital Registration Office.

Death records are instrumental in various legal and administrative processes. For instance, they are needed to claim life insurance benefits, settle estate claims, or apply for certain benefits. These records are also essential for genealogical research, as they provide vital information such as the deceased's name, age, place, and cause of death.

Ohio County Probate Court Records

Ohio County, West Virginia, does not have a designated probate court. Instead, the county clerk handles all probate issues within the county and serves as the probate judge for wills, settlements, and assessments.

Interested persons may obtain Ohio County probate records by visiting the County Clerk's office or using the Search Online Records feature on the county clerk's website. Selecting the appropriate button leads to a platform that provides access to records, including probate files and deeds. The platform allows searches using specific details such as book and page numbers. Once on the search page, users can view, zoom, or print documents. Printing incurs a fee, payable either online or in person.

Ohio County Property Records

In Ohio County, West Virginia, property records are accessible through the County Assessor's office and the County Clerk's office, each handling distinct types of records. The procedure to access these records is described below:

County Assessor's Office: The Ohio County Assessor's office manages records related to property valuation and tax purposes, including detailed property descriptions, land use, and parcel mapping. Interested persons may use the Assessor's Property Search online platform to search for property information, including ownership details, parcel numbers, and tax assessments. Results returned include the property owner's name, legal description, address, city, and parcel ID.

Alternatively, one may visit the local Assessor's office in person at:

1500 Chapline
Street 204
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 234-3626

County Clerk's Office: To access property records related to property ownership and transactions such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, interested persons should visit the County Clerk's office or its online search platform.

Property records are typically helpful for verifying legal ownership, assessing taxes and encumbrances on a property, and handling real estate transactions.

Ohio County Court Records Online

Official county-level and state-level resources are trusted ways to obtain Ohio County court Records online. However, many third-party online resources like Westvirginiacourtrecords.us provide an easier and more convenient alternative for individuals who wish to locate specific cases by party names, dates, or case numbers.

Some key advantages of using third-party websites to find Ohio court records include user-friendly interfaces that simplify searches, 24-hour accessibility without waiting for office hours, and search results from various counties and states.

However, since these platforms are not affiliated with any government agency, their records may occasionally be outdated or inaccurate.