Overview
Pershing County is located in Nevada with a population of approximately 6,650. The 11th 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 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 1, 2025, the Set Aside procedure is available for estates up to $150,000, and Summary Administration is available for estates valued between $150,000 and $500,000. An Affidavit of Entitlement can be used for estates under $25,000 (or $150,000 if the claimant is the surviving spouse) that do not include real property.
Nevada law provides for statutory executor and attorney fees based on the value of the estate, though these can be subject to contract or court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Pershing 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
11th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Pershing County are handled at the Pershing County Courthouse.
Address: 400 Main Street, Lovelock, NV 89419
Mailing Address: PO Box 820, Lovelock, NV 89419
Phone: (775) 273-2613 (County Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The District Court is located in the historic round courthouse in Lovelock. The County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Court for probate filings.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Affidavit of Entitlement: For estates valued at $25,000 or less ($150,000 for surviving spouses) with no real property.
- Set Aside: For estates with a net value of $150,000 or less.
- Summary Administration: For estates valued between $150,000 and $500,000.
- General Administration: For estates valued over $500,000.
- 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 with the 11th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (and for issuance of Letters)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- Order for Hearing
Pershing County generally requires physical filing or filing by mail, though you should check with the Clerk for current e-filing options.
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 Pershing County, such as the Lovelock Review-Miner, for three successive weeks (unless the estate qualifies for Summary Administration or Set Aside where publication requirements may differ).
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, signs the Order appointing the personal representative and issuing Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (90-day claim period for General Administration; 60 days for Summary).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (Summary) or 120 days (General).
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge.
Local Requirements
Pershing County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Documents are typically filed in person or by mail at the Clerk's office.
- Local Rules: The 11th Judicial District Court has local rules that supplement the NRS; consult these for specific formatting and procedural requirements.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Lovelock Review-Miner.
- Bond: The court may require a bond unless waived by the will or all beneficiaries.
Always verify the specific judge's requirements for proposed orders and hearing dates.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pershing County)
Filing fees are based on the value of the estate:
- Estate value under $2,500: No fee
- Estate value $2,500 – $20,000: $180.50
- Estate value $20,000 – $200,000: $279.50
- Estate value over $200,000: $532.50
- Petition to Contest Will: $119.00
- Filing of a Will (no petition): $25.00
- Certified Copies: $3.00 certification + $0.50 per page
Fees are subject to change. Check with the Clerk's office for the most current schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (fees may apply). Checks should be made payable to "Pershing County Clerk."
Estimated Timelines
- Set Aside: 1-2 months
- Summary Administration: 4-6 months
- General Administration: 7-12 months or longer
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Factors affecting the timeline include the creditor claim period (60 or 90 days), sale of real property, and tax processing.
Local Resources
Pershing County Court Resources
- Court Website: 11th Judicial District Court
- Nevada Probate Forms: Civil Law Self-Help Center
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Nevada: (702) 382-2200 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Nevada Legal Services: (775) 284-3491 — nevadalegalservices.org
Publication
- Lovelock Review-Miner: (775) 273-7225 — Local newspaper for legal notices.