Probate in Valley County, Nebraska: 2026 Guide

Valley County is located in Nebraska with a population of approximately 4,059. The Valley 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 a simplified small estate affidavit procedure for estates with personal property valued at $100,000 or less (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125). There is also a procedure for transferring real property valued at $100,000 or less via affidavit.

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 Valley 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.

Valley County Court

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

Address: 125 S. 15th Street, Ord, NE 68862

Phone: (308) 728-3831 (County Court)

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

The County Court is located within the historic Valley County Courthouse in Ord. The court handles probate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases.

Parking and Access

Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, though it may close for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

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, you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
• Real Property Affidavit: Real estate valued at $100,000 or less may also be transferred via affidavit under certain conditions.
• 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 Valley 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 Valley 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 appointment to heirs, beneficiaries, and other interested parties after an informal appointment, and file an affidavit of mailing. In formal probate, notice of the hearing must also be given before the hearing.
• Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Valley County, such as The Ord Quiz, 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 — the creditor claim period expires two months after the first publication of notice
• Inventory and appraise all estate assets within three 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

Valley County-Specific Procedures

• E-filing: Attorneys are generally required to e-file. Self-represented litigants may file in paper at the courthouse.
• Bond requirements: Bond may be required unless waived by the will or by the court.
• Local court rules: Check with the Clerk of the County Court for any specific local forms or scheduling preferences.
• Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Valley County for three successive weeks.

Always verify specific local rules with the Valley County Court Clerk before filing.

Filing Fees (Valley County)

• Petition for Probate: approximately $22.00 (plus applicable surcharges)
• Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10.00 per certified copy
• Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
• Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee if presented directly to the holder of property; recording fees apply for real estate affidavits.

Nebraska law requires fees to be reasonable. There is no statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors.

Payment Methods

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

Estimated Timelines

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

The creditor claim period is two months following the first publication of notice, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.

Valley County Court Resources

• Court Website: https://valleycountyne.gov
• Probate Self-Help: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates
• Nebraska Probate Forms: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/forms?field_form_type_tid=126

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

• Nebraska State Bar Association: (402) 475-7091 — Find a Lawyer
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: (877) 250-2016 — Low-income legal assistance
• Nebraska Free Legal Answers: https://ne.freelegalanswers.org

Publication

• The Ord Quiz: (308) 728-3261 — Newspaper of general circulation in Valley County