West Virginia · Contractor dispute

Contractor dispute in West Virginia small claims

Contractor didn't finish or won't refund? Sue in small claims.

When a contractor takes a deposit and disappears, leaves a job unfinished, or does work that causes damage, small claims court is often the right venue to recover your money. You do not need a lawyer. Your case rests on your contract or estimate, proof of payment, documentation of what was promised, and evidence of what was actually delivered — or not delivered.

In West Virginia, small-claims cases are heard in the Magistrate Court and you can sue for up to $20,000.

Good to know: West Virginia has no court called small claims court. Civil money cases up to $20,000 are filed in the county Magistrate Court as a civil action, started with a Civil Complaint (Form SCA-M207), under the Rules of Civil Procedure for Magistrate Courts. The $20,000 limit reflects a 2025 increase from $10,000.

Contractor dispute: steps that matter

1. Gather your written contract, estimate, or text messages showing what was agreed, and keep all receipts and payment records.
2. Document the incomplete or defective work with photos and, if possible, a written assessment from another contractor.
3. Send a written demand to the contractor stating what you are owed and a deadline to respond, and keep proof you sent it.
4. File in the court for the county where the contractor operated or where the work was done, and bring every document to the hearing.
5. If the contractor holds a license, check your state's licensing board — a complaint there may run parallel to your court case.

Filing your Civil Complaint (Form SCA-M207) in West Virginia

1. Complete the Civil Complaint (SCA-M207). Fill out the complaint completely, naming each defendant with a full name and physical address, the date the claim arose, the nature of the claim, and the relief requested.
2. File with the magistrate clerk and pay costs. File with the magistrate clerk in the county where you are suing and pay the filing fee, court costs, and service fees up front. If you cannot afford them, file an affidavit of indigency.
3. Choose and pay for a method of service. Pick how the defendant is notified: clerk certified mail ($20) or first-class mail ($5), sheriff service ($25 per defendant), or a private process server. You pay for the method you choose.
4. Wait for the answer or seek default. The defendant generally has 20 days after service to answer (30 if served on an agent). If they do not, you may file for a default judgment 21 days after service (31 if served on an agent).
5. Attend the trial. If the defendant disputes the claim, the court sets a trial; the parties may still settle. A jury trial can be requested in writing within 20 days of the answer.

Filing fees: Filing costs are statutory (W. Va. Code 50-3-1), collected in advance, and run $50 to $70 by claim amount, plus service fees (clerk certified mail $20, first-class $5, sheriff $25 per defendant). That table predates the 2025 increase of the limit to $20,000, so confirm the cost for larger claims with the clerk. A fee waiver is available via an affidavit of indigency.

Deadline that applies to your contractor dispute

A contractor dispute is typically a contract claim — you hired someone, paid them (or they want payment), and the work was not done or not done properly. The contract statute of limitations is the usual deadline to file, though some claims may also involve property damage. Confirm which category applies to your situation with the court.

Written contract: 10 years (W. Va. Code § 55-2-6)

Answering a lawsuit: 20 days after service (30 days if service is accepted by an authorized agent or attorney-in-fact); 5 days in wrongful-occupation and unlawful entry and detainer cases.

Serving the defendant: You choose and pay for service: clerk certified mail (restricted delivery) $20, clerk first-class mail $5, sheriff $25 per defendant, or a private process server. Service may also be made on a family member 16 or older at the defendant's home. If service is not completed and you take no action within 6 months, the case is dismissed without prejudice.

Appeals: Either party may appeal to the circuit court as of right within 20 days of judgment; the appeal is a trial de novo. The magistrate clerk collects a bond and the circuit court fee, and the appeal stays enforcement. Use Form SCA-M111-1P (bench trial) or SCA-M110-1P (jury verdict).

All West Virginia small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Magistrate Court applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your contractor dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.

West Virginia small-claims forms for your contractor dispute case

These forms are published by the Magistrate Court. Download and complete them before filing.

• SCA-M207 - Civil Complaint (rev. 10/01/1994): The initial document that commences a civil/small-claims action in magistrate court; the plaintiff states the claim and the relief sought.
• SCA-MI-400 - Information Sheet: Civil Case Plaintiff (rev. 06-18): Official plaintiff guide explaining filing costs, service of process options and fees, the answer/default timeline, and jury-trial election.
• SCA-M111-1P - Petition for Appeal of Bench Trial (rev. 01/01/2006): Used to appeal a magistrate court bench-trial judgment to circuit court for a trial de novo under W. Va. Code §50-5-12/13.
• SCA-M110-1P - Petition for Appeal of Jury Verdict: Used to appeal a magistrate court jury verdict to circuit court.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: West Virginia Judiciary: Magistrate Court Forms. Last reviewed 2026-06-24.