Where to file bankruptcy in West Virginia
Which West Virginia court you file in, its divisions and phone, and what happens after you file.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The Southern District covers Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming counties; all other counties are in the Northern District.
- Federal bankruptcy courts
- 2
- Courts
- Southern District and Northern District
Which court you file in, in West Virginia
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The Southern District covers Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming counties; all other counties are in the Northern District.
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408; 28 U.S.C. 129
Divisions: Charleston (only staffed office); court also held at Beckley, Bluefield, Huntington, Lewisburg and Parkersburg
Clerk's phone: 304-347-3003
Divisions: Wheeling and Clarksburg offices; court also held at Elkins, Fairmont and Martinsburg
Clerk's phone: 304-233-1655
In nearby states
- Virginia: Eastern District and Western District
- Ohio: Northern District and Southern District
- District of Columbia: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia
Your next steps in West Virginia
Find your district
Your district depends on where you lived most of the last 180 days.
Visit the court's website
Each court lists its divisions, hours and local rules: Southern District and Northern District.
Get your counseling certificate
You need the certificate when you file. U.S. Trustee list of approved credit counseling agencies.
Fill in the forms
Download the official bankruptcy forms.
Ask for free help
Ask for free help: Legal Aid of West Virginia (free civil legal help for people who qualify).
Free help in West Virginia
Questions about filing in West Virginia
Which bankruptcy court do I use in West Virginia?
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. The Southern District covers Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming counties; all other counties are in the Northern District.
What are the West Virginia means test numbers?
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $63,908; 2 people: $68,592; 3 people: $92,050; 4 people: $93,672; Each extra person: +$11,100.
Who helps with bankruptcy for free in West Virginia?
Legal Aid of West Virginia (free civil legal help for people who qualify).