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Use This County Probate Reference Before You File

This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, Clerk of the County Commission contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Monroe County.

Local Fee Schedule

Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.

Court Rules and Orders

Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.

Clerk and Filing Logistics

Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.

Monroe County Clerk of the County Commission Guide

Thirtieth Judicial Circuit of West Virginia · Clerk of the County Commission information · Updated July 2026

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Thirtieth Judicial Circuit of West Virginia|

Filing & Fees

Fee Schedule Signals

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Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Formal Administration
Standard probate for larger estates
$10

Note: West Virginia charges NO state or local probate tax. The Clerk of the County Commission collects flat statutory recording fees under W. Va. Code 59-1-10 (about $10 per document or writing not otherwise specified, plus $1 for each page over five pages) for the will, oath, bond, list of heirs, and appraisement; a $20 fee to publish the notice of administration (W. Va. Code 44-1-14a); and a $10 fiduciary supervisor short form settlement fee (W. Va. Code 44-3A-4a). Because an estate records several instruments, the bundled cost to open a full estate commonly runs about $44 to $100 depending on the county and will length, and small estates cost less. Estates referred to a fiduciary commissioner also pay a commissioner fee capped at $300 plus expenses by default (W. Va. Code 44-2-1). The $10 figures above are the flat statutory per-instrument clerk recording fee, not a single all-in filing charge. Verify the current opening fee with the Clerk of the County Commission where the decedent resided.

Required Documents

  • Certified Death Certificate

    Order several certified copies from the West Virginia Vital Registration Office ($12 each) or the county clerk.

  • Original Will

    The original signed will, if one exists, presented to the clerk of the county commission for probate.

  • Application and Qualification before the Clerk of the County Commission

    The executor (with a will) or administrator (without a will) applies and qualifies before the clerk of the county commission, takes the fiduciary oath, and receives letters testamentary or of administration. A bond, and sometimes surety, may be required unless waived.

  • List of Heirs / Beneficiaries

    A statement of the decedent's heirs at law and beneficiaries filed with the clerk of the county commission; verify the county's form.

  • Appraisement of Estate and Nonprobate Inventory

    Filed with the clerk of the county commission or fiduciary supervisor within 90 days of qualification (W. Va. Code 44-1-14), listing probate assets and, separately, nonprobate assets.

  • Notice of Administration (published by the clerk)

    The clerk publishes the Class II legal advertisement; claims are due within 60 days of first publication (W. Va. Code 44-1-14a).

  • Settlement (Short Form Settlement or Final Settlement)

    The estate is settled by a short form settlement (W. Va. Code 44-3A-4a; $10 supervisor fee; 10-day objection window) or a final settlement before the fiduciary supervisor, or by a fiduciary commissioner audit if the estate is referred.

  • Small Estate Affidavit

    Affidavit under W. Va. Code 44-1A to administer a small estate WITHOUT appointment when probate personal property is $50,000 or less and no probate real property. 30 days after death for a nominated successor; 60 days for another successor.

E-Filing & Filing Methods

Records portal

Check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record. An account may be required.

Filing Methods: in person, by appointment

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
Verify locally
Creditor Claims
2 months

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
first publication of the notice of administration
Statute
W. Va. Code 44-1-14a

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

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