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Augusta County, VA Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Augusta County details |
|---|---|
| Court and filing office | Augusta County Circuit Court, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Probate Division |
| Courthouse address | Augusta County Courthouse, 100 Dick Huff Lane, Verona, VA 24482 |
| Mailing address | 100 Dick Huff Lane, Suite 1020, Verona, VA 24482 |
| Probate phone | (540) 245-5317. The clerk also lists (540) 245-5321 extension 107 as an alternate probate contact. |
| Main clerk phone | (540) 245-5321 |
| Fax | (540) 245-5318. The clerk does not describe fax as a probate filing route. |
| Hours | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Appointment | Required for all estate matters. Call the Probate Division before going to the courthouse. |
| Probate tax and qualification fee | The Commonwealth probate tax is imposed under Va. Code § 58.1-1712, with its 10 cents per $100 rate and $15,000 or less exemption unchanged since the 2003 amendment. Augusta County adds a local probate tax equal to one third of the Commonwealth probate tax (Va. Code § 58.1-1718). The qualification fee is set by statute based on estate value (Va. Code § 17.1-275(A)(3)). |
| Local forms | Yes. Augusta County adds a Probate Worksheet to the Commonwealth's statewide circuit court forms. |
| Electronic filing | Opening an estate is an in-person appointment with the Probate Division in Verona, not an online process. Augusta Circuit Court participates in the Commonwealth's civil electronic filing system for Virginia lawyers and their staff, but that system is separate from probate qualification. |
| Case access | No free public portal shows an Augusta County estate file. The clerk offers a paid secure remote access subscription to recorded will and fiduciary materials, and recorded papers can be read through the clerk's office. |
| Remote appearance | Qualifying in Augusta County is an in-person appointment with the clerk in Verona. Virginia circuit courts may allow a party or witness to appear by telephone or video in a civil proceeding at the court's discretion (Va. Code § 17.1-513.2), but qualifying before the clerk is not that kind of hearing. If travel is impossible, call the Probate Division and ask what the office can do. |
| Website | Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk, Wills and Estates |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you call for the required Augusta County probate appointment, make a practical inventory of the assets, debts, beneficiary designations and real estate. The clerk's office tells families to complete the Augusta County Probate Worksheet before the appointment, and the Probate Division uses that information to decide what will be needed when you come to Verona.
Sunset's 2,300-institution asset discovery can help identify bank, brokerage, retirement and insurance accounts before estate settlement begins. That matters in Augusta County because the clerk calculates the Commonwealth probate tax, Augusta County's local probate tax and the qualification fee from the estate information you provide at the appointment.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Augusta County estates are opened at the Augusta County Circuit Court, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Probate Division, at the Augusta County Courthouse, 100 Dick Huff Lane, Verona, VA 24482. Verona became the county seat when the new courthouse opened on June 15, 2026.
The court serves Augusta County. Craigsville is an incorporated town within the county, and the regional planning commission also names communities including Verona, Fishersville, Middlebrook, Spottswood, Stuarts Draft, Swoope and Weyers Cave.
The City of Staunton and the City of Waynesboro are independent cities, not parts of Augusta County. Each has its own Clerk of the Circuit Court in the same Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit, and neither city counter handles an Augusta County estate.
Venue follows Virginia's rule: a will is offered, or administration is sought, in the circuit court for the county or city where the decedent had a known place of residence (Va. Code § 64.2-443). If someone died after moving to a nursing home, the statute presumes the legal residence stayed where it was before the move unless that presumption is rebutted.
The jurisdiction process
- Call the Augusta County Probate Division at (540) 245-5317 to make the required estate appointment. Ask what the office wants you to complete before you come, including the county's Probate Worksheet.
- Collect the clerk's required documents. If there is a will, bring the original will and a death certificate. If there is no will, bring a death certificate. If there is a will, the named executor normally attends; if there is no will and there are several heirs, the heirs need to agree who will qualify as administrator before the appointment.
- Go to the Augusta County Courthouse at 100 Dick Huff Lane in Verona for the appointment. Qualify means Virginia's word for being appointed and sworn as the personal representative. In an ordinary estate, the Clerk of the Circuit Court admits the will to probate and qualifies the personal representative without a judge (Va. Code § 64.2-444).
- At the appointment, the clerk works out the Commonwealth probate tax under Va. Code § 58.1-1712, Augusta County's local probate tax under Va. Code § 58.1-1718, the qualification fee under Va. Code § 17.1-275(A)(3) and any recording fee under Va. Code § 17.1-275(A)(2). The statewide circuit court fee schedule says the technology trust fund fee does not apply to wills.
- Receive the certificate of qualification, the authority document banks and transfer agents ask to see (Va. Code § 64.2-506; CC-1625). The statewide circuit court fee schedule current July 1, 2026 states that the qualification fee covers two certificates of qualification.
- Send the required notice to heirs and beneficiaries within 30 days after qualification or admission of the will to probate, then record the affidavit of notice in the clerk's office within four months (Va. Code § 64.2-508). The recording goes back to the clerk in Verona.
- Send the inventory to the Commissioner of Accounts for the Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit serving Augusta County, whose office is in Staunton, within four months after the order conferring authority (Va. Code § 64.2-1300). Do not send it to the clerk's counter in Verona.
- Continue estate settlement with the commissioner of accounts. The first account is due within 16 months from qualification and covers the first 12 months (Va. Code § 64.2-1304). Later accounts, a statement in lieu when allowed, and the final settlement are handled through the commissioner's office, not through the probate appointment counter.
- If a creditor issue needs formal handling, talk with counsel about the optional notice to creditors process under Va. Code § 64.2-508.1 or the traditional debts and demands process before distributing estate assets.
Executor duties
| Local duty | What it means in Augusta County |
|---|---|
| Use the right town for each office | Qualify with the clerk in Verona, then send the inventory and accounts to the commissioner of accounts in Staunton. The commissioner is a private law office appointed under Va. Code § 64.2-1200, not part of the clerk's office. |
| Budget for commissioner charges | The commissioner charges separate fiduciary fees set by the circuit court that appointed the office. No local commissioner fee amount is printed by the clerk, so ask the Probate Division or the commissioner's office what schedule applies. |
| Return recorded papers to the correct clerk | The affidavit of notice, amended list of heirs if needed, and commissioner's approved filings are recorded with the Augusta County clerk in Verona. |
| Order enough certificates | The qualification fee covers two certificates of qualification under the statewide fee schedule current July 1, 2026. Additional certified certificates are $2 each under the same current statewide schedule and Va. Code § 17.1-275(A)(9). |
| Do not assume Staunton means Augusta County | The City of Staunton has its own clerk and its own estates. Augusta County uses the Verona courthouse even though the commissioner of accounts office is in Staunton. |
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Augusta County
Augusta County uses the Commonwealth's statewide circuit court forms and adds one local document, the Augusta County Probate Worksheet. The clerk's Wills and Estates page tells families to complete the Probate Worksheet before the appointment so the Probate Division can understand the estate and determine what will be required at the appointment.
| Form or document | Where it comes from | How it is used locally |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta County Probate Worksheet | Augusta County Clerk's Wills and Estates page | Complete it before the required appointment in Verona. |
| CC-1650 Probate Information Form and CC-1651 Probate Tax Return | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Used to give the clerk the information needed for probate, qualification and probate tax. |
| CC-1611 List of Heirs and CC-1612 List of Heirs / Real Estate Affidavit | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Used for heirs and, where appropriate, the real-estate-only route at the clerk's office. |
| CC-1608 Waiver of Qualification and CC-1610 Consent of Nonresident Fiduciary for Service of Process | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Used when a person declines to qualify or when a nonresident fiduciary qualifies (Va. Code § 64.2-1426). |
| CC-1616 Notice Regarding Estate and CC-1617 Affidavit of Notice Regarding Estate | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Used for the notice to heirs and beneficiaries and the later affidavit recorded with the clerk (Va. Code § 64.2-508). |
| CC-1670 Inventory, CC-1680 Account and CC-1681 Statement in Lieu | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Sent to the commissioner of accounts in Staunton, not to the clerk's Probate Division in Verona. |
| CC-1685 Small Estate Affidavit | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Presented to the institution holding a qualifying small asset under Va. Code §§ 64.2-600 through 64.2-601, not filed with the clerk. |
| CC-1686 Notice to Creditors Regarding Estate and CC-1687 Affidavit of Notice to Creditors Regarding Estate | Virginia Judiciary circuit court forms | Used only if the personal representative chooses the optional creditor notice process under Va. Code § 64.2-508.1. |
Fees
Augusta County has a local fee and tax layer because the county imposes the local probate tax that Virginia law leaves to local adoption. The Commonwealth probate tax is imposed under Va. Code § 58.1-1712, with the 10 cents per $100 rate and the $15,000 or less exemption unchanged since the 2003 amendment. Augusta County adds a local probate tax equal to one third of the Commonwealth tax (Va. Code § 58.1-1718).
| Charge | Augusta County treatment |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth probate tax | Calculated under Va. Code § 58.1-1712 from the value of the estate. The Probate Division works the amount out at the appointment. |
| Augusta County local probate tax | Augusta County adds one third of the Commonwealth probate tax under Va. Code § 58.1-1718. |
| Qualification fee | Set by statewide statute based on estate value (Va. Code § 17.1-275(A)(3)). The current statewide circuit court fee schedule says the qualification fee covers two certificates of qualification. |
| Recording fee | Set by statewide statute by page count for wills, lists of heirs and similar recorded papers (Va. Code § 17.1-275(A)(2)). The statewide circuit court fee schedule current July 1, 2026 says the technology trust fund fee does not apply to wills. |
| Commissioner of accounts fees | Separate from the courthouse appointment. The commissioner of accounts in Staunton charges fiduciary fees set by the circuit court that appointed the office. |
Local nuance
Augusta County-specific considerations
| Local point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The courthouse moved to Verona | Since June 15, 2026, Augusta County probate appointments are at 100 Dick Huff Lane in Verona, not at the former downtown Staunton courthouse. |
| Appointments are required | The clerk requires appointments for all estate matters because the paperwork is prepared and finalized with the Probate Division. |
| The commissioner is in Staunton | Estate settlement starts with qualification in Verona, but the inventory, accounts and final settlement go to the commissioner of accounts office in Staunton. |
| Augusta County adds local probate tax | The county adds a local probate tax equal to one third of the Commonwealth probate tax (Va. Code §§ 58.1-1712, 58.1-1718). |
| Staunton and Waynesboro are separate cities | The City of Staunton and the City of Waynesboro each has its own clerk. An Augusta County estate belongs at the Augusta County clerk's counter in Verona. |
| Bring phones powered off | A June 30, 2026 courthouse conduct order allows the public to bring a phone or other portable electronic device inside only when it is powered off. Silent mode and airplane mode do not count. |
| Recorded will and fiduciary materials require the clerk's access routes | No free public portal shows an estate file. The clerk's secure remote access subscription covers recorded will and fiduciary materials, and the clerk's office handles in-person access. |
Recent updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | The new Augusta County Courthouse opened at 100 Dick Huff Lane in Verona, and the Augusta County Circuit Court and the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Probate Division began operating there. The move followed a November 8, 2022 referendum and moved the county seat out of downtown Staunton. |
| June 30, 2026 | A new courthouse conduct order took effect for the Augusta County Courthouse. For probate visitors, the practical rule is that a phone or other portable electronic device may be brought inside only when it is powered off. |
| July 1, 2026 | The Commonwealth's optional notice to creditors process and its related statewide forms took effect under Va. Code § 64.2-508.1, and the statewide circuit court fee schedule states that the technology trust fund fee does not apply to wills and that the qualification fee covers two certificates of qualification. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Scenario | Local path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | Call the Probate Division, complete the Augusta County Probate Worksheet and bring the original will, if any, and a death certificate to the required appointment in Verona. The clerk's own guidance encourages recording a will where real estate is involved, and says that even a jointly owned home with right of survivorship still needs something put to record to move title. | Sunset helps identify solely held accounts and beneficiary designations before the appointment, so the spouse can separate what needs qualification from what passes another way. |
| Out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | Call the Probate Division before booking travel because qualification is an in-person appointment in Verona. If the statewide small-estate route fits, CC-1685 is presented to the institution holding the asset rather than filed at the courthouse. If qualification is needed, a nonresident fiduciary signs CC-1610 and should expect surety to be discussed under Va. Code §§ 64.2-1426 and 64.2-1411. | Sunset helps assemble the asset list, Probate Worksheet information and draft packet so one trip to Verona is more likely to be enough. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | When a home must be sold, qualification is often needed so the personal representative has authority to act. The appointment is with the clerk in Verona; Augusta County's local probate tax is calculated with the Commonwealth probate tax under Va. Code §§ 58.1-1712 and 58.1-1718; and later inventory and account filings go to the commissioner of accounts in Staunton. | Sunset helps organize account discovery, real estate information and attorney introductions for the sale and the estate settlement process. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | What it helps with | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta County Clerk, Wills and Estates | Books the required probate appointment, provides the Augusta County Probate Worksheet, admits wills to probate and qualifies personal representatives. | Augusta County Courthouse, 100 Dick Huff Lane, Verona, VA 24482. Probate Division: (540) 245-5317. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
| Augusta Circuit Court | Virginia Judiciary page for the court, including the clerk's address, phone, fax, hours, terms of court and court policies. | Augusta County Courthouse, 100 Dick Huff Lane, Verona, VA 24482. Main clerk phone: (540) 245-5321. |
| Commissioners of Accounts directory | Statewide directory for the commissioner of accounts. For Augusta County, the commissioner office is in Staunton and supervises inventories, accounts and settlement. | Use the directory by jurisdiction. The Augusta County commissioner office telephone listed in the roster is (540) 885-1517. |
| Virginia circuit court forms | Statewide CC forms for probate, qualification, notice, inventory, accounts, small-estate affidavit and optional creditor notice. | Use the statewide forms index and the Augusta County Probate Worksheet together. |
| Virginia Court Self-Help | General Virginia court self-help information, including a probate forms section. | Online self-help resource. It does not replace the Augusta County appointment instructions. |
| Blue Ridge Legal Services | Income-limited general civil legal aid for eligible residents. Its published priorities do not include estate administration, so ask about eligibility and scope before relying on it for an estate matter. | Harrisonburg office: 204 North High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Mailing: PO Box 551, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Phone: (540) 433-1830. Toll free for clients: (800) 237-0141. |
When to hire an attorney
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets
Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help identify accounts, insurance, retirement assets and liabilities before the Augusta County appointment. That makes estate settlement easier because the Probate Division, the commissioner of accounts and the attorney all need a reliable asset picture.
Generate the probate packet
Sunset turns the family's answers into an organized packet for the required Augusta County appointment, including the information needed for the county Probate Worksheet and the statewide Virginia forms that apply.
Find a local probate attorney
When a sale, dispute, nonresident fiduciary issue or creditor problem needs legal advice, Sunset connects families with a vetted Virginia probate attorney familiar with Augusta County practice.
Sunset is free for families
Sunset is free for families. The platform helps organize estate settlement, prepare for the clerk's appointment in Verona and keep track of the handoff to the commissioner of accounts in Staunton.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate for an Augusta County resident?
File at the Augusta County Circuit Court, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Probate Division, at the Augusta County Courthouse, 100 Dick Huff Lane, Verona, VA 24482. The court moved there and began operating at that address on June 15, 2026.
Do I need an appointment for probate in Augusta County?
Yes. The clerk requires appointments for all estate matters. Call the Probate Division at (540) 245-5317 before going to the courthouse.
What should I bring to the Augusta County probate appointment?
The clerk tells families to complete the Augusta County Probate Worksheet before the appointment. If there is a will, bring the original will and a death certificate. If there is no will, bring a death certificate.
Is the Augusta County probate appointment in Staunton or Verona?
It is in Verona. Augusta County's clerk and Probate Division are at 100 Dick Huff Lane in Verona. The City of Staunton has its own Clerk of the Circuit Court and handles City of Staunton estates separately.
Does Augusta County add a local probate tax?
Yes. Augusta County adds a local probate tax equal to one third of the Commonwealth probate tax (Va. Code §§ 58.1-1712, 58.1-1718). The Probate Division works the total out from the estate value at the appointment.
Can I handle Augusta County probate online?
No. Opening an estate is an in-person appointment with the Probate Division in Verona. Augusta Circuit Court participates in the Commonwealth's civil electronic filing system for Virginia lawyers and their staff, but that system is separate from probate qualification.
Can I check an Augusta County estate file on the internet?
No free public portal shows an Augusta County estate file. The clerk offers paid secure remote access to recorded will and fiduciary materials, and the clerk's office handles access to recorded papers in person.
Where do I send the inventory and accounts after I qualify?
Send them to the commissioner of accounts office in Staunton, not to the clerk's Probate Division in Verona. The inventory is due within four months after the order conferring authority (Va. Code § 64.2-1300), and the first account is due within 16 months from qualification (Va. Code § 64.2-1304).
Do I have to travel to Augusta County if I live out of state?
Qualification in Augusta County is an in-person appointment with the clerk in Verona. If travel is difficult, call the Probate Division at (540) 245-5317 and ask what the office can do before you make plans. A nonresident fiduciary also signs CC-1610 and must address the surety rules in Va. Code §§ 64.2-1426 and 64.2-1411.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.