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Small claims in Preston County covers money disputes up to $20,000 and runs on simplified procedures built for people without a lawyer.
This page sets out the ceiling on claims, what the court charges, the courthouse that covers Preston County, how notice reaches the other party, the time limits, and the filing steps. Squabble can prepare and lodge the paperwork when you decide to go ahead.
These cases are heard at the single courthouse below. Preston County confirms the venue from the defendant's address or where the events happened.
Tap a courthouse to see its details in the list below.
Check the filing location first. The court's small-claims page lists where papers are taken today, and Squabble confirms it for your case as part of filing.
Preston County covers 14 ZIP codes, including the Albright, Arthurdale and Aurora areas. Preston County Circuit Clerk, in Kingwood, is the courthouse listed for Preston County.
This court takes small-claims filings on paper, in person or by mail. Squabble prepares everything so your packet arrives filing-ready.
Hearings in small claims are attended in person at the courthouse.
Evidence is copied for the judge and for the opposing side; electronic submission ahead of time is accepted at some courts.
Residents of Preston County, West Virginia, bring small claims cases through the West Virginia Magistrate Court, which handles claims up to $20,000. Filings are handled at the Preston County Circuit Clerk, located at 101 W Main St #301 in Kingwood, 26537, and the office can be reached at (304) 329-0047. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and is closed Saturday and Sunday. Electronic filing is not available, so paperwork is submitted in person at the courthouse. The county has a population of 34,055 and covers communities including Albright, Arthurdale, Aurora, Bruceton Mills, Masontown, Newburg, Reedsville, Rowlesburg, Terra Alta, and Tunnelton, along with ZIP codes such as 26374, 26410, 26425, 26519, 26525, and 26547. Preston County lies near Taylor County, Monongalia County, and Tucker County. Additional information about the court is posted at http://www.courtswv.gov/node/32746.
Preston County covers these 14 towns and cities:
Albright, Arthurdale, Aurora, Bretz, Bruceton Mills, Eglon, Independence, Kingwood, Masontown, Newburg, Reedsville, Rowlesburg, Terra Alta, Tunnelton.
ZIP codes:
Preston County is the 15th most populous of West Virginia's 55 counties, with about 34,055 residents.
Counties nearest to this one:
Small claims is the court's track for everyday money disputes: simplified rules, and limits on how much you can sue for.
Maximum claim
Filing is generally possible in the county of the events or the county of the defendant.
Courts do not allow one dispute to be filed as several in order to beat the maximum.
The court decides who pays whom and how much. Anything beyond money goes to a higher court.
West Virginia allows attorneys at the hearing, but none is required. The procedures are designed for self-representation.
Under-18s are represented by a guardian the court appoints.
Over the limit? Claims over the cap can go two ways: cut to the limit and stay, or move to regular civil court at full value. Cutting it normally waives the excess.
These are the limits for Preston County, population about 34,055. They are the same across all 14 Preston County ZIP codes, from 26374 onward.
If someone owes you money, up to $20,000, small claims is built for it. These are the disputes residents bring most often.
Preston County takes in Albright, Arthurdale and Aurora and the rest of the county. Preston County Circuit Clerk is the Preston County courthouse listed below.
It's built to be navigable without a lawyer. Here's the shape of a case from start to finish.
Set out the claim on the court's form, identify the correct courthouse, and pay the fee.
Papers are delivered to the defendant, who may answer them or settle the matter first.
Expect a brief session rather than a trial, in person or by video where available, with a decision at the end or soon after.
Everything below applies to a case filed in Preston County, at the Kingwood courthouse. Preston County Circuit Clerk lists (304) 329-0047 as its number.
After you file, the other party must be formally notified. This is called service of process. You generally cannot serve the papers yourself.
The options usually include a sheriff or constable, a licensed process server, certified mail sent by the clerk, or any adult with no stake in the case. What is allowed, and what it costs, differs from county to county.
Courts set their own cut-off for how many days before the hearing notice must land. The clerk gives you that date along with the hearing date.
The person who delivered the papers signs a proof of service. That document goes to the court ahead of the hearing.
Service is where many self-filed cases stall. Squabble can coordinate professional Service of Process so it's done correctly and on time.
Addresses in Preston County include places such as Albright, Arthurdale and Aurora. Taylor County and Monongalia County are the counties nearest to Preston County.
Claims do not stay open indefinitely. Time runs from the events themselves, and a filing made afterwards may be shut out.
| Type of claim | Filing deadline |
|---|---|
| Written contract | 10 years |
| Oral contract | 5 years |
| Property damage | 2 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
Preston County, population about 34,055, is covered by the table above. They do not change from one Preston County ZIP code to another, 26374 included.
In West Virginia, prejudgment interest follows a statutory formula rather than a fixed rate (W. Va. Code §56-6-31).
Want to estimate what interest adds to your claim? Use the Squabble interest calculator to see the running total before you file.
It is the same rate across all 14 Preston County ZIP codes. Preston County is under the same state rate as nearby Taylor County and Monongalia County.
Check that the amount is within the limit and that you're inside the statute of limitations for your claim type.
Get the defendant's legal name right, set out the events, and break down how the figure is reached.
File with the Preston County small-claims court on paper, by mail or at the counter, and pay the $25–$50 fee (or request a waiver if you qualify).
Arrange service once your hearing date is set and file the proof of service with the court.
Arrange your evidence and number the exhibits so nothing has to be searched for on the day.
Attend, in the courtroom or by video where the court allows it, put your case, and hear the ruling.
Tell Eleanor what happened and Squabble builds the filing, Triple-Checks™ it for administrative and jurisdictional accuracy, and files it on your behalf.
Start for FREE →Claim form starts the case · Proof of service shows the defendant was notified · Fee waiver if you qualify. Exact form names vary by court; Squabble prepares the right ones for your courthouse.
Preston County takes in filings from 14 ZIP codes, 26374 first in the list. Preston County has a population of about 34,055.
Small claims hearings are short and informal, and the judge asks questions directly. Most people present their own case.
Preston County Circuit Clerk sits at the 26537 address shown above. Albright, Arthurdale and Aurora are among the Preston County places a hearing can draw parties from.
A judgment says what is owed. Getting hold of the money is the next stage, and the enforcement options open to you depend on the state.
Wage garnishment, where the state permits it, sends part of the debtor's pay toward the judgment.
Funds can be collected directly from the debtor's bank account through a court-ordered levy.
Recording the judgment locally can place a lien against real property in the debtor's name.
You may also apply for an order compelling the debtor to attend and disclose income and assets on oath. Interest generally continues at the rate the state sets until the debt is met.
Albright, Arthurdale and Aurora are among the Preston County places a judgment debtor may live in. Taylor County and Monongalia County are the counties nearest to Preston County.
Information reviewed August 2026. Courts change fees, limits and procedures, so check the current details before filing.
Talk with Eleanor about what happened. Squabble prepares your demand letter and court-ready documents, Triple-Checks them for administrative and jurisdictional accuracy, and files your Preston County case for you.
