How Do I File Probate in Lewis County, West Virginia?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Circuit Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Lewis County can be filed in person at the Circuit Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Lewis County Self-Filing Assessment.
Lewis County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Probate handled by County Clerk, not Circuit Court
In West Virginia, uncontested probate (wills, estate administration, inventories) is handled by the County Clerk's fiduciary/probate office, not the Circuit Court. Circuit Courts handle contested matters such as will contests and disputed estate proceedings.
Will custodian must deliver the will within 30 days of death
A person who has custody of a will must, within 30 days after learning of the testator's death, deliver the will to the County Clerk or to the executor named in the will. The will is then presented to the County Clerk to be admitted to probate; a certified copy of the death certificate is required.
Small Estate Act: under $50,000 personal property, no real property
A small estate qualifies for the simplified affidavit process under the West Virginia Small Estate Act when the aggregate fair market value of all probate personal property does not exceed $50,000. Effective July 9, 2025 (HB 2867), an estate that includes any probate real property no longer qualifies as a small estate. No bond is required for small estates.
Document Requirements
Estate appraisement and inventory due within 90 days
The personal representative must return the appraisement form (the original plus two copies) and the notarized nonprobate inventory to the County Clerk or fiduciary supervisor within 90 days of the date of qualification. The forms list all real estate, bank accounts, and personal property at fair market value.
In-Person Filing
The Circuit Court is located at Lewis County Courthouse Annex, 117 Court Avenue, Weston, WV 26452. Phone: 304-269-8210. Hours: Contact court for hours.
What to Bring
To file at the Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Circuit Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Circuit Court in Lewis County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $245). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Lewis County uses the standard West Virginia probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
West Virginia permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Circuit Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the West Virginia self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The Circuit Court in Lewis County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Circuit Court
Lewis County
Lewis County Courthouse Annex, 117 Court Avenue
Weston, WV 26452
Phone:
304-269-8210Fax:
304-269-8249
Hours:
Contact court for hours
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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