1Immediate Actions
The first days
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingNevada State Office of Vital Records
Certified Nevada death certificates are issued by the State Office of Vital Records, orderable by mail and in person (online ordering is generally handled through a third-party vendor). Because the death occurred in Humboldt County, the per-copy fee is $22. Humboldt families may also order through the county/local registrar. The District Court Clerk does not issue death certificates.
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
2Required by Law
First 30 days
Deposit the Will
A person having custody of a will must deliver it to the clerk of the district court, or to the named personal representative, within 30 days after learning of the testator's death (NRS 136.050). The will is then offered for probate in the Sixth Judicial District Court. (NRS 136.050)
Creditor claim window
Creditors generally have 3 months from first publication of the notice to creditors to bring claims against the estate. (NRS 147.040)
Notify Key Parties
- Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
- Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
- Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits
3Assess Your Situation
Before filing anything
Which probate type is right for you?
Small estate? If the estate is worth less than the Nevada small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.
Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for probate with will. If no will exists, it's intestate probate.
Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require probate administration.
Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.
Which applies to your situation?
Not sure? Use the free checker at the top of this page - you don't have to decide this alone.
At least 40 days after death, a successor may collect a decedent's personal property by affidavit, without letters or probate, if the gross value of the Nevada property does not exceed $25,000 for a general claimant or $150,000 for the surviving spouse (surviving-spouse limit raised from $100,000 by SB 404 of 2025, effective October 1, 2025). The affidavit is presented to asset holders rather than filed to open a case and does not transfer real property. Verify the applicable limit for the claimant and assets involved.
- Qualifies:
- $25,000 ($150,000 for a surviving spouse)
A streamlined, court-supervised probate available when the gross value of the estate, after deducting encumbrances, does not exceed $500,000 (raised from $300,000 by SB 404 of 2025, effective October 1, 2025; matters filed before that date use the $300,000 cap). Still filed in the District Court via the clerk.
- Qualifies:
- $500,000
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Original Will
- Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters / Petition for Letters of Administration
- Notice to Creditors (Publication)
- Inventory and Appraisement
The personal representative qualifies before the Sixth Judicial District Court, receives Letters Testamentary (with a will) or Letters of Administration (without a will), files an inventory and appraisement within 120 days of letters (NRS 144.010), publishes notice to creditors, and files accountings the court reviews. Real property is part of the estate and is distributed by court order. Verify bond, surety, original-will, and notice requirements with the clerk.
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Original Will
- Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters / Petition for Letters of Administration
- Notice to Creditors (Publication)
- Inventory and Appraisement
- Account / Final Account
If the gross value of the estate does not exceed $150,000 (raised from $100,000 by SB 404 of 2025, effective October 1, 2025), the District Court may set the estate aside without administration to the surviving spouse and minor children, or distribute it to the persons entitled. The change is keyed to the filing date.
- Qualifies:
- $150,000
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Petition to Set Aside Estate Without Administration
At least 40 days after death, a successor may collect a decedent's personal property by affidavit, without letters or probate, if the gross value of the Nevada property does not exceed $25,000 for a general claimant or $150,000 for the surviving spouse (the surviving-spouse limit was raised from $100,000 by SB 404 of 2025, effective October 1, 2025; the $25,000 general limit was unchanged). This procedure does not transfer real property.
- Qualifies:
- $25,000
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Small Estate Affidavit
4File for Probate
Where to file, forms & fees
Where to File
Free Filing Help Available
Nevada Courts Self-Help Center / Humboldt County Sixth Judicial District Court can help you understand forms and filing requirements at no cost.
Visit Self-Help Center