West Virginia § 39-1-5 - 39-1-5. Acknowledgment by husband and wife.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 39-1-5 — 39-1-5. Acknowledgment by husband and wife., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-1-5. 39-1-5. Acknowledgment by husband and wife.
When a husband and wife have signed a writing purporting to sell or convey real estate, the wife may acknowledge the same together with, or separately from her husband. Either the husband or the wife may sign and acknowledge the writing before the other has signed or acknowledged it. If both acknowledge the writing at the same time, the certificate of the acknowledgments may be in form or effect as follows:
State (territory or district) of .......... county of ...................., to wit:
I, .................., a notary public of the said county of ...................; or I, .........., clerk of the ......... court or county of ........; (or other officer or person authorized to take acknowledgments by section three of this article, as the case may be),* do certify .......... and .........., his or her wife whose names are signed to the writing above (or hereto annexed) bearing date the ..... day of .........., 20....., have this day acknowledged the same before me in my said ...........
Given under my hand this ......... day of ........., 20.......
If the husband or wife acknowledge a deed or other writing separately from the other, the certificate of acknowledgment after the star in the foregoing form shall be in form or effect as follows: do certify that .........., the wife of .........., (or the husband of .........., as the case may be), whose name is signed to the writing above (or hereto annexed) bearing date the .......... day of .........., 20 ....., has this day acknowledged the same before me in my said ..........
Given under my hand this .......... day of .........., 20 .....
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 39-1-5
What does West Virginia Code § 39-1-5 cover?
Section 39-1-5 ("39-1-5. Acknowledgment by husband and wife.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 39-1-5?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 39-1-5" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 39-1-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.