2017 West Virginia Code
CHAPTER 44. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES AND TRUSTS.
ARTICLE 3A. OPTIONAL PROCEDURE FOR PROOF AND ALLOWANCE OF CLAIMS AGAINST ESTATES OF DECEDENTS; COUNTY OPTION.
§44-3A-41. When county commission to refer controversies to fiduciary commissioner; rules of procedure.
The county commission, whenever any controversy arises in connection with the probate of any will, or with the appointment and qualifications of personal representatives, guardians, committees or curators, or with the settlement of the accounts of any fiduciary, may, of its own motion, or on the motion of any party thereto, and shall, on the joint demand of the parties then appearing of record to the proceeding, refer the matter to a fiduciary commissioner, or to a person specifically appointed to act as such commissioner, to hear proof on the same, to make findings thereon, and to advise the commission on the law governing the decision of the matter. Any party may except to such commissioner’s findings of fact of law, and the commission shall hear the case on the fiduciary commissioner’s report and the exceptions thereto, without taking any additional evidence. In hearing and reporting on any such matter the fiduciary commissioner shall be governed as to procedure by the law and practice, so far as applicable, controlling commissioners in chancery.
