Quick answer: West Virginia has no separate probate court — the County Commission handles it, through a Fiduciary Supervisor or Fiduciary Commissioner. Qualifying as executor or administrator commonly costs $44–$56, depending on whether there's a will. See the full picture in the West Virginia probate cost calculator.
County commission fees
| Item | Approx. fee |
|---|---|
| Qualifying as executor (with will) | ~$44–$56 |
| Qualifying as administrator (no will) | ~$44–$56 |
| Small Estate Act affidavit | A few dollars to record |
| Certified copies | A few dollars each |
Confirm the exact fee with your County Clerk's office, since it can vary.
Other administration costs
- Publication of the notice of administration — a modest newspaper cost.
- Bond — may be required unless waived by the will (§ 44-1-8); not required for a small estate unless a personal representative is appointed under a will.
- Appraisal — if real estate or a business must be valued.
- Personal representative commission & attorney fee — the real variables: the commission follows the statutory 5/4/3/2% scale (§ 44-4-12a); the attorney fee has no schedule.
Not the big cost: the county filing fee is small next to the commission and attorney fee. West Virginia has no estate or inheritance tax, so there's no death-tax layer.
Ways to keep costs down
- Small Estate Act affidavit — personal property up to $50,000, and real property (if any) up to $100,000 (W. Va. Code § 44-1A-1/2).
- Personal representative waives the commission if a family member and beneficiary.
- Ask the County Clerk for the current fee schedule so you budget the exact amount.