Probate in Furnas County, Nebraska: 2026 Guide

Furnas County is located in Nebraska with a population of approximately 4,636. The County Court of Furnas County 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 a simplified procedure for small estates using an Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate if the value of the estate (less liens and encumbrances) is $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 Furnas 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.

County Court of Furnas County

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

Address: 912 R Street, Beaver City, NE 68926 (Mailing: P.O. Box 373)

Phone: (308) 268-4025 (County Court Clerk)

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

The County Court is located on the main floor of the courthouse. The Clerk Magistrate handles most probate filings and scheduling.

Parking and Access

Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Beaver City. 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 estate's personal property is valued at $100,000 or less (and real property $100,000 or less), you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
• Transfer on Death (TOD): Assets with named beneficiaries (POD accounts, TOD deeds) bypass probate.
• 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 Furnas 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 Furnas 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 Furnas County (e.g., The Valley Voice or Furnas County Herald) 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 (creditors have 2 months after first publication to file claims)
• Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
• Pay valid creditor claims
• File federal and state tax returns as needed
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries
• File a final accounting and petition for discharge (Informal Closing)

Furnas County-Specific Procedures

• Local Court Rules: Furnas County is in the 11th Judicial District; local rules may apply regarding scheduling and remote hearings.
• Bond requirements: Bond is often waived in the will or by consent of heirs, but the court may require it for intestate estates.
• Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Furnas County for three successive weeks.

Always check with the Clerk Magistrate for any specific local forms or checklist requirements.

Filing Fees (Furnas County)

• Informal probate filing: base fee of about $22 plus court costs; confirm the current total with the clerk. The Nebraska Judicial Branch publishes the statewide county court fee schedule.
• Formal probate: fees are set on a sliding scale based on the value of the estate.
• Certified copies: small per-certificate and per-page charges apply; ask the clerk.
• Publication costs: vary by newspaper; ask the newspaper for a quote.

Nebraska law requires attorney and personal representative fees to be "reasonable" rather than a fixed percentage of the estate.

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.

Estimated Timelines

• Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 6-9 months
• Average estates: 9-12 months
• Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years

Creditors have 2 months from the date of first publication to file claims, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.

Furnas County Court Resources

• Court Website: https://furnascounty.ne.gov/county-court/
• Probate Self-Help: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates
• Nebraska Probate Forms: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/forms?field_form_type_tid=116

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

• Nebraska State Bar Association: (402) 475-7091 — Lawyer Referral Service
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: (877) 250-2016 — Low-income assistance
• Nebraska Find a Lawyer: https://www.nefindalawyer.com/

Publication

• The Valley Voice: (308) 962-7255 — General circulation
• Furnas County Herald: (308) 268-2365 — Beaver City local paper