West Virginia Small Estate Affidavit Checker

Until mid-2025, this affidavit could reach a $100,000 house too — a law change that summer closed that door for good.

W. Va. Code §44-1A-1 to 44-1A-4 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

Does this West Virginia estate qualify?

Enter the personal property value to see whether the affidavit likely fits.

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Likely path for this West Virginia estate
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How do I actually file? →
Facing probate in West Virginia?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

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A 2025 law change closed the door on real property

Stale sources still describe the old $100,000 rule

Because the Act's own definitions section was never fully updated to match, some guides and even some county websites still describe the old, now-superseded $100,000 real property allowance — worth double-checking the date on anything citing that figure.

A house now needs probate, or a non-probate route entirely

With the affidavit no longer reaching real property at any value, a house instead needs full probate, or a route that avoids probate altogether, such as a recorded Transfer on Death deed or joint tenancy with survivorship.

Two different waiting periods, depending on who's filing

30 days after death if the successor is the personal representative or executor nominated in the will; 60 days after death if the successor is not the nominated executor, or if the decedent died intestate.

A genuine review, with room for objection

The clerk of the county commission, or the fiduciary supervisor, reviews and records the affidavit — but any interested person can file a written objection within 30 days of the clerk mailing out copies, which can send the matter to a fiduciary commissioner and require full probate instead.

West Virginia small estate — frequently asked questions

What is West Virginia's small estate affidavit threshold?

$50,000 in personal property, under the West Virginia Small Estate Act (Chapter 44, Article 1A) — but only if the decedent owned no real property or interest in real property at all.

Did the Act used to allow real property too?

Yes — from 2021 to 2025, the Act also let real property up to $100,000 qualify through the same recorded affidavit, but that provision was removed by a 2025 law (HB 2867), effective July 9, 2025.

So how does a house get transferred now?

Through full probate, or through a non-probate route like a recorded Transfer on Death deed or joint tenancy with survivorship — the small estate affidavit itself no longer reaches real property at any value.

How long is the waiting period, and does it vary?

30 days after death if the successor is the personal representative or executor nominated in the will; 60 days after death if the successor is not the nominated executor, or if the decedent died intestate.

Is the affidavit reviewed by anyone before it takes effect?

Yes — the clerk of the county commission, or the fiduciary supervisor, reviews and records it, and any interested person can file a written objection within 30 days, which can send the matter to a fiduciary commissioner and require full probate instead.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on W. Va. Code §44-1A-1 to 44-1A-4, as amended by 2025 HB 2867. Actual eligibility depends on the estate's full facts. Confirm with the county clerk's office or a licensed West Virginia attorney before acting.