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Spousal Elective Share Law in West Virginia

In West Virginia, a surviving spouse can elect 3% to 50% of the augmented estate depending on the length of the marriage, by petition within 9 months after death or 6 months after the will is probated, whichever is later.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

West Virginia at a glance

Elective share
3% to 50% of augmented estate, by length of marriage
Supplemental amount only for marriages under 1 year; 50% after 15 years or more. A $25,000 supplemental amount may apply.
Deadline to elect
9 months after death or 6 months after will probate, if later
A petition to extend can be filed within 9 months after death.
Community property state
No
Not on the IRS list of community property states.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in West Virginia

How much can a surviving spouse claim in West Virginia if left out of the will?

Elective share in West Virginia: 3% to 50% of augmented estate, by length of marriage. Supplemental amount only for marriages under 1 year; 50% after 15 years or more. A $25,000 supplemental amount may apply.

What is the deadline to claim the elective share in West Virginia?

Deadline to elect in West Virginia: 9 months after death or 6 months after will probate, if later. A petition to extend can be filed within 9 months after death.

Is West Virginia a community property state?

No. Community property state in West Virginia: no. Not on the IRS list of community property states.

Where do the West Virginia spousal elective share laws come from?

The rules above come from W. Va. Code 42-3-1 and W. Va. Code 42-3-4. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

The election is not automatic. A surviving spouse who wants the elective share usually must file a written election with the probate court, and serve notice on the personal representative, before a deadline. Missing the deadline can mean losing the right to elect.

Taking the elective share often means giving up gifts under the will and sometimes other benefits. Comparing what the will provides against the statutory share, including any trusts, life insurance or joint accounts that may count toward the share, helps show whether an election makes sense.

Spouses can often waive elective share rights in a written prenuptial or postnuptial agreement signed with full disclosure. If a waiver is part of an estate plan, the will, trust and marital agreement should be drafted to work together, and a local attorney can confirm the formal requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.