Virginia Guide
What to do when someone dies in Virginia.
A step-by-step guide for families navigating death administration in Virginia. Covers death certificates, cremation rules, probate, and average costs.
First 24 Hours in Virginia
Getting a Death Certificate in Virginia
How many do you need? Plan to order at least 10–12 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retirement accounts, and courts. It is much cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later.
Virginia Legal Requirements
Virginia allows small estate affidavits for estates under $50,000. No state estate tax.
Average Funeral Costs in Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates do I need in Virginia?
Plan for at least 10–12 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, government agency, and court requires its own original certified copy. It costs $12 per copy per copy from the Virginia Department of Health.
How long does probate take in Virginia?
Straightforward probate in Virginia typically takes 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes or significant assets can take 2–3 years. Estates under $50,000 may qualify for a simplified process.
How soon can cremation happen in Virginia?
Virginia requires a 24 hours waiting period before cremation. All paperwork must be completed and signed by the authorized next-of-kin before cremation can proceed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Virginia?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate") in Virginia, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally assets pass to the spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a specific legal order determined by the probate court.