West Virginia Code Chapter 44. Administration of Estates and Trusts § 44-15-1. Scope of article

Whenever, pursuant to any law of the United States or regulation of any bureau or agency thereof, the appointment of a guardian or committee to act in a fiduciary capacity for any person is required prior to payment of benefits, pensions, compensation for service or for any other reason for which payments are due to such person from the government of the United States or any bureau or agency thereof, the United States, or the chief officer of any such bureau or agency of the government, shall be a party in interest in any proceeding for the appointment or removal of a committee or of a guardian or for the removal of the disability of minority or mental incapacity of a ward, or in any suit or other proceeding affecting in any manner the administration by the committee or the guardian of the estate of any ward whose estate includes assets derived in whole or in part from benefits heretofore or hereafter paid by the United States, or any bureau or agency thereof. Not less than fifteen days prior to the hearing in such matter notice in writing of the time and place thereof shall be given by mail (unless waived in writing) to the office of the United States, or any bureau or agency thereof having jurisdiction in such matters over the area in which any such suit or proceeding is pending.

Whenever, pursuant to any law of the United States or regulation of any bureau or agency thereof, it is necessary, prior to the payment of benefits, that a committee or guardian be appointed, the appointment may be made in the manner hereinafter provided.