Serves Fayette, Raleigh, Nicholas and Wyoming counties from Main Street in Mount Hope. Drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives, and guides families through probate and estate administration. Attorney John H. Shumate Jr. has practiced as a sole practitioner since 1981.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Raleigh County, West Virginia
How probate works in Raleigh County: the Circuit Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Raleigh County Circuit Court
Raleigh County · Fourteenth Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
Raleigh County Judicial Center, 222 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801
Website
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe County Clerk's probate office opens testate, intestate, ancillary and small-estate administrations. A small estate affidavit is not available when the estate includes real estate, and the office decides whether the small-estate process fits.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Check, Credit card, Money order.Probate fees are paid at each step by cash, check, credit card or money order payable to the Raleigh County Clerk. The fees are set at the appointment based on how the estate is probated.
County forms
- WV Estate AppraisementReport estate assets at fair market value
- Probate Check List (With Will)Document checklist to open a testate estate
- Small Estate AffidavitSimplified small-estate administration
P.O. Box 2518
Beckley, WV 25802
Fax
1-304-255-9353
Departments
- County Clerk - Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor (Probate)1-304-252-0161 · 215 Main Street · probate@raleighcounty.govProbate is a County Clerk function, not a Circuit Court matter. The County Clerk's Public Records office at the same address is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm at 304-255-9123.
About the court
- Raleigh County is the only county in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Raleigh County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Raleigh County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at Raleigh County Judicial Center, 222 Main Street, Beckley. The court sits in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under West Virginia intestacy law when there is no will.
Most West Virginia estates take 9 months to 15 months to move through this process. Creditors have 2 monthsW. Va. Code §§ 44-1-14a, 44-2-4, 44-2-21, 44-2-26Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
What Probate Costs in Raleigh County
What probate costs in Raleigh County, West Virginia comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Circuit Court at Raleigh County Judicial Center, 222 Main Street, Beckley. The court is part of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.
West Virginia's county clerk records the application, the will or bond, the appraisement and the settlement waiver at $12 each and issues a $2.50 certificate, about $51. In counties with a fiduciary supervisor the commission may add a qualification fee of up to $25, $100 or $175 by the estate's gross assets, so posted totals run from about $71 to $226. The $20 clerk publication fee and any fiduciary commissioner's fee are separateW. Va. Code §§ 44-3A-42, 59-1-10, 5A-8-15, 44-2-1Verified Oct 17, 2026. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in West Virginia are negotiated, typically 1.6%Modeled estimate under W.Va. Code § 44-4-12 (attorney fees as reasonable expenses of the fiduciary, allowed by the fiduciary commissioner; no statutory schedule); § 44-3A-42(c) (fee vouchers); § 44-2-1(a) ($300 ceiling): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source to 2.6%Modeled estimate under W.Va. Code § 44-4-12 (attorney fees as reasonable expenses of the fiduciary, allowed by the fiduciary commissioner; no statutory schedule); § 44-3A-42(c) (fee vouchers); § 44-2-1(a) ($300 ceiling): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 9, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
West Virginia sets executor compensation by statute — about $20,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 4.0%W.Va. Code § 44-4-12a(a) (5% first $100K, 4% to $400K, 3% to $800K, 2% above $800K, on personal estate and real estate sold); §§ 44-4-12a(b) (unsold real estate 1%), 44-4-12a(d), 44-4-12a(f)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
West Virginia requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under W.Va. Code § 44-1-6 (bond required unless excused by § 44-1-8); § 44-1-7 (penalty at least the full value of the personal estate); § 44-1-8 (will may direct no bond; no surety for a sole distributee)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in West Virginia typically runs 9 months to 15 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Circuit Court
Probate cases in Raleigh County are filed at the Circuit Court. File in person during business hours or by mail. The court sits in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for County Clerk - Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor (Probate).
Can You File Without an Attorney?
West Virginia has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableW.Va. Code § 44-12-1 (clerk of the county commission admits wills and qualifies executors and administrators in vacation, ex parte); § 44-1-4(a) (the county commission or its clerk during recess)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Raleigh County Self-Filing Assessment.
Raleigh 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, the County Commission has jurisdiction over the probate of wills, and its clerk can admit a will to probate without notice to anyone. A will contest is a separate complaint filed in the Circuit Court of the county where probate was allowed or denied, within six months of the County Commission's order.
SourceDocument Requirements
Death certificate or funeral home letter before an estate is opened
Before an estate is started, the Raleigh County probate office requires a death certificate or a letter from the funeral home. The letter must be on the funeral home's letterhead and give the decedent's date of death, county of residence and Social Security number.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Circuit Court: Certified copy of the death certificate (W. Va. Code §44-1-30); Original will and any codicils, delivered to the clerk of the county commission within 30 days after the death is known to the custodian (W. Va. Code §41-5-1); Oath of executor (W. Va. Code §44-1-3) or oath of administrator (W. Va. Code §44-1-6), signed at qualification; Affidavit showing heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees (W. Va. Code §44-1-13); Fiduciary bond unless waived (W. Va. Code §§ 44-1-6, 44-1-8)W. Va. Code §§ 44-1-1 to 44-1-14 (qualification, oath, bond, letters); § 44-1-31 (oath/bond may be taken before any officer authorized to administer oaths); §§ 41-5-1 et seq. (admission of wills to probate); § 44-1-4 (intestate administration & priority)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Medical Examiner in Raleigh County
In West Virginia a death is registered locally, and in Raleigh County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Raleigh County Clerk as well as by West Virginia Department of Health - Vital Registration Office.
Vital Records Office Record
County Clerk
Raleigh County · Raleigh County Clerk
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:30 PM
Office
215 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Fax
1-304-252-8698
Local rule
- Proper identification is required in person, with the year of the death and the name. Records run from the county's formation in 1850.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $5 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
State Medical Examiner
Raleigh County · Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
619 Virginia Street West, Charleston, WV 25302
Website
Serves this county
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Raleigh County
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Clerk.
Deeds and other real property documents for Raleigh County are recorded with the County Clerk at 215 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Phone: 1-304-255-9123. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:30 PM.
The County Clerk charges $32 for the first 5 pages plus $1 for each page beyond 5.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Raleigh County · Clerk of the Raleigh County Commission
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-4:30 PM
Office
215 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801
Website
Fax
1-304-252-8698
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 5 pages) | $32 |
| Each page beyond 5 | $1 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
W. Va. Code 59-1-10(a)(1), (a)(7); W. Va. Code 5A-8-15(h)
Verified October 17, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Raleigh County
West Virginia allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Raleigh County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in West Virginia are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Raleigh County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Serves Raleigh, Fayette, Mercer, Nicholas, Summers and Wyoming counties from downtown Beckley. Drafts wills, trusts, durable and medical powers of attorney and living wills. Attorney Adam Taylor also handles estate planning remotely, with phone or video meetings and a video signing.
Serves Raleigh County from Prince Street in Beckley. Attorney Melanie Hicks handles the firm's estate planning alongside criminal defense, civil litigation and real estate work. The firm offers a free phone consultation.
Serves Raleigh County from Main Street in Beckley. Handles probate and estates, wills and trusts, including the administration of trusts, alongside tax planning and financial exploitation cases.
Serves Raleigh County from the firm's North Kanawha Street office in Beckley, one of three offices with Charleston and Lewisburg. Drafts wills and trusts, and handles trust administration, will and trust contests, probate and trust accountings, administrator appointments and guardianship proceedings.
Serves Greenbrier County from Washington Street East in Lewisburg. Litigates will contests over capacity, undue influence and execution, lost wills, omitted spouses and children, and disputes over a will's administration and the estate's accounting.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
(9)·
- W. Va. Code §§ 44-1-1 to 44-1-14 (qualification, oath, bond, letters); § 44-1-31 (oath/bond may be taken before any officer authorized to administer oaths); §§ 41-5-1 et seq. (admission of wills to probate); § 44-1-4 (intestate administration & priority)
- W. Va. Code §§ 44-1-14a, 44-2-4, 44-2-21, 44-2-26
- W. Va. Code §§ 44-3A-42, 59-1-10, 5A-8-15, 44-2-1
- W.Va. Code § 44-12-1 (clerk of the county commission admits wills and qualifies executors and administrators in vacation, ex parte); § 44-1-4(a) (the county commission or its clerk during recess)
- W.Va. Code § 44-4-12a(a) (5% first $100K, 4% to $400K, 3% to $800K, 2% above $800K, on personal estate and real estate sold); §§ 44-4-12a(b) (unsold real estate 1%), 44-4-12a(d), 44-4-12a(f)
- W. Va. Code 59-1-10(a)(1), (a)(7); W. Va. Code 5A-8-15(h)
- Raleigh County Circuit Court, official page
- Raleigh County Clerk, official page
- Raleigh County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from West Virginia statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in West Virginia
Free tools for settling an estate in West Virginia: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool.
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.
See the Steps
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.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
West Virginia has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableW.Va. Code § 44-12-1 (clerk of the county commission admits wills and qualifies executors and administrators in vacation, ex parte); § 44-1-4(a) (the county commission or its clerk during recess)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source.
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