The clerk of any county court in the vacation of such court, may appoint appraisers of estates of decedents, admit wills to record, appoint and qualify executors, administrators, guardians, curators and committees, and require and take from them the necessary bonds, upon the same procedure and proof, and in the same manner and with like effect for the time being, as such county court could do if in session; but no contest as to such probate or appointment shall be heard or determined by such clerk, and when notice of contests is given the matter shall stand continued until the next regular session of the county court.
W. Va. Code § 44-12-1