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Legal Information: West Virginia

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 8, 2023

Step 1. Go to the courthouse.

Go to the magistrate in the county where you live, where the abuser lives, or where the abuse happened - whichever is most safe and easy for you. See the WV Courthouse Locations page to find a courthouse near you.

It is sometimes helpful to bring the following information about the abuser to court with you, if you have it and can get to it safely:

  • a photo
  • addresses of residence and employment
  • phone numbers
  • a description and plate number of the abuser’s car and
  • history of drugs or gun ownership.

Remember to bring some form of identification (a driver’s license or other identification that includes your picture) to show to the clerk who will notarize your petition.