Probate in Platte County, Nebraska: 2026 Guide

Platte County is located in Nebraska with a population of approximately 35,500. The County Court of Platte 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 simplified procedures for smaller 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 for personal property or an Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property without Probate for real estate.

Nebraska does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and are often based on hourly rates or a flat fee agreed upon by the parties.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Platte 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 Platte County

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

Address: 2610 14th Street, Columbus, NE 68601

Phone: (402) 563-4905 (County Court)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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

Parking and Access

Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in designated lots near the building. Security screening is required upon entry.

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

• Small Estate Affidavit (Personal Property): If the net value of personal property is $100,000 or less, you may use an Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate after a 30-day waiting period.
• Small Estate Affidavit (Real Property): If the net value of real property is $100,000 or less, you may file an Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property without Probate with the Register of Deeds.
• 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 Platte 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 Platte 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 to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
• Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Platte County (such as The Columbus Telegram) once a week for three successive weeks to notify creditors.

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 and allow two months from the date of first publication for claims to be filed.
• Inventory and appraise all estate assets within three months of appointment.
• Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
• File federal and state tax returns (including Nebraska Inheritance Tax worksheet).
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
• File a Informal Closing by Verified Statement to close the estate.

Platte County-Specific Procedures

• E-filing: Attorneys are mandated to use the Nebraska state e-filing system. Self-represented litigants may file in paper.
• Inheritance Tax: Nebraska has a county-level inheritance tax. A determination of tax must be filed with the county court, even for non-probate assets.
• Publication: Notice is typically published in The Columbus Telegram.
• Local Rules: The 5th Judicial District may have specific case management rules; check with the Clerk Magistrate for specific scheduling preferences.

Filing Fees (Platte 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, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).

Estimated Timelines

• Simple estates (Informal): 4-6 months (minimum 2 months for creditor claims + administrative time)
• Average estates: 6-12 months
• Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years

The creditor claim period in Nebraska is two months following the first publication of notice.

Platte County Court Resources

• Court Website: plattecounty.ne.gov
• Probate Self-Help: Nebraska Judicial Branch Self-Help
• Nebraska Probate Forms: State Judicial Branch Forms

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

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

Publication

• The Columbus Telegram: (402) 564-2741 — columbustelegram.com