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.

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. If the deceased owner had no will or estate, the surviving spouse or other heirs may file.

Claim documents

A completed and signed claim form, photo identification, and a legal document listing the claimant's Social Security number. The Treasurer emails each claimant the specific items their claim requires. A certified copy of the will and/or final settlement is obtained from the county courthouse where the estate was filed.

Where to send documents

Upload through the secure link on wvunclaimedproperty.gov, or mail to West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 4228, Charleston, WV 25364. Mailed documents are not returned.

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 a successor to file a Small Estate Affidavit with the county clerk in lieu of full probate when the decedent owned no probate real property (and no interest in probate real property) and the aggregate fair market value of the small assets does not exceed $50,000. Both conditions must be met — an estate that includes real property cannot use the affidavit at any value. 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 (successor nominated as personal representative in the will) or 60 days (all other successors), and only if no application for appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted.

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).

Governing law: W. Va. Code Chapter 36, Article 8 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); 36-8-15