Judge Jim Douglas for West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals
Family Court Judge
A Lifetime of Service to West Virginia Families
For nearly 50 years, I’ve served West Virginia families — as a family law attorney and Family Court Judge — helping parents, grandparents, and children navigate life’s most difficult moments.
West Virginia Roots
Raised in rural Clay County, shaped by hard work and community values.
Nearly 50 Years in Family Law
Practiced in courtrooms across 44 of West Virginia’s 55 counties.
Family Court Judge Since 2017
Serving families in Kanawha County with fairness and compassion.
Appellate Experience
Argued over 30 cases before the WV Supreme Court of Appeals.
Why I’m Running for the Intermediate Court of Appeals
The Intermediate Court of Appeals now hears nearly all appeals from Family Court cases — decisions that directly affect children and families. These cases deserve review by judges who understand family law, not judges learning it on the job. After decades representing families and more than nine years on the Family Court bench, I believe experience matters when families are counting on the courts.
Protecting Children and Upholding the Law
Judge Douglas believes that protecting children and following the law are fundamental responsibilities of the court.
West Virginia law already requires childhood immunizations for school entry under WV Code §16-3-4. In family court cases involving parenting plans, Judge Douglas supports including compliance with these existing vaccination requirements as a standard provision — because the law exists to protect children’s health and safety.
As a judge, his role is not to make public health policy, but to apply the law as written and ensure that court orders reflect existing legal requirements designed to protect children.
This has been Judge Douglas’s position throughout his time on the bench, and it remains his position today: when the law is clear and children’s safety is at stake, the court should not look the other way.
Putting Families First in the Courtroom
Court decisions are not just legal rulings — they affect whether children are supported, grandparents can stay connected, and families can move forward. Judge Douglas has spent his career working to ensure fairness and accountability in family court.
“When the law is clear and children’s safety is at stake, the court has a duty to apply the law — not ignore it.”
in child support recovered for children during Judge Douglas’s tenure
In the News & Commentary
Why I’m Running – an Interview with Judge Jim Douglas on The Dave Allen Show from 1/9/26
Why I'm Running - InterviewListen below to the Metro News interview with Judge Jim Douglas on The Dave Allen Show from January 9, 2026.
Tina v. Paul (West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, 2005)
In this landmark 2005 case, Jim Douglas represented an unpopular and difficult cause when no other attorney would take the case — and ultimately prevailed before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Family Judge: Parenting Plans Must Include Immunizations
As a Family Court Judge, Jim Douglas has supported including existing vaccination requirements in parenting plans when required by West Virginia law.
Support Our Campaign
Your support helps us reach voters across West Virginia and share the importance of experienced leadership on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Contributions by individuals not in excess of $2600.00 may also be mailed to Douglas Fam Law Experience 4 ICA at 4401 Kanawha Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Please disregard if you are a public employee of the State of West Virginia or its political subdivisions.
