HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 148

(By Delegates Miley and Ellem)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the laws governing the processing of probated estates.

    Whereas, West Virginia is among the states in the nation with the oldest average population and many of West Virginia’s elderly population have estates that are of relatively moderate to minimal value; and

    Whereas, The heirs of many West Virginians have relocated outside the state for purposes of employment; and

    Whereas, The process of settling a probated estate is often a lengthy process and often such length is out of proportion to the actual value of the estate; and

    Whereas, It is the desire of the legislature and of state and local governing bodies to ensure that the heirs and legatees of probated estates should be able to settle such estates in as timely a manner as possible; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on the Judiciary is hereby requested to study the laws governing the settlement of probated estates; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on the Judiciary report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Legislative expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.