Rule 16.05 - Time Standards for Civil Cases(a)Applicability. This rule governs general civil cases and does not apply to domestic relations, juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect, mental hygiene, guardianship or conservatorship, cases referred to the Mass Llitigation panel pursuant to Rule 26, extraordinary writs, appeal, declaratory judgment, and equity proceedings. (b)Pretrial Motions. An order shall be entered which sets forth a ruling on pretrial motions which require a hearing or ruling within two months of submission or on the date of trial, whichever is earlier. (c)General Civil Cases. Final judgment shall be entered in general civil cases within eighteen (18) months of the filing of the complaint. (d)Other Civil Cases. Final judgment shall be entered in other civil cases within six (6) months of the filing of the case. (e)Post-trial Motions. An order shall be entered on post-trial motions within two months of submission. (f)Civil Case Management. In order to conform with the time standards relating to civil cases, circuit courts shall comply with the provisions of W.Va. R.Civ.P. 16(b), and may, in their discretion, dismiss cases for lack of service as provided in W.Va. R.Civ.P. 4(k) and for inactivity as provided in W.Va. R.Civ.P. 41(b).W.Va. Trial. Ct. R. 16.05
By Order entered 10/9/2008, TCR 16.05(a) was amended, effective immediately.