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Dickenson County, VA Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Dickenson County information |
|---|---|
| Court | Dickenson County Circuit Court, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Twenty-ninth Judicial Circuit of Virginia |
| Courthouse address | 119 Court House Lane, Clintwood, VA 24228 |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 190, Clintwood, VA 24228-0190 |
| Phone | (276) 926-1616 |
| Fax | (276) 333-0020 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The clerk's public page does not list a lunch closure or probate-intake cutoff. |
| Probate tax and clerk fees | The state probate tax is 10 cents per $100 of value and does not apply to estates of $15,000 or less (Va. Code § 58.1-1712, last amended in 2003). Statutory qualification and recording fees also apply under Va. Code § 17.1-275. A local probate tax may apply under Va. Code § 58.1-1718, so ask the clerk for the total before your appointment. |
| Local forms | The clerk's public page lists statewide Circuit Court forms and does not list a Dickenson County probate packet, checklist, or cover sheet. |
| E-filing status | Probate qualification is handled through the clerk's office. VJEFS is for Virginia State Bar members and their staff in most civil cases, and it is not a self-represented probate qualification route. |
| Case access | No free public portal shows Virginia estate files. Ask the clerk about records room access and any paid secure remote access to recorded wills. |
| Remote appearance | The clerk's public page does not state a remote qualification practice. Qualifying before the clerk is normally an in-person appointment; remote appearances in civil proceedings are discretionary when authorized by the court (Va. Code § 17.1-513.2). |
| Website | https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/dickenson/home |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you call the Dickenson County clerk, make a working list of the decedent's assets, debts, real estate, account ownership, and beneficiary designations. Virginia venue starts with the circuit court for the county or city where the decedent had a known place of residence (Va. Code § 64.2-443), so the asset list helps you decide whether Dickenson County is the right place to begin.
Sunset's estate settlement tools can help organize that first review, including asset discovery across more than 2,300 financial institutions. That preparation makes the clerk appointment more productive and helps you see which tasks will later go to the commissioner of accounts.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Dickenson County probate matters are handled at the Dickenson County Circuit Court clerk's office in Clintwood. A will is offered, or an estate is opened, in the circuit court for the county or city where the decedent had a known place of residence; if there was no known place of residence, Virginia's venue rule looks next to Virginia real estate and then to the place of death or other estate property (Va. Code § 64.2-443).
If a Dickenson County resident died while living in a nursing home, convalescent home, or similar institution because of age or impaired health, Virginia presumes the person's legal residence stayed the same as before that move, unless the presumption is rebutted (§ 64.2-443).
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the original will if there is one, a certified death certificate, known asset and debt information, names and addresses of heirs and beneficiaries, and any needed statewide Circuit Court forms, such as CC-1650, CC-1651, CC-1611, and CC-1610 for a nonresident fiduciary.
- Call the Dickenson County Circuit Court clerk at (276) 926-1616 before you go to 119 Court House Lane in Clintwood. The clerk's public page lists hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, but does not state whether a probate appointment is required.
- At the clerk's office, offer the will if there is one and qualify, which is Virginia's word for being appointed and sworn in, as executor or administrator. In Virginia, the clerk may admit wills and qualify personal representatives with the same effect as the circuit court (Va. Code § 64.2-444).
- Pay the state probate tax, if due, and statutory clerk fees. The state probate tax is 10 cents per $100 of value for estates above the $15,000 cutoff (Va. Code § 58.1-1712, last amended in 2003). Dickenson County may add a local probate tax under Va. Code § 58.1-1718, so ask the clerk for the total before the appointment.
- Receive the certificate of qualification, the Virginia authority document used to collect assets, work with institutions, and administer the estate (Va. Code § 64.2-506; CC-1625).
- Send the required notice of probate or qualification to the people entitled to notice within 30 days, then record the affidavit of notice with the clerk within four months (Va. Code § 64.2-508; CC-1616 and CC-1617).
- If a contested matter, appeal, or other court proceeding develops, scheduling is handled as a circuit court matter. Opening an ordinary estate does not require a court hearing; remote participation in a civil proceeding is discretionary when authorized by the court (Va. Code § 17.1-513.2).
- After qualification, work with the Dickenson County commissioner of accounts. The personal representative returns the inventory to the commissioner of accounts within four months after the order conferring authority (Va. Code § 64.2-1300) and exhibits the first account before the commissioner within 16 months of qualification (Va. Code § 64.2-1304).
- Close the estate settlement through the commissioner of accounts when debts, expenses, distributions, and required reports are complete. Some estates may use a statement in lieu of an account when Virginia's conditions are met (Va. Code § 64.2-1314; CC-1681).
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Dickenson County
Dickenson County does not publish a county-specific probate packet, checklist, or cover sheet on the clerk's Circuit Court page. Use the statewide Virginia Circuit Court forms and ask the clerk which forms are needed for your appointment.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| CC-1650, Probate Information Form | Information the clerk commonly collects for a probate appointment. |
| CC-1651, Probate Tax Return | Used when the estate is subject to the state probate tax under Va. Code § 58.1-1712. |
| CC-1611, List of Heirs | Filed at qualification or when a will is presented and nobody qualifies (Va. Code § 64.2-509). |
| CC-1610, Consent of Nonresident Fiduciary for Service of Process | Used when a non-Virginia resident qualifies as a fiduciary (Va. Code § 64.2-1426). |
| CC-1625, Certificate / Letter of Qualification | The certificate of qualification used as the personal representative's authority document. |
| CC-1670, Inventory of Decedent's Estate | Returned to the commissioner of accounts after qualification (Va. Code § 64.2-1300). |
| CC-1680, Account for Decedent's Estate | Used for accountings before the commissioner of accounts, including the first account due within 16 months under Va. Code § 64.2-1304. |
| CC-1681, Statement in Lieu of Settlement of Account | Used when the statutory conditions for a statement in lieu are met (Va. Code § 64.2-1314). |
| CC-1685, Small Estate Affidavit | Presented to the asset holder, not filed with the clerk, when the Virginia Small Estate Act route applies. |
| CC-1686 and CC-1687 | Optional creditor-notice forms under Va. Code § 64.2-508.1. |
Local nuance
Dickenson County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Commissioner of accounts | Dickenson County's commissioner of accounts is Freddie E. Mullins, P.O. Box 951, Clintwood, VA 24228, phone (276) 926-8580, fax (276) 926-8460. |
| Assistant commissioner | The statewide roster lists Greg Baker as assistant commissioner of accounts for Dickenson County, P.O. Box 338, Clintwood, VA 24228, phone (276) 926-7115. |
| Where reports go after qualification | The commissioner of accounts is separate from the clerk. Inventories and accounts are handled through the commissioner of accounts, not through the clerk's counter. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely Dickenson County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by identifying how the home is titled and whether any assets require qualification. If a will must be presented or qualification is needed, call the Dickenson County clerk in Clintwood. If real estate passes outside administration, ask the clerk what recording steps are needed for the list of heirs or related real estate paperwork. | Sunset helps organize title clues, account ownership, beneficiary designations, debts, and the documents to discuss with the clerk or an attorney. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | If the personal probate estate fits the $75,000 Small Estate Act ceiling, effective July 1, 2025 (Va. Code §§ 64.2-600 and 64.2-601), the small estate affidavit may avoid qualification for personal property. If you do qualify from outside Virginia, expect to sign CC-1610 for service of process under Va. Code § 64.2-1426. | Sunset helps compare account values, locate institutions, prepare an estate settlement checklist, and identify when a local probate attorney should review the plan. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | If the estate must sell real estate, qualification may be needed so a personal representative has authority to act. Begin with the Dickenson County clerk, then work with the commissioner of accounts after qualification for the inventory, accounting, and settlement process. | Sunset helps collect property, loan, tax, and account information so the family can move from grief to an organized estate settlement plan. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Dickenson County Circuit Court clerk | Local clerk's office for probate appointments, will presentation, qualification, certificates of qualification, and local counter questions. | 119 Court House Lane, Clintwood, VA 24228. Phone (276) 926-1616. Website: https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/dickenson/home |
| Dickenson County commissioner of accounts | Supervises fiduciary inventories and accounts after qualification. | Freddie E. Mullins, P.O. Box 951, Clintwood, VA 24228. Phone (276) 926-8580. |
| Virginia Judiciary commissioners of accounts directory | Statewide roster for commissioners and assistant commissioners of accounts. | https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/resources/coa/home |
| Virginia Circuit Court forms | Statewide CC forms used for probate, qualification, notice, inventory, accounting, small estate affidavits, and optional creditor notice. | https://www.vacourts.gov/forms/home |
| Virginia Judicial System self-help probate forms | Self-help index for probate-related forms. | https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/page/37/probate-forms |
| Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society | General civil legal aid for eligible residents. Its service list includes consumer and debt, family law, domestic violence, employment, housing, and public benefits; it does not list estate administration. | Castlewood centralized-intake field office, 6932 W. Hills Dr., Castlewood, VA 24224. Phone (276) 762-9354. Website: https://svlas.org/am-i-eligible/ |
When to hire an attorney
Consider talking with a Virginia probate attorney if the will may be contested, a house must be sold, heirs disagree, a creditor dispute is likely, the personal representative lives outside Virginia, or the estate settlement involves business interests, mineral interests, or unclear title. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset helps families identify bank, brokerage, retirement, insurance, and other financial relationships so the Dickenson County probate path starts with a clearer inventory of what exists.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset organizes the information commonly needed for Virginia estate settlement, including heirs, beneficiaries, assets, debts, and the forms to discuss with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Find a local probate attorney. When an estate needs legal help, Sunset can connect the family with a probate attorney who understands Virginia qualification, certificates of qualification, commissioners of accounts, and local clerk practice.
Sunset is free for families. Sunset gives families a single place to organize tasks, documents, and next steps after a death, from the first asset search through the estate settlement process.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate papers in Dickenson County?
Use the Dickenson County Circuit Court clerk's office at 119 Court House Lane in Clintwood. The mailing address is P.O. Box 190, Clintwood, VA 24228-0190, and the main phone number is (276) 926-1616.
Does Dickenson County require a probate appointment?
The clerk's public page lists office hours but does not state an appointment rule. Call (276) 926-1616 before going to the courthouse so the clerk can tell you what to bring and when probate matters are handled.
Can I use VJEFS to start a Dickenson County estate?
No for a self-represented family member. VJEFS is for Virginia State Bar members and their staff in most civil cases, and probate qualification is handled through the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Will I have to appear in front of a judge to open a Dickenson County estate?
Usually no. In Virginia, the clerk may admit a will and qualify a personal representative (Va. Code § 64.2-444). A circuit court judge becomes involved if there is a contest, appeal, or other court proceeding.
Who supervises the Dickenson County estate after I qualify?
The commissioner of accounts supervises fiduciary inventories and accounts. Dickenson County's commissioner of accounts is Freddie E. Mullins in Clintwood, and the roster also lists Greg Baker as assistant commissioner of accounts.
When are the inventory and first account due?
The inventory is returned to the commissioner of accounts within four months after the order conferring authority (Va. Code § 64.2-1300). The first account is exhibited before the commissioner within 16 months of qualification (Va. Code § 64.2-1304).
How much is the probate tax in Dickenson County?
The Commonwealth's probate tax is 10 cents per $100 of value, and estates of $15,000 or less are not subject to that tax (Va. Code § 58.1-1712, last amended in 2003). A county may add a local probate tax under Va. Code § 58.1-1718, so ask the Dickenson County clerk for the total before your appointment.
Does Dickenson County have its own probate forms?
The clerk's public Circuit Court page does not list a Dickenson County probate packet, checklist, or cover sheet. Use the statewide Virginia Circuit Court forms and ask the clerk which ones are needed for your facts.
Can I see a Dickenson County estate file through a free public portal?
No free public portal shows Virginia estate files. Ask the Dickenson County clerk about records room access and any paid secure remote access the clerk offers for recorded wills.
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.