West Virginia: Recovering Money Withdrawn from a Deceased Parent's Accounts
Detailed answer Short answer: In West Virginia, money taken from a deceased parent's bank account or charges made on their credit card after death generally belong to the decedent's estate. Only the personal representative (executor or administrator) has legal authority to collect estate assets and pay debts or distribute funds. If an heir withdraws money […]
Read article →Can a Court Appoint a Guardian ad Litem for Minor Heirs Before Selling Inherited Land in West Virginia?
Short answer Yes. Under West Virginia law, a court can appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) or other court‑appointed representative to protect the interests of minor heirs before the court approves the sale of land that they inherit. A guardian ad litem provides an independent, court‑appointed voice for minors in litigation or court proceedings affecting […]
Read article →West Virginia — How to Get Court Approval to Sell a Home Inherited by Co-Owners (Including Minors)
Selling an Inherited Home Owned with Minors in West Virginia: A Step‑by‑Step FAQ Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed West Virginia attorney or the probate court in the county where the property is located. Detailed answer: What you must do to […]
Read article →Year's Allowance Petition in West Virginia: What to Include
How to Prepare a Year's Allowance Petition in West Virginia: FAQ Short answer: In West Virginia, a year's allowance (sometimes called a year's support) petition must clearly identify the petitioner and the decedent, state the legal basis for the allowance, specify the amount requested and how it was calculated, list the decedent's known assets and […]
Read article →How to Handle Your Mother’s Estate in West Virginia: Step-by-Step Probate Guide
Step-by-step guide to handling a parent’s estate in West Virginia Quick summary: This guide explains practical steps to manage your mother’s estate in West Virginia after her death. It outlines immediate tasks, how to determine whether probate is required, how to open and administer an estate, creditor and tax issues, and when to hire an […]
Read article →How to Switch to a Small Estate Process in West Virginia
Switching to West Virginia's Small Estate Process: Step-by-Step FAQ Disclaimer Not legal advice. This article explains general West Virginia probate concepts and practical steps for switching to a small‑estate procedure. It does not replace advice from a licensed West Virginia attorney who can evaluate your specific facts. Detailed Answer — Can I switch to a […]
Read article →West Virginia: Paying Back Taxes on Inherited Land When You Are Not on the Deed
Detailed Answer Short answer: Paying delinquent property taxes on land you inherited but that still lists someone else on the deed does not automatically make you the legal owner. Your payment can protect the property from a tax sale and may give you a claim for reimbursement or other equitable relief, but you generally still […]
Read article →West Virginia: How to Identify Heirs and Determine Property Ownership After a Grandparent Dies
Detailed Answer: How to identify the rightful heirs and who owns property after a grandparent’s death in West Virginia Short summary: Start by finding a will, then check county deed records for how the property is titled, and open a probate or use small‑estate procedures if needed. West Virginia law determines heirs if there is […]
Read article →West Virginia: How to Ask the Court to Revoke Letters of Administration and Remove an Administrator
Detailed Answer This article explains, in plain language, how a person who believes they are the sole heir can ask a West Virginia probate court to reconsider previously issued letters of administration and remove the current administrator. The explanation uses common hypothetical facts and points you to the West Virginia statutes that govern appointments, revocations, […]
Read article →Challenging an Administrator Who Closed a Joint Bank Account in West Virginia
What to do if an administrator closed a joint bank account without notifying heirs Not legal advice. This article explains common steps under West Virginia law to help you decide whether to consult a lawyer. Detailed answer: how to challenge the closure When a joint bank account is closed after a co‑owner dies, the key […]
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