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Wills & Estate Administration
- To record a will and to qualify an Executor or Administrator of a decedent's estate, you must contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the jurisdiction in which the decedent resided at the time of death.
- Probate/estate matters are handled by appointment.
- The personal representative (Executor or Administrator) of an estate is charged by law with numerous responsibilities.
- It is the legal obligation of the personal representative to fully understand and discharge his/her required duties.
- Further details may be obtained from the Chesterfield Circuit Court Clerk and Chesterfield County's Commissioner of Accounts.
- An attorney or an accountant can provide assistance as well.
Scheduling a Probate Appointment
Prior to scheduling an appointment, it is helpful to provide information to the Clerk's Office for review.
- If a will exists, provide a copy of the will and death certificate to the Probate Division by fax (804-717-6797) or email and a staff member will contact you as soon as possible after review. Please include your contact information so that staff can reach you by phone or email as necessary.
- If you are unable to fax or email, please call the Probate Division at 804-748-1241. If a will exists - please have it in hand when calling so that certain legal requirements can be confirmed.
What to Bring to a Probate/Qualification Appointment
TESTATE (with a will)
- original will (and codicils, if any) - copy not acceptable (must have original signatures and must be the most recent will executed)
- death certificate
- witnesses to will or depositions of witnesses, if not self-proving
- approximate dollar value of probate assets
- names, ages and addresses of heirs at law
- notarized waiver of executor named in will who does not wish to serve (if applicable)
- payment (payment types accepted)
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license)
INTESTATE (without a will)
- death certificate
- approximate dollar value of probate assets
- names, ages and addresses of heirs at law
- if within 30 days from date of death, consent of all heirs at law who do not wish to qualify
- payment (payment types accepted)
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license)
Definitions
(Source: VCCA Probate and Estate Administration Manual)
- Executor - The person named in the decedent's will to administer the estate who accepts appointment by qualifying before the Clerk.
- Administrator - The person appointed by and qualified before the Clerk to administer the [intestate] decedent's estate.
- Trustee - Person holding property in trust. One in whom an estate, interest or power is vested.
- Decedent - The deceased person.
- Heirs - Persons who would inherit the decedent's estate if the decedent died without a will.
- Beneficiary - The person or organization entitled to receive a portion of the estate.
- Fiduciary - A person in a position of trust with respect to another's property; a general term used to refer to an executor, administrator or trustee.
- Self-Proving - Acknowledgement of the testator and the affidavits of attesting witnesses, made before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
- Qualification - Procedure whereby a person is appointed by the Clerk to serve as executor or administrator of a decedent's estate.
- Testate - Dying with a will.
- Intestate - Dying without a will.
- Certificate of Qualification - (Also called Letters of Testamentary) Formal instrument of authority and appointment given to a fiduciary by the proper court, empowering him or her to act in the capacity of a fiduciary.
Wills and Estate - Forms
- Estate Asset Worksheet (XLS) (requires Microsoft Excel)
- Probate Appointment Checklist Form (PDF)
- Estate forms available through the Supreme Court of Virginia
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Wendy S. Hughes
Clerk of Court
Email Policy
Our email account is intended for general inquiries only. For specific case-related inquiries, please call the Clerk’s Office during public service hours to speak with a staff member in the appropriate division.
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Circuit Court
Physical Address
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Mailing Address
Chesterfield County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 125
Chesterfield, VA 23832-0909
Phone: 804-748-1241
1917 Courthouse
10011 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Directions
Public Service Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Recording Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Note
Recording hours are subject to change in the event of inclement weather or holiday closings. Filing parties are encouraged to call the Clerk's Office in advance to ascertain any deviation from normal recording hours.
Filings
The Court does not accept case-related filings via the internet, email or fax. Filings are accepted via mail, courier or hand delivery.
Location
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is on the first floor of the Courts Building located at the intersection of Ironbridge Road (Route 10) and Courthouse Road. The Courthouse is a large brick building with white columns and a circular drive.
Parking
Parking is permitted in any area except those that are gated, marked "reserved," or designated for jurors. There is no fee for parking.