State Unclaimed Property in West Virginia

State Unclaimed Property in West Virginia: key facts

Administering office

West Virginia State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search

wvunclaimedproperty.gov (free search and online claims); multi-state search at missingmoney.com.

Heir claim documents

Certified Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if the estate was probated; an Affidavit of Heirship or small-estate documentation if it was not; a certified death certificate; and proof of identification.

Decision window

The administrator allows or denies a filed claim within 90 days and gives written notice (W. Va. Code 36-8-15).

Small estate option

W. Va. Code §44-1A-2 allows heirs to file a Small Estate Affidavit with the county clerk in lieu of full probate when the aggregate fair market value of the decedent's personal probate property is $50,000 or less. The recorded affidavit and county clerk's certificate then serve as authority to collect assets, including submitting a claim with the State Treasurer. The affidavit may be filed no earlier than 30 days after death (nominated personal representative) or 60 days (all other successors).

Payment after approval

Once a claim is allowed, the property or net proceeds must be delivered or paid to the claimant within 30 days (W. Va. Code §36-8-15).