Serves Hancock County from Weirton, with offices in Chester and Wheeling. Litigates contested wills and trusts, claims against estates, breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims and guardianship disputes, and sets up estate plans that account for Medicaid and business succession. In practice since 1967.
Chester is in Hancock County.
Probate in Hancock County
Probate Court Record
Hancock County Circuit Court
Hancock County · First Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
Hancock County Courthouse, 102 Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047
Website
Filing in person
Appointment required
Self-represented filing
Allowed
How to file probate in Hancock County →
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Hancock County? →Settling an estate in Hancock County →
Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in West Virginia
Free West Virginia forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for West Virginia.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in West Virginia
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in West Virginia: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in West Virginia happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeW. Va. Code § 44D-1-101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?
In West Virginia, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)W. Va. Code § 44D-7-708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
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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.
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