Quick answer: the county commission functions as the probate court, but a fiduciary supervisor or fiduciary commissioner handles most routine steps administratively, without a judge's involvement. Run your own numbers in the West Virginia probate real estate sale calculator.
Administered by a clerk and a fiduciary supervisor
A dollar threshold for closer review
An appraisement of $200,000 or less generally settles without a referral to the fiduciary commissioner, with the fiduciary commissioner's own fee capped at $300 plus expenses when a referral does happen — a genuinely modest cost for that extra layer of review.
One track, not two
Unlike many states, West Virginia does not distinguish between "informal" and "formal" probate tracks — it follows its own single statutory framework under Chapter 44 of the West Virginia Code, rather than the Uniform Probate Code's two-track system.
The will can change how the fee itself works
A testator can displace the entire statutory commission schedule by express language in the will, and the county commission can reduce the commission for unfaithful performance or increase it for extraordinary services.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Each of West Virginia's 55 counties runs its own clerk's office and fiduciary supervisor, but Chapter 44 of the West Virginia Code applies identically statewide.