Someone died in West Virginia. Start here.
What to Do When Someone Dies in West Virginia
The first 24 hours, in order, then the first week and the first month, with West Virginia's actual rules for death certificates, cremation, and probate. This page is free. No account required.
Sources: official West Virginia statutes and agencies, linked below. Last full review: June 2026.
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours are the hardest. You're in shock. Here's exactly what needs to happen. In order.
The West Virginia rules that matter this week
These figures come from the same data as our full West Virginia guide, built from state statutes and official agencies.
Death certificate
Filed within 5 days
The funeral home usually files it. Order 10 or more certified copies ($12 per copy); banks, insurers, and agencies each want an original.
Source: WV Code §16-5-19; WV DHHR; Ohio County Clerk ↗Cremation
24-hour wait
West Virginia requires a permit before cremation. The funeral home or crematory handles the paperwork; you sign the authorization.
Source: W. Va. Code §§ 30-6-21, 16-5-23; WV Board of Funeral Serv… ↗Probate
$50,000 small-estate line
Estates under the threshold can use West Virginia's simplified process instead of full probate. Typical timeline: several months to over a year.
Source: W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2 (Small Estate Act); W. Va. Code ch.… ↗Estate tax
None in this state
West Virginia has no state estate or inheritance tax. The federal estate tax only reaches estates over $15 million (2026).
Days 2–7 · 1–7 days
The First Week
The fog is still thick, but decisions have to be made. Here's what needs to happen in the first week.
Weeks 2–4 · 1–4 weeks
The First Month
The acute crisis is over. Now comes the long administrative slog. This is the part nobody warns you about.
The Long Game · 1 month+
Beyond the First Month
Estate administration can take 6–18 months. Here's what the long tail looks like.
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