Where do I file for probate in Knox County?

File at the Knox County Court, P.O. Box 125, Center, NE 68724. Phone: 402-288-5607. Attorneys must file electronically.

How much does probate cost in Knox County?

Informal probate filing fees start at $22. Formal probate fees are graduated based on the estate's value, ranging from $22 to over $1,000. Publication costs are additional.

Can I avoid probate in Knox County with a small estate?

Yes, if the value of the decedent's personal property (less liens) is $100,000 or less, you may use an Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property (Form CC 15:40) after a 30-day waiting period.

How long does probate take in Knox County?

Simple estates typically take 6-12 months. The process includes a mandatory 2-month creditor claim period following publication of notice.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Knox County?

Nebraska law does not strictly require an attorney for informal probate, but the process can be complex. The court cannot provide legal advice, so hiring an attorney is recommended for formal proceedings or contested matters.

What is the inheritance tax in Knox County?

Nebraska imposes a county inheritance tax. The rate depends on the relationship of the beneficiary to the decedent (e.g., 1% for close relatives, higher for others). Spouses are exempt.

Knox County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Knox County is located in Nebraska with a population of approximately 8,300. The Knox 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.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (Form CC 16:2.4) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.

Nebraska offers a simplified procedure for small estates using an Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate if the value of the decedent's personal property, less liens and encumbrances, is $100,000 or less.

Nebraska law provides for a graduated filing fee schedule based on the value of the estate for formal probate proceedings, while informal proceedings typically have a flat filing fee.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Knox 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.

Courthouse Information

Knox County Court

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

Address: P.O. Box 125, Center, NE 68724

Phone: 402-288-5607 (County Court)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Open through the lunch hour)

The County Court is located within the historic Knox County Courthouse in Center, Nebraska. The court handles probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoption matters.

Parking and Access

Public parking is available around the courthouse square. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening required at the entrance.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property: If the net value of the decedent's personal property is $100,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit (Form CC 15:40) after a 30-day waiting period.
Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate with a recorded Transfer on Death Deed or vehicles with TOD beneficiaries transfer directly to the named beneficiary.
Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: File the Petition

If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (Form CC 16:2.4) with the Knox County Court. Include:

Application for Informal Probate
Original will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Filing fee (typically $22 for informal; graduated fee for formal)
Renunciations and Nominations (if applicable)

Nebraska courts utilize the JUSTICE court case management system, and attorneys are generally required to e-file.

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

Mail notice of the hearing (if formal) or notice of informal probate to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Knox County (such as the Knox County News or Creighton News) for three successive weeks to notify creditors.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

For informal probate, a hearing is often not required if all paperwork is in order and uncontested. The Registrar issues the Letters. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Notify creditors and allow a 2-month claim period after the first publication of notice
Inventory and appraise all estate assets within three 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 closing statement

Local Requirements

Knox County-Specific Procedures

E-filing: Attorneys are mandated to file electronically through the Nebraska trial court e-filing system. Self-represented litigants may file in paper.
Inheritance Tax: Nebraska has a county inheritance tax. A determination of inheritance tax must be filed with the county court, even if no tax is due.
Local Court Rules: The 7th Judicial District rules may apply. Check with the clerk for specific local requirements regarding hearing scheduling.
Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Knox County for three successive weeks.

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

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Knox County)

Informal Probate: $22 (base fee)
Formal Probate: Graduated fee based on estate value (e.g., $22 for estates <$1,000; $160 for estates $75k-$100k; $220 for estates $100k-$125k)
Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1-$5 per certified copy (first copy often free)
Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
Inheritance Tax Determination: Separate filing fee may apply if filed independently

Nebraska law sets statutory fees for personal representatives and attorneys, but these are often handled as "reasonable compensation" unless the will specifies otherwise.

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).

Estimated Timelines

Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
Average estates: 9-18 months
Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years+

Creditors have two months from the date of the first publication of notice to file claims. The estate generally cannot be closed until this period expires and all claims are resolved.

Local Resources

Knox County Court Resources

Court Website: https://knoxcountyne.gov/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 — Find a Lawyer service
Legal Aid of Nebraska: 1-877-250-2016 — Civil legal aid for low-income residents
Nebraska Free Legal Answers: https://ne.freelegalanswers.org/

Publication

Knox County News: 402-388-2344 — Newspaper of general circulation
Creighton News: 402-358-5220 — Newspaper of general circulation

Probate in Knox County, Nebraska: 2026 Guide