Probate and Estate Information

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The Clerk acts as a probate judge when a last will and testament is presented to the Clerk for legal probate of an estate.

The Clerk ensures the authentication of the will, conducts a legal hearing with witnesses, makes a legal appointment of an executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate and prepares legal documents and orders related to the handling of the estate. The Clerk collects the applicable estate taxes for the Commonwealth.

The Clerk is also responsible for the appointment and qualification of guardians for minors or incapacitated adults.

- Courtesy of the Virginia Court Clerks' Association

Making an Appointment for Probate

If there is a will, the executor(s) named in the will need to be the person(s) contacting us to make the appointment and providing us with all the information needed.

If the decedent did not have a will, all the heirs (next of kin) should try to decide together who should be the administrator(s). If you are not sure who should be considered heirs or the heirs cannot come to a decision on who should qualify, please contact our office for guidance.

Step 1. Fill out this form to help you gather the information we will need to set up the appointment. Please include as much information as possible to help expedite the probate process.

Step 2. Find a copy of the will and death certificate for the decedent.

Step 2. Send us the form and copies of will/death certificate. You can send the documents to us by email, fax (540-586-6197) or mail to Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office (123 East Main Street, Suite 201, Bedford, VA 24523).

Step 4. We will contact you to make an appointment once we have received your form.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Make sure to have these documents and/or information ready on the day of your appointment. Note: Each estate/will is different. The probate clerk may ask you to bring additional things to your appointment.

Will (original, not a copy), if there is a will

Death certificate (we will review it and return it to you)

Names, addresses and ages of the heirs (next of kin) for the List of Heirs (if you have not previously submitted with your probate application packet)