Probate in Chase County, Nebraska: 2026 Guide

Chase County is located in Nebraska with a population of approximately 3,764. The Chase County Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.

Nebraska probate is governed by the Nebraska Probate Code (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2201 et seq.). Most uncontested estates start with informal probate (when there is a will) or informal appointment (when there is no will). These are filed with the county court registrar and usually handled without a hearing. Formal probate is a petition decided by a judge after notice and a hearing, and is generally used for contested or complex cases. Once appointed, the personal representative receives Letters of Personal Representative, which give them authority to act for the estate.

Nebraska offers simplified procedures for small estates. If the value of the estate (less liens and encumbrances) is $100,000 or less, assets may be transferred via a Small Estate Affidavit (Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate) after a 30-day waiting period. There is also a simplified procedure for real property valued at $100,000 or less.

Nebraska does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the services provided.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Chase County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.

Chase County Court

Probate matters in Chase County are handled at the Chase County Courthouse.

Address: 921 Broadway, Imperial, NE 69033

Phone: (308) 882-7519 (County Court)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The County Court handles probate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters. The court is located in the county seat of Imperial.

Parking and Access

Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Imperial. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

• Small Estate Affidavit: If the net estate value is $100,000 or less, you may be able to transfer personal property by affidavit 30 days after death without court filings.
• Real Property Affidavit: For real estate valued at $100,000 or less, an affidavit can be recorded with the Register of Deeds to transfer title.
• Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: Choose Informal or Formal Probate and File

• Informal (the usual path for uncontested estates): You file an application with the county court registrar. There is usually no hearing.
• Formal (for contested or complex estates): You file a petition, notice is given to interested people, and a judge decides the matter after a hearing. Consider talking with an attorney if your situation calls for formal probate.

For informal probate, file the application that matches your situation with the Chase County Court:

• If there is a will: Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative
• If there is no will: Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative

Nebraska does not publish a statewide fillable PDF for either application. Request the current probate packet from the Chase County Court clerk.

Documents commonly filed with or soon after the application include:

• The original will and any codicils (if there is a will)
• Notice of Informal Probate and Notice to Creditors, for publication
• Acceptance of Appointment by the personal representative
• Renunciations or nominations from others with equal priority to serve (if applicable)
• The filing fee

Nebraska courts generally require attorneys to e-file; self-represented filers may file on paper at the clerk's office.

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

• Mail notice of the hearing (or informal appointment) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
• Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Chase County (e.g., The Imperial Republican) for three successive weeks.

Step 4: Appointment and Letters

For informal probate, the county court registrar reviews the application and, if it is complete, appoints the personal representative, usually without a hearing. For formal probate, a judge decides the petition after notice and a hearing. Once appointed, the personal representative receives Letters of Personal Representative, which give them authority to act for the estate.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

• Notify creditors by publication (creditors have 2 months from publication to file claims).
• Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
• Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
• File federal and state tax returns as needed (including Nebraska Inheritance Tax).
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
• File a final accounting and petition for discharge (or a sworn statement closing the estate).

Chase County-Specific Procedures

• Local Court Rules: Chase County County Court operates under Nebraska County Court rules; local rules may apply regarding scheduling and remote hearings.
• Inheritance Tax: Nebraska has a county-level inheritance tax. Proceedings to determine the tax are filed with the County Court, even if no full probate is required.
• Publication: Notice is typically published in The Imperial Republican.
• Bond: A bond may be required unless waived by the will or by all interested parties.

Always check with the Clerk of the County Court for the most current local forms and requirements.

Filing Fees (Chase County)

• Informal Probate Petition: approximately $22.00 (base fee) + court costs
• Formal Probate Petition: approximately $22.00 (base fee) + court costs
• Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1.00 - $2.00 per page/certification
• Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
• Recording Fees (Register of Deeds): $10.00 for the first page, $6.00 for each additional page (for real estate affidavits)

Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the court for the exact total.

Payment Methods

The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted for e-filing or with a convenience fee.

Estimated Timelines

• Simple estates (Informal): 6-12 months
• Average estates: 9-15 months
• Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years

Creditors have 2 months after publication to file claims. The inventory is due within 3 months of appointment.

Chase County Court Resources

• Court Website: https://chasecounty.nebraska.gov/county-offices
• Probate Self-Help: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates
• Nebraska Probate Forms: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/forms

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

• Nebraska State Bar Association: (402) 475-7091 — https://www.nebar.com
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: (877) 250-2016 — https://www.legalaidofnebraska.org
• Nebraska Find-a-Lawyer: https://www.nefindalawyer.com

Publication

• The Imperial Republican: (308) 882-4453 — Local newspaper for legal notices