Legal Aid of West Virginia
Last updated August 2026
Legal Aid of West Virginia provides free civil legal help across the whole state. You reach it through the central helpline at 1-866-255-4370, or you can apply for help online at legalaidwv.org.
The work covers the problems that hit hardest. That includes housing and eviction, public benefits like food, cash, and health coverage, family law and domestic violence, employment and unemployment, education advocacy, and disaster relief.
Help is free, but not for everyone. Eligibility is income-based and statewide, and the details live on the organization's Eligibility page. It costs nothing to call and ask whether you qualify.
Here is the eviction fact many renters get wrong. In West Virginia, a landlord does not have to give you an advance written notice, like a 5-day or 14-day pay-or-quit notice, before filing an eviction for nonpayment. The landlord can file a Wrongful Occupation case in magistrate court right away.
That makes the calendar tight. A magistrate court eviction hearing is held no more than ten days after the landlord starts the case, and the papers are sometimes served only a day or two before the hearing. If you get served, call the helpline that day, not next week.
You do have some rights inside the process. If the case involves more than $2,500, you can ask to move it to circuit court, though extra fees apply. You can also request a jury trial, in writing, before the hearing. A Legal Aid advocate can explain which choice fits your situation.
Phone 1-866-255-4370
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income West Virginia residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; income guidelines apply and are checked at intake
- Housing and eviction cases move on court deadlines, so call as early as you can once you get a notice or a court date
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call the helpline at 1-866-255-4370, or apply online at legalaidwv.org.
- 2
If you were served eviction papers, call the same day, since the hearing can be within ten days.
- 3
Have your documents ready, such as your lease, notices, and any court papers.
- 4
Ask whether your income qualifies you for free help.
- 5
Ask an advocate about moving a case over $2,500 to circuit court or requesting a jury trial.
What to have ready
- Any court papers or notices you have received
- Your lease and proof of what you have paid
- Proof of your income. The office confirms what else it needs.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get help?
Call the helpline at 1-866-255-4370 or apply online at legalaidwv.org. Help is free and statewide, based on income.
Does my landlord have to warn me before an eviction?
For nonpayment, no. A West Virginia landlord can file a Wrongful Occupation case in magistrate court without an advance pay-or-quit notice.
How fast is an eviction hearing?
A magistrate court hearing is held no more than ten days after the landlord files, and papers may be served only a day or two ahead. Call the helpline right away.
What kinds of cases does Legal Aid take?
Housing and eviction, public benefits, family law and domestic violence, employment, education, and disaster relief.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all West Virginia programs →Free · Private · No account needed