Probate in Grant County, Nebraska: 2026 Guide

Grant County is located in Nebraska with a population of approximately 611. The County Court of Grant 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 (Chapter 30). 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 Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $100,000 or less (personal property) or $100,000 or less (real property, less liens). There is a 30-day waiting period after death before this affidavit can be used.

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

This guide provides an informational overview of the Grant 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 Grant County

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

Address: 105 E Harrison St, Hyannis, NE 69350 (Mailing: P.O. Box 97)

Phone: (308) 458-2433

Hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 2nd Tuesday of each month

The County Court office is open on the second Tuesday of each month from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For general courthouse business outside of County Court hours, contact the Grant County Clerk's office.

Parking and Access

Street parking is generally available around the courthouse in Hyannis. 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 value of the estate's personal property is $100,000 or less, you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
• Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate or securities with a TOD designation 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 Grant 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 Grant 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 application) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
• Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Grant County (such as the Grant County News) once a week 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: Publish notice to creditors; creditors generally have 2 months from the first publication to file claims.
• Inventory and appraise: File an inventory of estate assets with the court within 3 months of appointment.
• Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
• File a Formal Petition for Complete Settlement or a Sworn Statement of Personal Representative Closing Estate to conclude the matter.

Grant County-Specific Procedures

• Local Court Rules: Grant County is part of the 12th Judicial District. Check with the clerk for any specific local filing requirements.
• Publication: Notice is typically published in the Grant County News.
• Hearings: Since the County Court office is only open on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, scheduling for contested matters must be coordinated with the clerk well in advance.

Nebraska requires the Personal Representative to file an inventory within 3 months and send copies to all interested persons.

Filing Fees (Grant County)

• Informal Probate Filing Fee: approximately $22 (base fee) plus court costs
• Formal Probate Filing Fee: varies, check with clerk (typically similar base plus costs)
• Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5-$10 per copy
• Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper and length of notice

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Confirm with the clerk before sending payment.

Estimated Timelines

• Simple estates (Informal): 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.

Grant County Court Resources

• Court Website: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/courts/grant-county-court
• 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

Publication

• Grant County News: (308) 458-2433 (Contact County Court clerk for local paper details) or Grant Tribune Sentinel (nearby) typically covers the region.