West Virginia State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
West Virginia · Unclaimed Property
wvunclaimedproperty.govState Unclaimed Property in West Virginia
The West Virginia State Treasurer holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and similar assets — until the owner or their heirs claim it. Heirs of a deceased owner file a claim with proof of death and authority to act for the estate.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •The completed and signed claim form the Treasurer sends you
- •Proof of authority: court documents showing appointment as executor or administrator, or a recorded small estate affidavit and county clerk's certificate under W. Va. Code §44-1A-2
- •A certified copy of the will and/or final settlement from the county courthouse where the estate was filed, if the estate was probated
- •Photo identification and a document listing your Social Security number
Required Documents
- Completed and signed claim form: The Treasurer sends the claim form.
- Photo identification
- A legal document listing the claimant's Social Security number
- Court documents showing appointment as executor or administrator: when filing for an open estate
- Recorded small estate affidavit and county clerk's certificate: when claiming under W. Va. Code §44-1A-2
- Certified copy of the will and/or final settlement: if the estate was probated. Obtained from the county courthouse where the estate was filed.
State Unclaimed Property in West Virginia: key facts
What West Virginia says8
- Official search
Search and file claims online for free at wvunclaimedproperty.gov.1
- Property held by other states
For property held by other states, the Treasurer's Useful Links page points to the multi-state search at missingmoney.com.2
- Who may claim for a deceased owner
An executor or administrator named by a probate court files on behalf of the estate while the estate is still open. If the estate has been closed, the heirs to that estate file.3
If the deceased owner had no will or estate, the surviving spouse or other heirs may file.3
- Documents for an heir or estate claim
A claim needs a completed and signed claim form, photo identification, and a legal document listing the claimant's Social Security number.4
The Treasurer emails each claimant the specific items their claim requires. Documents are uploaded through the secure link on wvunclaimedproperty.gov or mailed, and mailed documents are not returned.4
Under W. Va. Code §44-1A-2, the recorded Small Estate Affidavit and the county clerk's certificate serve as authority to collect assets, including submitting a claim with the State Treasurer.5
- Claiming without a probate order
Under W. Va. Code §44-1A-2, a successor may file a Small Estate Affidavit with the county clerk in lieu of full probate only when the decedent owned no probate real property (or interest in it) and the aggregate fair market value of the small assets does not exceed $50,000. Real property bars it at any value.5
The affidavit may be filed no earlier than 30 days after death by a successor nominated as personal representative in the will, or 60 days for all other successors, and only if no application for appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted.5
- Processing time
Under W. Va. Code 36-8-15, the administrator allows or denies a filed claim within 90 days and gives the claimant written notice of the decision.6
- How an approved claim is paid
Under W. Va. Code §36-8-15, within 30 days after a claim is allowed, the administrator delivers the property or pays the net proceeds of its sale to the claimant.6
- Deadline to claim
West Virginia holds unclaimed property until it is claimed, so there is generally no deadline for owners or heirs to file a claim.1
Governing law: W. Va. Code Chapter 36, Article 8 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); 36-8-15
Deadlines4
- The administrator allows or denies the claim and gives the claimant written notice
within 90 days of the claim is filed6
- The administrator delivers the property or pays the net proceeds of its sale
within 30 days of the claim is allowed6
- Earliest filing of the Small Estate Affidavit by a successor nominated as personal representative in the will
no earlier than 30 days after the death5
- Earliest filing of the Small Estate Affidavit by any other successor
no earlier than 60 days after the death5
Other offices involved2
West Virginia unclaimed property
West Virginia State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
Phone
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in West Virginia
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in West Virginia: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in West Virginia: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysW. Va. Code § 44-1-14Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 2 monthsW. Va. Code §§ 44-1-14a, 44-2-4, 44-2-21, 44-2-26Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in West Virginia, a surviving spouse takes the entire estateW.Va. Code § 42-1-3Verified Sep 10, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita at each generationW.Va. Code § 42-1-3dVerified Sep 10, 2026View source.
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