Free West Virginia Affidavit of Heirship Form

1Who is Making

2Deceased Person

3Decedent and Relationship

4Property

5Personal Property items

6Address of the property

7Decedent Married

8Marital History

9Surviving Heirs

10Affidavit be signed

11Person making affidavit

• Who is making this Affidavit?

  Enter the name and contact information of the person making the declaration in this
  Affidavit. In legal terms, this person is called the "Affiant."

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code

• What is the deceased person's name, date, and place of death?

  Enter the decedent's full legal name and the date and place of death listed on his or her death certificate.

• Name
• Date of Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• City of Death
• State of Death
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

• How and for how long did you know the Decedent?

  Enter the start and end dates you knew the Decedent and your relationship to him or her.

• From
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Until
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• The Decedent was my:
  AuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife

• What type of property did the Decedent leave?

• Real estate and personal property should be covered in separate affidavits to ensure the original can be recorded with the proper authority.
  • Personal Property
  • Real Property (Land, Residence, Real Estate)

• List the personal property items left by the Decedent.

  List each item one at a time. You will be able to enter as many items as necessary. The location refers to the bank, business or individual who currently maintains the property.

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Second Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Third Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fourth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fifth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Sixth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Seventh Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Eighth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Ninth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Tenth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value

• What is the address of the property owned by the deceased party?

  You should also indicate the county where the property is located and the legal description. The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. This Affidavit should only cover property located in the same county.

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• rental add another
  • Add another

• Second Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Third Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fourth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fifth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Sixth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Seventh Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Eighth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Ninth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Tenth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description

• Did the Decedent ever marry?

• Select "Yes" if the Decedent was ever married in his or her life.
• Did the Decedent ever marry
  • Yes
  • No, never married

• Describe the marital history of the Decedent here.

  Leave blank any fields that do not apply.

• First Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Second Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Third Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fourth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fifth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Sixth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Seventh Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Eighth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Ninth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Tenth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Who are the remaining surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Who are the surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Second Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Third Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fourth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fifth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Sixth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Seventh Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Eighth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Ninth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Tenth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• When will this Affidavit be signed?

  You can leave this question blank if you are unsure of the signing date.

• Date
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Did the Decedent address the property in a Last Will and Testament?

  Select the option that applies to your situation. If the property was addressed in a Will, this document is not needed.

• Addressed in a Will, this document is not needed
  • No, the Will did not specifically refer to the property
  • No, decedent did not leave a Will

• Where will the person making the Affidavit sign the document?

• This document must be signed by a notary public. Choosing the state where the Affidavit is signed will determine the proper format for the notary section. Certain states may require witnesses to sign the affidavit as well.

• County (not country)
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging time. Adding to the emotional burden is often the complex process of settling their estate. If your loved one passed away in West Virginia without a will, you might be facing the legal term "intestacy." Understanding how to navigate this process is crucial, and in some situations, a legal document called an Affidavit of Heirship can offer a simplified path to transferring property

But what exactly is an Affidavit of Heirship? Is it the right tool for your situation in West Virginia? This blog post will break down what you need to know about Affidavits of Heirship in West Virginia, providing clarity and guidance during a difficult time.

What is an Affidavit of Heirship?

In simple terms, an Affidavit of Heirship is a legal document that identifies the heirs of a deceased person who died without a will (intestate). Think of it as a sworn statement, made under oath, that outlines the family history of the deceased to establish who is legally entitled to inherit their property under West Virginia's intestacy laws.

This affidavit is typically used to demonstrate who the rightful heirs are to various assets left behind by the deceased, such as:

• Real Estate: Homes, land, and other property.
• Bank Accounts: Funds held in checking, savings, or other financial accounts.
• Vehicles: Cars, trucks, and other registered vehicles.
• Personal Property: Household items, furniture, and other belongings.

The Affidavit of Heirship isn't just a casual document; it's a formal legal form that requires specific information and must be signed under oath, typically before a notary public.

What is the Purpose of an Affidavit of Heirship in West Virginia?

The primary purpose of an Affidavit of Heirship in West Virginia is to streamline the transfer of property from a deceased person's estate to their rightful heirs without going through the full probate process. Probate can be a lengthy, costly, and often public court process. In certain circumstances, West Virginia law allows for simpler procedures, and the Affidavit of Heirship can be a key component of these simplified processes, particularly for small estates

Here's how an Affidavit of Heirship is typically used in West Virginia:

• Small Estate Administration: West Virginia offers a "small estate" administration process for estates that fall below a certain value threshold. Using an Affidavit of Heirship can be a central part of this simplified process, allowing heirs to collect and distribute assets more quickly and efficiently than traditional probate.
• Clearing Title to Real Estate : When real estate is part of a small estate, an Affidavit of Heirship, when properly recorded in the county's land records, can help establish a clear chain of title. This is essential for heirs who wish to sell, refinance, or otherwise manage the property.
• Accessing Bank Accounts and Other Assets: Financial institutions and other entities often require legal documentation to release assets of a deceased person. An Affidavit of Heirship, especially when coupled with West Virginia's small estate laws, can sometimes be sufficient to prove heirship and allow access to these assets without a formal probate order.

Important Considerations for West Virginia:

• West Virginia Intestacy Laws: The Affidavit of Heirship relies entirely on West Virginia's laws of intestate succession. These laws dictate the order in which relatives inherit if there's no will. Understanding these laws is crucial to accurately completing the affidavit. Generally, the surviving spouse and children are primary heirs, but the specifics can vary depending on the family structure.
• Not a Substitute for Probate in All Cases: It's vital to understand that an Affidavit of Heirship is NOT always appropriate or sufficient. It's generally best suited for simpler estates with clear heirship and minimal disputes. If there are complexities, such as:
  • Disputes among potential heirs.
  • A large or complex estate exceeding small estate limits.
  • Unclear heirship or complicated family situations.
  • Significant debts or creditors of the deceased.

  ...then probate administration is likely necessary in West Virginia. An Affidavit of Heirship will not be sufficient to resolve these more complex issues and could even create legal problems down the line if used inappropriately.

• Accuracy and Legal Compliance: Because it's a sworn legal document, accuracy is paramount. Providing false information on an Affidavit of Heirship can have serious legal consequences. It's essential to be thorough and truthful when completing the form.

Is an Affidavit of Heirship Right for You in West Virginia?

In summary, an Affidavit of Heirship in West Virginia can be a valuable tool for simplifying estate administration in specific, limited circumstances, primarily for small estates with clear heirship. It offers a potentially faster and less expensive alternative to full probate.