After a parent dies · West Virginia
Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in West Virginia
West Virginia allows a person to pass property to beneficiaries or backup beneficiaries at death with a transfer on death deed. In West Virginia, the deed must be recorded with the county commission clerk before the owner dies. In West Virginia, a transfer on death deed is exempt from the real estate transfer excise tax.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- West Virginia allows a person to pass property to beneficiaries or backup beneficiaries at death with a transfer on death deed. West Virginia Code § 36-12-5. Checked November 2, 2026
- In West Virginia, the deed must be recorded with the county commission clerk before the owner dies. West Virginia Code § 36-12-9. Checked November 2, 2026
- In West Virginia, a transfer on death deed is exempt from the real estate transfer excise tax. West Virginia Code § 36-12-9. Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for West Virginia
- How to order a death certificate in West Virginia
- Executor duties and deadlines in West Virginia
- How probate works in West Virginia after a parent dies
- Small estates in West Virginia: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home: all states
Neighbouring states
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in Ohio
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in Virginia
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in Washington
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in Texas
Questions
Where do these West Virginia facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: West Virginia Code § 36-12-5; West Virginia Code § 36-12-9. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in West Virginia or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.