What must I do if I'm Joseph Williams named in this notice?

File and serve an answer opposing or responding to the petition within 20 days of the first publication and consider attending the June 12, 2026 hearing.

Where and when is the final hearing?

At the Putnam County Circuit Court on June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Who can I contact to get a copy of the petition?

Obtain a copy from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Putnam County at the court's office.

Probate — 3744 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV (CC-40-2025-A-16)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Affects:HeirsGeneral PublicDefendants

A petition has been filed to adopt and change the name of minor E.W.; Joseph Williams must respond within 20 days of first publication or risk default. A final hearing is set for June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Putnam County Circuit Court.

Key Takeaways

Respondent Joseph Williams must answer within 20 days of first publication
Final hearing: June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Petition seeks adoption and legal name change of minor E.W.
Failure to respond may lead to judgment without your input

Published: May 9, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Probate
City: Hurricane
Address: 3744 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV

Case #

CC-40-2025-A-16

View full case dossier

All filings for #CC-40-2025-A-16 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If Joseph Williams does not file an answer within 20 days of the first publication, the court may enter judgment at the June 12, 2026 hearing granting the adoption and name change without his participation.

What to do next

1
Serve your answer
Serve an answer, including defenses, on Sophia Mills, Esq., Guardian Ad Litem at 3744 Teays Valley Road, Suite 207, Hurricane, WV within 20 days of first publication.
2
Obtain petition copy
Request and review the Petition for Adoption from the Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk before the hearing.
3
Attend final hearing
Appear at the Putnam County Circuit Court on June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to protect your interests.

Frequently asked questions

What must I do if I'm Joseph Williams named in this notice?: File and serve an answer opposing or responding to the petition within 20 days of the first publication and consider attending the June 12, 2026 hearing.
Where and when is the final hearing?: At the Putnam County Circuit Court on June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Who can I contact to get a copy of the petition?: Obtain a copy from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Putnam County at the court's office.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Guardian Ad Litem: A lawyer appointed to represent the best interests of a minor in court proceedings.
Petition for Adoption: A formal written request asking the court to create a legal parent-child relationship.
Final Hearing: The court session where a judge will decide the adoption after considering evidence and arguments.

Full Notice Text

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PUTNAM COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA IN RE: The Adoption Of:  E.W.  CASE NO.: CC-40-2025-A-16  The object of this suit is to obtain an adoption and to change the name of the minor child(ren), or other affirmative relief.  TO THE RESPONDENT, Joseph Williams: It is hereby ORDERED that the Respondent serve upon Sophia Mills, Esq., Guardian Ad Litem for minor child, E.W., whose address is 3744 Teays Valley Road, Suite 207, Hurricane, West Virginia, 25526, an answer, including any related counter claim or defense you may have to the Petition for Adoption and name changes filed in this action no later than 20 days after the date of the first publication thereof and do what is necessary to protect your interests. If you fail to do so, thereafter judgement, upon proper hearing, may be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. This matter shall come on for a Final Hearing on the 12th day of June, 2026, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. at which time you may appear to protect your interest, if you so desire so.  A copy of said Petition can be obtained from the undersigned Clerk at this Office.  PD: May 9, 2026-0011094128