Wills4WV™
by WV Probate Guide
Protect Your Family Before Probate Begins
A will is one of the most important gifts you can leave your loved ones. Learn how wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning tools work together to protect your wishes and simplify the future for your family.
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Download the Free Will Planning Guide
Why Estate Planning Matters
Most people don't think about estate planning until someone they know passes away.
By then, it's too late to make changes.
Every week, families across West Virginia discover that a loved one never created a will, failed to update beneficiary designations, or left important questions unanswered. Those situations often lead to unnecessary stress, delays, and legal expenses.
Estate planning is about much more than deciding who receives your property. It's about making life easier for the people you love. A thoughtful plan can provide clear instructions, protect minor children, reduce uncertainty, and help your family move forward with confidence during an already difficult time.
Whether your estate is modest or substantial, creating an estate plan gives you the opportunity to make your own decisions rather than leaving them to state law.
What Is Included in an Estate Plan?
Many people think estate planning simply means writing a will.
A complete plan often includes several documents that work together.
Last Will and Testament
A will explains how you want your property distributed after your death, names the person you want to administer your estate, and can nominate guardians for minor children.
Revocable Living Trust
For some families, a living trust can simplify estate administration and help certain assets pass outside probate.
It is not the right solution for every situation, but understanding how trusts work is an important part of planning.
Read our Living Trust Guide
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Choose the person you want making healthcare decisions if you're unable to communicate your wishes.
Living Will
A living will provides instructions regarding end-of-life medical decisions under specific circumstances.
HIPAA Authorization
Without proper authorization, loved ones may have difficulty obtaining medical information during an emergency.
Do You Need a Will?
The short answer?
Probably.
Every adult should consider having a will, regardless of age or wealth.
If you own a home, have children, own a business, or simply want to decide who receives your belongings, a will allows you—not the state—to make those decisions.
Without one, West Virginia's intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed.
Is a Will Enough?
Sometimes.
Many families are well served by a thoughtfully drafted will combined with beneficiary designations and powers of attorney.
Others may benefit from a trust-based estate plan.
The best approach depends on your family, your assets, and your goals.
Our educational resources can help you understand the options before deciding what works best for your situation.
Estate Planning by Life Stage
Young Adults
Healthcare powers of attorney.
Financial powers of attorney.
Basic wills.
Parents
Guardianship nominations.
Trust planning for children.
Life insurance coordination.
Homeowners
Real estate planning.
Joint ownership review.
Beneficiary planning.
Business Owners
Business succession.
Operating agreements.
Buy-sell planning.
Trust coordination.
Retirees
Probate avoidance.
Legacy planning.
Trust administration.
Long-term care planning.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes
The most expensive estate planning mistakes are often the simplest to avoid.
People frequently believe that beneficiary designations never need to be updated, that a will created decades ago is still sufficient, or that creating a trust automatically avoids probate without transferring assets into it. Others assume that because they are married, everything will automatically pass to their spouse exactly as intended.
These assumptions can create unnecessary complications. Reviewing your estate plan regularly—especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, purchasing a home, or starting a business—helps ensure that your documents continue to reflect your wishes.
Free Download
The West Virginia Will Planning Guide™
This free workbook helps you:
Organize your family information.
Choose an executor.
Think through guardianship decisions.
Inventory your assets.
Prepare for your estate planning meeting.
Understand the differences between wills and trusts.
Download the Free Guide
Continue Learning
Recommended resources:
Need Professional Guidance?
Estate planning isn't just about documents. It's about protecting the people who matter most.
Whether you're creating your first will, updating an existing estate plan, or exploring whether a living trust makes sense for your family, The Skeen Firm can help you understand your options and build a plan that reflects your goals.
Call 724-250-8841 or visit TheSkeenFirm.com to schedule a consultation.