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Greenbrier County, WV Probate Information
Quick facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Probate authority | Greenbrier County Commission, with probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3. Estate openings are handled by the Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor under W. Va. Code § 44-3A. |
| Courthouse address | Greenbrier County Courthouse, 912 Court Street N, Lewisburg, WV 24901. |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 506, Lewisburg, WV 24901. |
| Estate-opening phone | (304) 647-6689, extension 701. |
| General county clerk phone | (304) 647-6602. |
| Fax | (304) 647-6694. |
| Office hours | County Clerk hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The county site does not list a separate hours table for the fiduciary supervisor. |
| Appointments | Estate openings are by appointment only. The county says the appointment is in person with photo ID unless the filer is represented by an attorney. |
| Estate-opening costs | The county says the exact amount is assessed at the appointment and can range from approximately $75.00 to $275.00, as shown on the county Estate Services page reviewed August 31, 2026. West Virginia has no statewide probate filing fee under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10. |
| Local form status | The county site links an Estate Forms & Docs area, but the public page used for this guide did not list specific estate form titles. Use the statewide appraisement and nonprobate inventory forms and call the estate-opening line before relying on a Greenbrier-specific packet. |
| Electronic filing | West Virginia has no e-filing for probate with the county clerk. Estate papers are filed on paper with the Greenbrier County Clerk or the fiduciary supervisor. |
| Lookup | The County Clerk's Fees & Records page links an online record database search for documents recorded with the office. Ask the clerk whether it includes estate records and what years it covers. WVPASS is a circuit court system and does not contain routine estate files. |
| Website | County Clerk: https://www.greenbrierwv.gov/agencies/county-clerk/21. Estate Services: https://www.greenbrierwv.gov/agencies/estate-services/66. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you call Greenbrier County to open an estate, identify the decedent's probate assets, nonprobate assets, debts, heirs, beneficiaries and any original will. Greenbrier asks for a list of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses, the original will if one exists, a death certificate or working copy, photo ID, and enough asset information to address any bond question under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
That asset work is often the hardest part of West Virginia estate settlement because the appraisement must be accurate after qualification. Sunset's asset discovery searches 2,300 institutions so families can find accounts, insurance, retirement assets and other property before the Greenbrier appointment.
Which court handles jurisdiction
The Greenbrier County Courthouse in Lewisburg serves Greenbrier County estate matters. The Greenbrier County Commission holds probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3, and the county site places estate openings with the Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor under W. Va. Code § 44-3A.
An estate is opened where the person lived. W. Va. Code § 41-5-4 puts the will before the county commission for the county where the decedent 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. If the decedent lived in Greenbrier County, start with the Greenbrier County estate-opening line in Lewisburg.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the original will, if there is one, because the county says a copy cannot be accepted. Also gather a death certificate or working copy, a list of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses, photo ID, and an asset list for the appraisement required by W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 and the nonprobate inventory required by W. Va. Code § 11-11-7.
- Call the Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor at (304) 647-6689, extension 701, to schedule the Greenbrier County estate-opening appointment. Greenbrier publishes a fiduciary supervisor under W. Va. Code § 44-3A, and the Greenbrier County Commission holds probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3.
- Bring bond information if Greenbrier's local rule applies. The county says that if there is no will and more than one heir, the administrator will need to be bonded, and West Virginia bond issues are governed by W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
- At the appointment, the county clerk or fiduciary supervisor acts for the Greenbrier County Commission under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3. If there is a will, the clerk admits the will to record under W. Va. Code § 41-5-10. If there is no will, administration proceeds under W. Va. Code § 44-1-4.
- Pay the amount assessed at the appointment. Greenbrier says the estate-opening amount can range from approximately $75.00 to $275.00, as shown on the county Estate Services page reviewed August 31, 2026, and asks for two separate checks if paying by check. West Virginia has no statewide probate filing fee under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10, and Greenbrier's fiduciary supervisor system can include the graduated qualification fee capped by W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a) at $25, $100 or $175, effective July 1, 2023.
- After appointment, get certified copies of the certificate of qualification, the letters document that banks and transfer agents use to confirm authority. The clerk issues the certificate after the personal representative qualifies.
- File the appraisement, Form ET 6.01, within 90 days of qualification under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, and file the nonprobate inventory, Form ET 6.02, within the same 90-day period under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7. If real estate sits in more than one county, the appraisement information for that real estate may also need to be filed where the property is located.
- Follow the notice and claim process. The article 2 notice to creditors rule is W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a; Greenbrier's fiduciary supervisor system uses the article 3A notice process in W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4. If an objection or dispute sends the estate to a fiduciary commissioner, that officer works under W. Va. Code § 44-3.
- Most Greenbrier County estates are handled through the office process rather than a hearing. If a dispute arises, a fiduciary commissioner under W. Va. Code § 44-3, the Greenbrier County Commission under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3, or the circuit court for a will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11 may become involved. Ask the county clerk's office how phone or video participation is handled if a later appearance is scheduled.
- Administer the estate, pay valid claims, distribute property, and ask the fiduciary supervisor which article 3A settlement form is required. A short form settlement is authorized by W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4a, but Greenbrier's public page does not name the closing form it uses for every estate.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Greenbrier County
West Virginia does not publish a statewide probate form set. The appraisement, Form ET 6.01, is filed under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14, and the nonprobate inventory, Form ET 6.02, is filed under W. Va. Code § 11-11-7. The small-estate affidavit contents are set by W. Va. Code § 44-1A-2, and since July 9, 2025 the W. Va. Code § 44-1A small-estate route is not available if the decedent owned probate real estate.
Greenbrier County's site links an Estate Forms & Docs area from the County Clerk section, but the public page used for this guide did not list specific estate form titles. Before your appointment, call (304) 647-6689, extension 701, and ask what Greenbrier County packet or document-center files you should bring.
Fees
West Virginia has no statewide probate filing fee. What you pay in Greenbrier County is based on county estate-opening charges, per-document recording charges under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10, article 3A fiduciary supervisor fees under W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42, publication and mailing costs, and any bond premium required under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
| Cost item | Greenbrier County amount | Authority or timing |
|---|---|---|
| Estate-opening amount | Approximately $75.00 to $275.00, with the exact amount assessed at the appointment. The county asks for two separate checks if paying by check. | Greenbrier County Estate Services page reviewed August 31, 2026. |
| Article 3A qualification fee | Because Greenbrier publishes a fiduciary supervisor, the qualification fee is capped at $25, $100 or $175 depending on gross assets. | W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023. |
| Notice charge | $20 for the notice to creditors in the article 2 statute, plus newspaper cost where applicable. | W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a(g), current as of August 2026. Greenbrier's article 3A notice process is in W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4. |
| Short form settlement recording and mailing | $10 if the article 3A short form settlement is used. | W. Va. Code § 44-3A-4a(e), current as of August 2026. |
| Oath and recorded documents | $5 to administer an oath, $10 for a document of five pages or fewer, and $1 for each additional page. | W. Va. Code § 59-1-10, current as of August 2026. |
Local nuance
Greenbrier County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means for Greenbrier families |
|---|---|
| Fiduciary supervisor county | Greenbrier publishes an Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor under W. Va. Code § 44-3A. That means the article 3A referral threshold in W. Va. Code § 44-3A-5 applies: $100,000 of assets subject to administration, excluding real property unless the will requires its administration. |
| Appointment-only estate openings | Call (304) 647-6689, extension 701, before going to the courthouse. Greenbrier says estate openings are appointment-only, planned as in-person appointments with photo ID unless the filer is represented by an attorney. |
| Original documents | Greenbrier says to bring the original will if one exists because a copy cannot be accepted. The will is admitted to record under W. Va. Code § 41-5-10. |
| Local bond instruction | Greenbrier says that if there is no will and more than one heir, the administrator will need to be bonded. Bond questions are governed by W. Va. Code § 44-1-8. |
Recent updates
| Update | What changed for Greenbrier County |
|---|---|
| County website path | The county's public website now uses greenbrierwv.gov, with County Clerk and Estate Services pages for Greenbrier County. |
| Estate Services page | The county page identifies the Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor under W. Va. Code § 44-3A and gives the estate-opening phone as (304) 647-6689, extension 701. |
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely Greenbrier County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by separating probate assets from jointly owned or beneficiary-designated property. If an estate must be opened, call the Greenbrier fiduciary supervisor at (304) 647-6689, extension 701, and bring the original will, death certificate or working copy, photo ID, addresses for heirs and beneficiaries, and asset information for the W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 appraisement. | Sunset helps identify accounts, insurance and other assets before the appointment so the spouse can avoid missing property during estate settlement. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | Ask whether the W. Va. Code § 44-1A small-estate affidavit fits. As of August 2026, the personal-property limit is $50,000 under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-1(b)(4), and since July 9, 2025 the W. Va. Code § 44-1A route is not available if the decedent owned probate real estate. | Sunset helps find accounts and prepare a clean asset picture so the child can ask Greenbrier the right questions before traveling or hiring counsel. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | If the child owned Greenbrier County probate real estate, plan on opening an estate with the fiduciary supervisor rather than using the W. Va. Code § 44-1A small-estate route. The personal representative will need authority through the certificate of qualification, meaning letters, and may need attorney help with the sale. | Sunset helps organize asset discovery, generate estate paperwork, and connect the family with a local attorney when the home sale or family dynamics make estate settlement harder. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Greenbrier County Estate Services | Use this page for estate-opening instructions, the fiduciary supervisor contact, appointment requirements, what to bring, and the county's estate-opening fee range. | https://www.greenbrierwv.gov/agencies/estate-services/66, or (304) 647-6689, extension 701. |
| Greenbrier County Clerk | Use this page for general clerk hours, general recording office information, and navigation to County Clerk services. | https://www.greenbrierwv.gov/agencies/county-clerk/21, or (304) 647-6602. |
| Greenbrier County Fees & Records | Use this page for copy and document information and the county's link to its online record database search. Ask the county clerk whether that index includes estate records and what years it covers. | https://www.greenbrierwv.gov/agencies/fees-and-records/39. |
When to hire an attorney
Many Greenbrier County estates are handled through the fiduciary supervisor appointment process, but counsel makes sense if family members disagree, the will may be contested under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11, the estate owns real estate that must be sold, the personal representative lives out of state, or a creditor issue develops under W. Va. Code § 44-1-14a. Sunset connects families with a vetted probate attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches for bank, investment, insurance, retirement and other assets so the Greenbrier appraisement and nonprobate inventory are based on a complete estate settlement picture.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you gather into an organized probate packet for the Greenbrier County appointment, including asset lists, family details and institution-ready summaries.
Find a local probate attorney. If the estate involves real estate, a dispute, a will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11, or a fiduciary commissioner referral under W. Va. Code § 44-3, Sunset can help you find local counsel.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize estate settlement, understand next steps, and decide whether they can work with the Greenbrier County office directly or need a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I open an estate in Greenbrier County?
Open the estate through the Office of the Fiduciary Supervisor at the Greenbrier County Courthouse, 912 Court Street N, Lewisburg, WV 24901. The Greenbrier County Commission has probate jurisdiction under W. Va. Code § 7-1-3, and Greenbrier publishes a fiduciary supervisor under W. Va. Code § 44-3A.
Do I need an appointment for Greenbrier County estate services?
Yes. The county says estate openings are by appointment only. Call (304) 647-6689, extension 701. Plan for an in-person appointment with photo ID unless an attorney represents you.
What should I bring to the Greenbrier County appointment?
Bring the original will if one exists, a death certificate or working copy, photo ID, names and addresses for heirs and beneficiaries, asset information for the W. Va. Code § 44-1-14 appraisement, and information needed for any bond issue under W. Va. Code § 44-1-8.
How much does it cost to open an estate in Greenbrier County?
Greenbrier says the exact amount is assessed at the appointment and can range from approximately $75.00 to $275.00, as shown on the county Estate Services page reviewed August 31, 2026. West Virginia has no statewide probate filing fee under W. Va. Code § 59-1-10, and Greenbrier's article 3A fiduciary supervisor system can include the $25, $100 or $175 qualification fee capped by W. Va. Code § 44-3A-42(a), effective July 1, 2023.
Can I e-file Greenbrier County probate papers?
No e-filing for probate with the county clerk is published for Greenbrier County. West Virginia Judiciary e-filing is for court systems, while routine estate papers are filed on paper with the Greenbrier County Clerk or the fiduciary supervisor.
Is there a Greenbrier County probate case search?
The Greenbrier County Clerk's Fees & Records page links an online record database search for recorded documents. Ask the county clerk whether it includes estate records and what years it covers. WVPASS is a circuit court search and does not contain routine estate files.
Can a small estate be used in Greenbrier County if there is a house?
No, not if the house is probate real estate. Since July 9, 2025, the W. Va. Code § 44-1A small-estate affidavit is not available when the decedent owned probate real estate. As of August 2026, the personal-property ceiling is $50,000 under W. Va. Code § 44-1A-1(b)(4).
Will I have a hearing in Greenbrier County?
Most estates begin with the fiduciary supervisor appointment rather than a hearing. If an objection, referral to a fiduciary commissioner under W. Va. Code § 44-3, or will contest under W. Va. Code § 41-5-11 arises, a later appearance may be scheduled. Ask the county clerk's office how phone or video participation is handled for that later appearance.
Do I have to travel to Lewisburg to open the estate?
Greenbrier says estate openings are appointment-only and planned as in-person appointments with photo ID unless the filer is represented by an attorney. If travel is difficult, call (304) 647-6689, extension 701, before making plans.
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.