Quick answer: the deadline that shapes the whole schedule is the 60-day creditor window under § 44-3A-4 — but the personal representative's own liability shield doesn't kick in until 12 months. See the full West Virginia probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.
The core deadlines, in order
| Deadline | West Virginia rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Notice to creditors published | Class II legal advertisement | § 44-3A-4 |
| Creditor claim window | 60 days from first publication, to exhibit claims to the fiduciary | § 44-3A-4 |
| Single-beneficiary shortcut window | 60 days to object, or fiduciary commissioner reference is skipped | § 44-1-14a |
| PR's liability shield for paying debts | 12 months from qualification (absent notice of a superior claim) | W. Va. Code § 44-3A |
| Fiduciary commissioner's claims report, if referred | Within 10 months of qualification | § 44-3A-17 |
| Objection period on proposed settlement | 30 days from notice | § 44-3A-19(f) |
| County Commission final approval | Not more than 15 days after publication | § 44-3A-19(g) |
A liability shield with its own clock
Worth understanding clearly: West Virginia law protects a personal representative who, after 12 months from their qualification, pays a debt of the decedent — they aren't personally liable for a different debt of equal or superior dignity, whether on record or not, unless they had notice of that other debt before making the payment. This 12-month marker is one reason many West Virginia estates aren't finally distributed until close to a year out, even when the 60-day creditor window closed months earlier.
Facing probate in West Virginia?
Talk to a West Virginia attorneyA local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.