Putnam County Court Records

Putnam County court records refer to all formal documents the local court system handles. These files include written or printed materials, electronic data, photographs, and other files created during legal proceedings (West Virginia Code § 57-1). Putnam court records serve as official documentation of legal matters, contributing to transparency and accountability in the county's judicial system. They also provide insight into the legal process, helping the public understand how the courts function and ensuring that legal cases are handled fairly.

West Virginia court records from Putnam County typically include docket information, trial exhibits, pleadings, orders, indictments, motions, and summonses. These materials document civil, criminal, and family court cases, providing crucial details on the proceedings and decisions made by the court.

Are Court Records Public in Putnam County?

Yes. West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1 et seq. establishes the public's right to access records from government agencies, including courts. It ensures that Putnam County public records are open for inspection and copying, with some exceptions to protect sensitive information. Under this law, "public record" refers to any documents prepared, owned, or retained by a public body that contain details relating to the conduct of the public's business. This includes documents, recordings, and electronic data.

However, certain records are exempt from disclosure under § 29B-1-4, including:

• Records related to national security or public safety
• Personal privacy information (e.g., medical, personnel files)
• Investigatory records for law enforcement purposes
• Information that could lead to an unfair advantage in public contracts

Putnam County Court Records Search

Members of the public can perform a Putnam County court records search at the following places:

• A court clerk's office.
• The originating courthouse (i.e., where a case was filed).
• An electronic portal provided by the court.
• A third-party public records website.

Putnam County Courts

The Putnam County court network includes Circuit, Magistrate, Family, and Municipal Courts. Below are all eight county courthouse locations:

Putnam County Circuit Court
Putnam County Judicial Building
12093 Winfield Road
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0203

Putnam County Magistrate Court
Putnam County Judicial Building
12093 Winfield Road, Suite 15
Winfield, WV 25213-7907
Phone: (304) 586-0234

Putnam County Family Court
Putnam County Judicial Building
12093 Winfield Road
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-0242

Bancroft Municipal Court
14 B Main Str, P.O. Box 58
Bancroft, WV 25011
Phone: (304) 586-1227

Eleanor Municipal Court
201 Ash Circle, P.O. Box 185
Eleanor, WV 25070
Phone: (304) 586-1200

Hurricane Municipal Court
3255 Teays Valley Road, P.O. Box 1086
Hurricane, WV 25526
Phone: (304) 562-5896

Poca Municipal Court
P.O. Box 586
Poca, WV 25159
Phone: (304) 755-5482

Winfield Municipal Court
1 Main Street, P.O. Box 596
Winfield, WV 25213
Phone: (304) 586-2122

Putnam County Criminal Records

Per the West Virginia State Police, Putnam County criminal history (Putnam arrest records included) and background checks are processed by a government-approved third-party provider (West Virginia Code 15-2-24(d)). All relevant information, including steps for accessing Putnam County arrest records, can be found on the dedicated Criminal Records Check page. To access Putnam criminal records, interested parties may visit the page or call the toll-free number (855) 766-7746 for guidance.

Get Putnam County Civil Court Records

Putnam County civil court cases are handled by both the Circuit Court and the Magistrate Court, depending on the nature of the case. The Circuit Court manages civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $10,000. Other common civil cases dealt with by the Circuit Court include torts, contract disputes, condemnation cases, and foreign judgments. Circuit Courts also handle complex civil cases such as divorces, paternity suits, and guardianship appointments. Magistrate Courts, on the other hand, have jurisdiction over civil matters involving disputes up to $10,000.

The first step in accessing county civil court records is determining which court handled the case. Records requesters can use the court's E-File system for Circuit Court cases. This web-based platform allows registered users to retrieve public civil case records electronically. To access records, individuals need to sign up on the platform and follow the prompts. For further inquiries or help with physical records requests, individuals can contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (304) 586-0203.

The Magistrate Record Search portal is available remotely for Magistrate Court civil case records. Users can search by filling in the key fields such as the case I.D., party name, or defendant information, then click submit to view public records.

Putnam County Marriage Records

According to West Virginia Code §16-5-27, only marriage records over fifty years old are publicly accessible. For records such Putnam County marriage certificates within the fifty-year period, access is restricted to specific individuals:

• The subjects of the record
• Their adult children
• Grandchildren
• Great-grandchildren
• legal guardians or authorized representatives.

Eligible individuals seeking marriage records can contact the custodian, which is the Putnam County Clerk's Office, for details on the request process and associated fees. The office can be reached at (304) 586-0202. Interested parties who prefer in-person requests for Putnam County vital records can alternatively make physical queries at the office located:

12093 Winfield Rd.
Suite 3, Winfield, WV 25213.

For physical queries, it is recommended that records requesters go along with a valid, government-issued I.D. to prove eligibility if requesting restricted marriage records.

Putnam County Divorce Records

Putnam County divorce records are only publicly accessible if the sought records(s) are over fifty years old (West Virginia Code §16-5-27). Divorce documents within the fifty-year period have access restricted to specific individuals:

• The subjects of the record
• Their adult children
• Grandchildren
• Great-grandchildren
• legal guardians or authorized representatives.

Eligible individuals seeking county divorce records can contact the records custodian, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, for information on the request process and any applicable fees. The office can be reached at (304) 586-0202. Parties that prefer in-person inquiries can make queries at the Putnam County Clerk's Office:

12093 Winfield Rd.
Suite 3, Winfield, WV 25213.

When making physical requests, it is recommended that requesters bring a valid government-issued I.D. to confirm eligibility.

Putnam County Birth and Death Records

Putnam County birth records and death records are accessible under the guidelines of West Virginia Code §16-5-27. Birth records become publicly accessible 100 years after the date of birth, and death records are available after 50 years. However, the release of Social Security numbers listed on the death certificates and birth reports is not restricted by law during these periods. Within these timeframes, birth and death records access is limited to only the record subject (applicable to birth records), their adult children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, legal guardians, or authorized legal representatives.

Eligible individuals seeking these records (Putnam County birth certificate/death certificate) can contact the records custodian, which is the County Clerk's Office, for information on the request process and associated fees. The office can be reached at (304) 586-0202. Parties that prefer in-person requests can visit the Clerk's Office at:

12093 Winfield Rd.
Suite 3, Winfield, WV 25213.

For physical queries, it is recommended that requesters bring a valid government-issued I.D. to confirm eligibility.

Birth and death records are important for various legal, genealogical, and personal reasons. These files provide proof of identity, citizenship, and family relationships and are often required for legal proceedings, estate settlements, and government benefits.

Putnam County Probate Court Records

Putnam County probate court records involve legal proceedings concerning the administration of estates, wills, and guardianships. These records are crucial for settling a deceased person's estate, appointing guardians for minors, or managing the affairs of individuals deemed unable to care for themselves. Probate cases may also involve resolving disputes over the distribution of assets and handling claims from creditors.

The Circuit Court handles probate matters. To access probate records, interested parties should contact the Putnam County Commission at (304) 586-0201. For in-person inquiries, individuals can visit the office:

12093 Winfield Rd,
Winfield, WV 25213.

Putnam County Property Records

Putnam County property records reveal land ownership, property boundaries, tax assessments, and transactions such as sales, transfers, and mortgages. These files also show information about property improvements, zoning classifications, and any liens or encumbrances on a parcel. Property records are crucial for verifying ownership, determining property value, and resolving disputes over land or boundaries.

To access county property information, interested parties should visit the County Clerk's website and select either "Property Check" or "Putnam WV Parcel Viewer," depending on the nature of the search. Users should then follow the prompts to access relevant property details. For any questions or further information, contact the County Assessor's Office at (304) 586-0206.

Putnam County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like westvirginiacourtrecords.us offer an easy way to access Putnam County court records remotely, eliminating the need for in-person courthouse visits. This site provides easy access to records for civil, criminal, and probate cases, with the key benefits being convenience and time savings, often supported by advanced search tools.

However, potential drawbacks include fees for obtaining full documents, incomplete or outdated data, and limited access to sensitive records. Since third-party platforms may not ensure accuracy or official status, verifying information with official sources is advised.