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Berkeley County, WV Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Probate authority | Berkeley County Commission, with probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3. |
| Filing office | Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate, the county's fiduciary supervisor office under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-1. |
| Office address | 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 107, Martinsburg, WV 25401. |
| County Clerk for recording and records | Berkeley County Clerk's office, 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 103, Martinsburg, WV 25401. Phone: (304) 264-1927. |
| Phone | (304) 267-3001, extension 6104 for the office's deputy and coordinator. |
| Fax | (304) 267-7830. |
| Hours | The offices at 400 West Stephen Street publish Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Berkeley's checklists say to apply to open an estate by 4:00 p.m. Call (304) 267-3001 before traveling. |
| Fees | No statewide probate filing fee. Berkeley publishes an appointment fee of $25.00, $100.00 or $175.00 by gross estate size under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023, plus county recording charges. Berkeley's checklists posted April 4, 2024 give opening ranges of $52.00 to $202.00 or more with a will and $41.00 to $191.00 or more without a will. The county fee schedule posted May 13, 2024 says cash or check payable to the Berkeley County Clerk. |
| Local forms | Yes. The Wills and Estates page publishes nine documents, including Checklist with Will, Checklist without Will, the Fiduciary Fee Schedule and the Appraisement Documents packet. |
| E-filing | No e-filing for routine probate. Estate papers are filed on paper with the Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate, and the county clerk records the documents. |
| Case search | The Berkeley County Clerk publishes a subscription electronic search covering deeds, deeds of trust, and liens and judgments. Estate papers are looked up with the county clerk's office in Martinsburg. WVPASS is a circuit court search and does not contain the estate file. |
| Remote appearance | Most estates do not involve a hearing. Berkeley's overview says qualification can be handled at a distance but may add mailing delays, while its checklists ask applicants to come in by 4:00 p.m.; ask the county clerk's office if recording questions are involved. |
| Website | Berkeley County Wills and Estates |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you go to Suite 107, build a list of what the decedent owned, how each asset was titled, and what debts may exist. Berkeley's own checklist asks for an estimate of the probate estate before appointment, and the appointment fee is based on the gross estate while any bond question depends on the probate personal estate under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
That same asset picture drives the appraisement, Form ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, and the nonprobate inventory, Form ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7. Sunset searches more than 2,300 institutions so families can start estate settlement with a clearer account and asset list instead of guessing at the counter.
Which court handles jurisdiction
File in Berkeley County when the decedent lived in Berkeley County. W. Va. Code § 41-5-4 puts the will in the county where the person had a mansion house or known place of residence at death, and W. Va. Code § 44-1-4 puts an intestate estate in the same place.
For Berkeley County, the published estate counter is the Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate at 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 107, Martinsburg. The Berkeley County Clerk's office is in Suite 103 of the same building and handles recording and records, but Berkeley's estate appointment and supervision work is handled through the fiduciary supervisor office under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-1.
The jurisdiction process
- Identify the assets, debts, title, and likely probate property before you apply. Berkeley's checklist asks you to estimate tangible personal property, accounts and securities, real estate, and other assets before appointment.
- Download the Berkeley County packet from the Wills and Estates page. Use the Checklist with Will if there is a will, or the Checklist without Will if there is not.
- Bring the completed checklist, valid photo identification, a certified state issued death certificate showing a Berkeley County residence address, and the original signed will or codicil if there is one. Berkeley asks for the names, addresses, and relationships of beneficiaries or heirs.
- Go to the Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate, 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 107, Martinsburg. The checklists say to apply by 4:00 p.m.; call (304) 267-3001 before traveling.
- If there is a will, give the office the original signed will. The clerk's action admitting a will is part of the West Virginia process under W. Va. Code § 41-5-10, and Berkeley warns that some estates need witness depositions, waivers, or bond before letters are issued.
- If there is no will, W. Va. Code § 44-1-4 governs appointment. Berkeley publishes that a surviving spouse is first entitled to apply, and if there are multiple heirs before 30 days from the death, the office asks for signed and notarized consents from the other heirs.
- Address bond before appointment. Bond is required by default under W. Va. Code § 44-1-6, with exceptions in W. Va. Code § 44-1-8. Berkeley publishes that a West Virginia resident may use a qualifying property surety or a corporate surety, while a nonresident personal representative must buy a corporate surety unless a valid will expressly waives bond or that person is the sole heir at law.
- Pay the Berkeley appointment and recording charges. Berkeley's current fee schedule posted May 13, 2024 and checklists posted April 4, 2024 publish an appointment fee of $25.00, $100.00 or $175.00 under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023, plus recording charges payable to the Berkeley County Clerk.
- Take the oath and receive the authority document. The certificate of qualification, often called letters testamentary when there is a will or letters of administration when there is not, is what banks and transfer agents use to see that you have authority.
- File the appraisement and nonprobate inventory. Berkeley issues the Estate Appraisement and Nonprobate Inventory packet, including ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7, and publishes that it is due within 90 calendar days of appointment. The county's appraisement packet posted May 13, 2024 lists a $12.00 filing charge, with more if attachments or extra pages are filed.
- Handle the creditor process. When the signed appraisement is accepted, Berkeley schedules notice to creditors, usually on the first Wednesday of the month. The creditor claim period runs 60 calendar days from publication under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4(b) and W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a(a)(7).
- If a claim is disputed or the estate has a controversy, Berkeley may refer the issue to a fiduciary commissioner under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-5 and related article 3A procedures. A party request must be in writing and state the legal reasons.
- Close the estate after the claim period. Berkeley publishes a short form settlement path under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4a when everyone required signs, and a long form accounting path if an heir or residuary beneficiary will not sign or the estate is insolvent.
- Wait for the Berkeley County Commission's approval order under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3 before distributing what remains. Berkeley publishes that you should not disburse estate assets until the office sends the approval letter, and that your authority ends when the estate is closed.
Executor duties
- Bring the originally signed will, not a copy, and deliver it promptly if the will names you. Berkeley's will checklist ties admission to W. Va. Code § 41-5-10.
- Bring a certified state issued death certificate that shows a Berkeley County residence address, marital status, and Social Security number.
- List the name, address, and relationship of every beneficiary named in the will or every heir if there is no will under W. Va. Code § 44-1-4.
- Estimate the probate estate on Berkeley's checklist before appointment, because the office uses the asset picture to set charges and any bond question under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
- Open a separate estate account rather than moving probate bank proceeds into your own account.
- Return ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7 within 90 calendar days of appointment, or ask the office in writing before the deadline if you need an extension.
- Make a diligent search for reasonably ascertainable creditors, handle creditor issues yourself, and see that paid creditors file releases under the notice process in W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a.
- If the estate may be insolvent, contact the office before paying claims. Berkeley warns that paying debts in the wrong order can create personal risk.
- Do not distribute estate assets until the office sends the approval letter after the Berkeley County Commission acts under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3.
- If you mail a filing, include the correct payment. The county fee schedule posted May 13, 2024 says papers received without sufficient funds are returned unprocessed.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Berkeley County
Berkeley County publishes its estate materials on the county's Wills and Estates page. The page includes nine documents: Probate Overview, Checklist with Will, Checklist without Will, Fiduciary Fee Schedule, Small Estates Overview under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2, Appraisement Documents, Creditor Claim Questions and Answers, Insolvent Estate Information, and a Fiduciary Commissioner Handout under W. Va. Code § 44-3A.
| Document | What it is used for |
|---|---|
| Checklist with Will | A county packet for opening a testate estate, with the appointment requirements, beneficiary information page, asset estimate page, and fee page. |
| Checklist without Will | A county packet for opening an estate without a will under W. Va. Code § 44-1-4, with heir information, an asset estimate page, and a waiver form for an heir who steps aside. |
| Probate Overview | Berkeley's explanation of appointment, appraisement under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, creditor notice under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, and closing. |
| Appraisement Documents | The county's Step 2 information sheet plus ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7. |
| Fiduciary Fee Schedule | The county's published charges, including the appointment fee under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023, and recording charges posted May 13, 2024. |
| Small Estates Overview | Berkeley's memo on the affidavit process under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2. The office says it prepares the affidavit after receiving a certified death certificate, an asset list with values, and beneficiary or heir addresses. |
| Creditor Claim Questions and Answers | Berkeley's handout on creditor claims under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a and W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4(b), with a blank creditor claim affidavit. |
| Insolvent Estate Information | Berkeley's handout for estates that may not have enough probate assets to pay debts. |
| Fiduciary Commissioner Handout | Berkeley's explanation of referral to a fiduciary commissioner under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-5 and its local commissioner cost schedule. |
Berkeley does not publish an online probate submission form on that page. Estate papers are handled through the Office of Fiduciary and Probate and recorded by the Berkeley County Clerk.
Fees
West Virginia has no single statewide probate filing fee under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10. In Berkeley County, what you pay includes an appointment fee based on gross estate size, county recording charges, notice and closing costs, and any bond premium under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
| Charge | Amount and date |
|---|---|
| Appointment fee | $25.00 for a gross estate of $10,000 or less, $100.00 for more than $10,000 and not exceeding $50,000, and $175.00 for more than $50,000. Berkeley publishes these figures on its fee schedule posted May 13, 2024 and checklists posted April 4, 2024; W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a) authorizes the article 3A schedule, effective July 1, 2023. |
| County opening ranges | Berkeley's checklists posted April 4, 2024 list $52.00 to $202.00 or more with a will, and $41.00 to $191.00 or more without a will. The exact amount depends on estate size and pages recorded. |
| Will or codicil recording | $12.00 for up to five pages and $1.00 for each additional page, according to the county fee schedule posted May 13, 2024. The schedule cites recording charges under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10. |
| Executor, administrator, or successor application | $17.00, according to the county fee schedule posted May 13, 2024. |
| Creditor claim | $12.00 for up to five pages and $1.00 for each additional page, according to the county fee schedule posted May 13, 2024. Creditor notice is governed by W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a and W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4(b). |
| Appraisement filing | $12.00 per filing, with more if attachments or additional pages are filed, according to Berkeley's Appraisement Documents packet posted May 13, 2024. ET 6.01 is tied to W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 is tied to W. Va. Code § 11-11-7. |
| Closing recording and mailing | $10.00 for recording and mailing the short form settlement under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4a(e). Berkeley is an article 3A county. |
| Published notice fee | $20.00 for the notice to creditors under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a(g). Berkeley's article 3A appointment fee under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023, includes the cost of publication under the statute. |
| Property surety form | $2.50 for a Justification of Surety form, according to Berkeley's no-will checklist posted April 4, 2024. Surety issues are governed by W. Va. Code § 44-1-8. |
| Fiduciary commissioner referral | Berkeley publishes a nonrefundable $800.00 referral cost approved by Berkeley County Commission order on December 13, 2007, plus $150.00 to the Berkeley County Clerk for file reproduction, notice and mailing, $160.00 per hour beyond five hours, and $125.00 to view and process an accounting. Berkeley cites article 3A authority, including W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42. |
The county fee schedule posted May 13, 2024 says payments are accepted by cash or check payable to the Berkeley County Clerk. Because the checklists also mention money orders, confirm the current payment method before mailing anything.
Timeline
- Start promptly after death. Berkeley's Wills and Estates page says the probate process should begin within 30 days, and W. Va. Code § 41-5-1 requires a custodian to deliver the will within 30 days after learning of the death.
- If there is no will, consent can matter during the first month. Berkeley publishes that where there is no surviving spouse, multiple heirs, and 30 days from the death have not passed, other heirs must give notarized consent; W. Va. Code § 44-1-4 governs administration without a will.
- Apply by the daily cutoff. Berkeley's checklists say to apply in person with photo identification no later than 4:00 p.m.
- Return the asset forms within 90 calendar days of appointment. Berkeley's appraisement packet repeats the 90 day deadline for ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7, and says the office can grant an extension on a signed written request.
- Watch the publication cycle. Berkeley publishes notice to creditors typically on the first Wednesday of each month. Creditor claims then run for 60 calendar days from publication under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4(b) and W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a(a)(7).
- After the claim period, the estate can move to closing. Berkeley publishes that a short form settlement under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4a is held for 10 calendar days before going to the Berkeley County Commission under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3 if no objection is made.
- Berkeley publishes that most estates are settled in less than one year and many in six months or less. Treat that as the county's expectation, not a promise, because the personal representative, creditor issues under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, and any referral under W. Va. Code § 44-3A can change the timing.
Local nuance
Berkeley County-specific considerations
- Berkeley's estate counter is Suite 107, not the County Clerk's Suite 103. The Berkeley County Commission has probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3, and the Office of Fiduciary and Probate is the fiduciary supervisor office under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-1.
- Both Berkeley checklists say to apply by 4:00 p.m. with valid photo identification.
- The death certificate needs to show a Berkeley County residence address. This connects the filing to the venue rule in W. Va. Code § 41-5-4.
- For bond under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8, Berkeley publishes a practical difference between West Virginia residents and nonresidents. A West Virginia resident may use a qualifying property surety, while a nonresident personal representative must buy a corporate surety unless a valid will expressly waives bond or that person is the sole heir at law.
- Berkeley publishes its own cost ranges for opening an estate, dated April 4, 2024: $52.00 to $202.00 or more with a will, and $41.00 to $191.00 or more without a will. Its appointment fee is authorized by W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023.
- The county publishes notice to creditors typically on the first Wednesday of each month. Creditor notice and publication are governed by W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a and W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4(b).
- Berkeley publishes a local fiduciary commissioner cost schedule for article 3A referrals under W. Va. Code § 44-3A, including the $800.00 referral cost approved December 13, 2007, plus related local charges.
- Berkeley says the office can extend the appraisement deadline on a signed written request. ET 6.01 is due under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7.
- For a small estate under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2, Berkeley says the office prepares the affidavit after receiving a certified death certificate, an asset list with values, and beneficiary or heir addresses. Since July 9, 2025, W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2 does not allow that route if the decedent owned probate real property.
Recent updates
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Berkeley County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | If the home was held with survivorship rights, Berkeley still wants the title and value picture for ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7. If the decedent owned the home alone or owned a probate share, the affidavit route under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2 is closed since July 9, 2025, and the spouse applies at Suite 107. | Sunset helps identify accounts, title, and beneficiary designations before the spouse completes Berkeley's asset estimate and begins estate settlement. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | Ask the Office of Fiduciary and Probate about the affidavit route under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2 if there is no probate real property. Berkeley says it prepares the affidavit after receiving the death certificate, asset list, and addresses. If full appointment is needed, Berkeley publishes that a nonresident personal representative must use a corporate surety unless a valid will expressly waives bond or that person is the sole heir at law, under the bond framework in W. Va. Code § 44-1-8. | Sunset gives the child a clearer asset list before calling Berkeley about whether the affidavit route fits and whether a trip to Martinsburg is worth making. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | Because the estate has probate real property, the W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2 affidavit route is not available after July 9, 2025. The parent opens the estate at Suite 107, lists the real estate on ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, handles creditor claims under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, and may need the long form accounting path if the estate is insolvent. | Sunset helps organize the accounts, debts, and property information the parent needs before talking with Berkeley's office or a West Virginia attorney. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | What it can help with | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate | County probate checklists, probate overview, fee schedule, appraisement packet, small estate information under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2, creditor materials under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, appointment, and questions about an open estate. | 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 107, Martinsburg. (304) 267-3001, extension 6104. Fax: (304) 267-7830. |
| Berkeley County Clerk's office | Recording of wills, appraisements under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, creditor claims, settlements, Justification of Surety forms for property sureties under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8, and the county's electronic search for deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and judgments. | 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 103, Martinsburg. (304) 264-1927. Fax: (304) 267-1794. [email protected]. |
| Legal Aid of West Virginia, Martinsburg office | Free civil legal help for people who qualify. Whether it can take an estate issue depends on the matter and eligibility. | 301 W. Burke Street, Suite B, Martinsburg, WV 25401. 866-401-8871 or (304) 263-8871. |
| West Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service | Referral through the State Bar's own portal, including practice areas such as estate planning and real estate law. | (304) 553-7220 and online request form. |
| West Virginia Free Legal Answers | Online civil legal questions for qualifying users, answered by volunteer West Virginia lawyers by email. | Online only. |
| Berkeley County Judicial Center | Used for a will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11 or an appeal under W. Va. Code § 58-3-1. It is not the estate filing office. | 380 West South Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401. (304) 264-1918. |
When to hire an attorney
Berkeley publishes that an attorney is not required, but extraordinary issues may require legal counsel. Counsel makes sense if the estate is insolvent, a creditor claim is disputed under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, a fiduciary commissioner referral arises under W. Va. Code § 44-3A, beneficiaries will not sign the short form settlement under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4a, real estate must be sold to pay debts, or a will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11 or an appeal under W. Va. Code § 58-3-1 is possible. Sunset connects families with a vetted probate attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Berkeley asks you to estimate the estate before appointment, and ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7 are due after qualification. Sunset helps find accounts, insurance, investments, and other assets so estate settlement starts from a real inventory.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset helps turn the asset list, family information, and debt picture into a cleaner working packet for the Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate, including the information that belongs on Berkeley's checklist.
Find a local probate attorney. If Berkeley's process points to an insolvent estate, disputed creditor claim under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, fiduciary commissioner referral under W. Va. Code § 44-3A, real estate sale, will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11, or appeal under W. Va. Code § 58-3-1, Sunset can connect you with a vetted West Virginia probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize estate settlement, find assets, and prepare for the next step without paying Sunset.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Berkeley County?
File at the Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate, 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 107, Martinsburg. The Berkeley County Commission has probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3, and Berkeley uses the fiduciary supervisor system under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-1. The County Clerk's office is in Suite 103 and handles recording.
Is there a deadline in the day to apply to open an estate in Berkeley County?
Yes. Berkeley's checklists say to apply with valid photo identification no later than 4:00 p.m. The offices at 400 West Stephen Street publish Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
What does it cost to open an estate in Berkeley County?
Berkeley's checklists posted April 4, 2024 publish opening ranges of $52.00 to $202.00 or more with a will and $41.00 to $191.00 or more without a will. The county's appointment fee is $25.00, $100.00 or $175.00 by gross estate size under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023, plus recording charges under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10 as applied in the county schedule posted May 13, 2024.
Do I need a bond to serve as executor or administrator in Berkeley County?
Bond is required by default under W. Va. Code § 44-1-6, with exceptions in W. Va. Code § 44-1-8. Berkeley publishes that a West Virginia resident may use a qualifying property surety or a corporate surety, while a nonresident personal representative must buy a corporate surety unless a valid will expressly waives bond or that person is the sole heir at law.
Does Berkeley County have its own probate forms?
Yes. The Wills and Estates page publishes nine documents, including the Checklist with Will, Checklist without Will, Probate Overview, Fiduciary Fee Schedule, Appraisement Documents with ET 6.01 under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and ET 6.02 under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7, and a Small Estates Overview under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2.
Can I file a Berkeley County estate online?
No e-filing system is published for routine probate. Estate papers are filed on paper with the Berkeley County Office of Fiduciary and Probate, and the county clerk records the papers.
Can I look up a Berkeley County estate file online?
The Berkeley County Clerk publishes a subscription electronic search for deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and judgments. Estate files are not among the document types the county lists for that search, so ask the County Clerk's office in Martinsburg. WVPASS is a circuit court search and would show a will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11 if one is filed in circuit court, not the estate file itself.
Do I have to travel to Martinsburg if I live out of state?
Call (304) 267-3001 before you travel. Berkeley's overview says qualification can be handled at a distance but may add mailing delays, while the checklists ask applicants to come in by 4:00 p.m. If bond is required under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8, Berkeley publishes that a nonresident personal representative must usually buy a corporate surety.
When does the notice to creditors run in Berkeley County?
Berkeley publishes that notice to creditors typically runs on the first Wednesday of each month. The creditor claim period runs 60 calendar days from publication under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4(b) and W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a(a)(7).
How long does an estate take to settle in Berkeley County?
Berkeley publishes that most estates settle in less than one year and many in six months or less. That is not a guarantee. Creditor claims under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a, appraisement issues under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, a fiduciary commissioner referral under W. Va. Code § 44-3A, or a long form accounting can extend estate settlement.
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.