WV estate risk

Complexity triggers in West Virginia

Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.

West Virginia provides a spousal elective share and a statutory support allowance during administration.

Which situations create the most risk here?What types of families face higher default exposure?Where do disputes most often arise?

At a glance

Key takeaways

A surviving spouse may renounce the will and take a statutory share instead of the will’s provisions.
The estate must provide a reasonable allowance for the support of the surviving spouse and minor children.

Questions to consider

State overview

West Virginia provides a spousal elective share and a statutory support allowance during administration.

A surviving spouse may renounce the will and take a statutory share instead of the will’s provisions.
The estate must provide a reasonable allowance for the support of the surviving spouse and minor children.

Sources

Background sources

National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in West Virginia.

Optional next steps

Educational resources only. No forms and no legal advice.

Context links

Understand death-risk context for West Virginia

LifeRiskIQ gives broader mortality context that can help frame when estate planning becomes more urgent.

Understand retirement-risk context for West Virginia

RetirementRiskIQ explains how asset growth and longevity can increase estate complexity over time.

Review federal estate tax basics

IRS guidance on federal estate tax thresholds, filings, and definitions.