Overview
Clark County is located in Nevada with a population of approximately 2,398,871. The Eighth Judicial District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Nevada probate is governed by Title 12 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate and Issuance of Letters 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.
Nevada offers several simplified procedures for smaller estates. As of October 2025 (SB 404), the Affidavit of Entitlement threshold increased to $150,000 for surviving spouses (remains $25,000 for other claimants) for estates with no real property. A Petition to Set Aside is available for estates valued up to $100,000 (or $150,000 for surviving spouses/minor children), allowing distribution without full administration. Summary Administration is available for estates valued between the Set Aside limit and $300,000.
Nevada does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Clark 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
Eighth Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Clark County are handled by the Probate Department, which is located at the Phoenix Building.
Probate Department Office:
330 South 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Filing Location:
Regional Justice Center, Clerk's Office
200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 455-2650 (Probate Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed for lunch 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
The Probate Commissioner hears most uncontested probate matters. Hearings are typically held in the Regional Justice Center. Documents are filed at the Clerk of the Court's office at the Regional Justice Center.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the Regional Justice Center metered lot and nearby garages (e.g., 500 S. Main St.). The courthouse is also accessible via RTC Transit. All visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Affidavit of Entitlement: For estates with no real property valued at $25,000 or less (or $150,000 for a surviving spouse).
- Petition to Set Aside: For estates valued at $100,000 or less (or $150,000 for a surviving spouse/minor children).
- 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 Probate and Issuance of Letters with the Eighth Judicial District Court. Include:
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (varies by estate value, approx. $270-$540)
- Order Appointing Personal Representative (proposed)
E-filing is mandatory for most attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the court's Odyssey eFileNV system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Clark County (e.g., Nevada Legal News) at least once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 4 to 6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the Probate Commissioner reviews the petition and, if approved, the judge issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (publish a 90-day Notice to Creditors, or 60-day for Summary Administration).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a First and Final Account and petition for discharge.
Local Requirements
Clark County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; pro se litigants may file in person or electronically.
- Probate Commissioner: Most routine probate matters are heard by the Probate Commissioner rather than a District Court Judge.
- Weekly Probate Calendar: The court publishes a weekly probate calendar indicating which matters are approved ("pre-approved") and which require a hearing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Clark County for three successive weeks.
Check the "Approved List" on the Probate Commissioner's website before your hearing to see if your petition has been pre-approved.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Clark County)
- Petition for Probate (Estate >$25,000): approximately $540.00
- Petition to Set Aside (Estate <$100,000): approximately $270.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $3.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$250 depending on the newspaper
- E-filing fees: Varies by document type and service provider
Nevada law allows for "reasonable" attorney and executor fees; there is no statutory percentage schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee applies to card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Summary Administration): 6-9 months
- Average estates (General Administration): 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditor claim periods (60 days for Summary, 90 days for General) significantly influence the timeline.
Local Resources
Clark County Court Resources
- Court Website: clarkcountycourts.us
- Probate Self-Help: Civil Law Self-Help Center
- Nevada Probate Forms: Clark County Law Library
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Nevada: (702) 382-2200 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada: (702) 386-1070 — Free legal assistance for eligible residents
- Nevada Legal Services: nevadalegalservices.org
Publication
- Nevada Legal News: (702) 382-2747 — Daily legal newspaper
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: (702) 383-0211 — General circulation