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INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS
ABOUT THE COURT

The Intermediate Court of Appeals of West Virginia was signed into law on April 9, 2021, and officially opened on July 1, 2022.

Pursuant to Chapter 51, Article 11, Section 4 of the West Virginia Code, the ICA’s jurisdiction includes appeals of final orders or judgments in the following areas:

  • Civil;
  • Family (including 50/50 custody interlocutory appeals);
  • Worker’s Compensation Board of Review;
  • Administrative; and
  • Guardianship/Conservatorship

The first three judges to serve on the Intermediate Court of Appeals were appointed by the Governor: Judge Daniel W. Greear, Judge Thomas E. Scarr, and Judge Charles O. Lorensen. The three judges are elected in nonpartisan elections to ten-year terms. Judges must have practiced law for at least ten years. The Chief Judge is chosen by members of the Court and serves a one-year term. 

Oral arguments before the ICA are granted at the judges’ discretion, although a written decision on the merits will be issued in each appeal that is properly filed and within the jurisdiction of the Court. If granted, oral argument will be available in person at the Court’s primary location in Charleston, or virtually via the five following satellite courtroom locations:

  • Petersburg, Grant County;
  • Weston, Lewis County;
  • Berkeley Springs, Morgan County;
  • Beckley, Raleigh County; and
  • New Martinsville, Wetzel County.

All ICA opinions, orders, or decisions are binding precedent for the decisions of all circuit courts, family courts, magistrate courts, and state administrative agencies unless overruled or modified by the Supreme Court of Appeals.

STATISTICAL REPORTS

The Office of the Clerk compiles an annual statistical report that covers case filings, dispositions, and other measures of interest to those who follow the Intermediate Court. Reports for the following years are available:

2022-2023
2022 Caseload Quick Reference Facts