West Virginia · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

West Virginia divorce forms and filing fees

Where to get West Virginia's official divorce forms and what filing costs: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, the filing fee, how to ask for a fee waiver and which court to file in.

Quick answer

What it costs to file in West Virginia: $135 to file a divorce petition (W. Va. Code 59-1-11); plus $30 for sheriff service or $20 for certified mail; $25 parent education fee if you have minor children. Can't afford it? Ask the Circuit Clerk for the fee waiver application; if fees are waived you also don't pay the parent education fee (WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

Filing fee
$135
Court
Family Court (file with the Circuit Clerk in your county)

Official divorce forms for West Virginia

Filing fee in West Virginia

$135 to file a divorce petition (W. Va. Code 59-1-11); plus $30 for sheriff service or $20 for certified mail; $25 parent education fee if you have minor children.

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in West Virginia

Ask the Circuit Clerk for the fee waiver application; if fees are waived you also don't pay the parent education fee (WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

Where and how to file

Court
Family Court (file with the Circuit Clerk in your county)

Filing your divorce papers in West Virginia, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (West Virginia courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Family Court (file with the Circuit Clerk in your county).

  3. Pay the filing fee

    $135 to file a divorce petition (W. Va. Code 59-1-11); plus $30 for sheriff service or $20 for certified mail; $25 parent education fee if you have minor children.

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    Ask the Circuit Clerk for the fee waiver application; if fees are waived you also don't pay the parent education fee (WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

  5. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in West Virginia

How much does it cost to file for divorce in West Virginia?

$135 to file a divorce petition (W. Va. Code 59-1-11); plus $30 for sheriff service or $20 for certified mail; $25 parent education fee if you have minor children.

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in West Virginia?

Ask the Circuit Clerk for the fee waiver application; if fees are waived you also don't pay the parent education fee (WV Divorce Packet Instructions).

Where can I get official divorce forms for West Virginia?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (West Virginia courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (West Virginia courts).

Which court handles divorce in West Virginia?

Family Court (file with the Circuit Clerk in your county)

More about divorce in West Virginia

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.