Where do I file for probate in Washoe County?

Probate petitions are filed with the Second Judicial District Court at 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501. Electronic filing via eFlex is available and encouraged.

How much does probate cost in Washoe County?

Filing fees range from $170.50 to $522.50 depending on the estate's value. Publication costs typically add $150-$400. Attorney fees are statutory (percentage-based) or hourly.

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

Yes. If the estate is under $25,000 (or $150,000 for a spouse) and has no real property, you can use an Affidavit of Entitlement. For estates under $150,000, a 'Set Aside' procedure is available.

How long does probate take in Washoe County?

Summary Administration (estates under $500,000) typically takes 5-9 months. General Administration (estates over $500,000) takes 7-12 months or longer.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Washoe County?

Nevada law does not strictly require an attorney, but the court highly recommends one for Summary and General Administration due to the complexity of the process. The court does not provide forms for full administration.

What is the creditor claim period in Nevada?

For Summary Administration ( $500k), the period is 90 days.

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

Overview

Washoe County is located in Nevada with a population of approximately 507,280. The Second 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 (for General or Summary Administration) or a Petition to Set Aside (for smaller estates) 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.

Simplified Procedures & Small Estates:

* Affidavit of Entitlement: For estates valued at $25,000 or less (no real property) or $150,000 or less (if the sole claimant is the surviving spouse). This procedure does not require court filings.

* Set Aside Without Administration: For estates with a net value of $150,000 or less. This is a court process but avoids full administration.

* Summary Administration: For estates valued between $150,000 and $500,000. This process has a shorter creditor claim period (60 days) and fewer procedural steps than General Administration.

Statutory Fees:

Nevada law (NRS 150.060) sets statutory compensation for personal representatives:

* 4% on the first $15,000

* 3% on the next $85,000

* 2% on amounts over $100,000

* Attorneys may also be entitled to compensation based on the value of the estate or an hourly rate, subject to court approval.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Washoe 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

Second Judicial District Court

Probate matters in Washoe County are handled at the Second Judicial District Court.

Address: 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501

Phone: (775) 328-3100 (Probate Division)

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

The Probate Division is part of the Civil Division. Filings are generally processed through the Court Clerk's office.

Parking and Access

Public parking is available in the downtown Reno area, including street parking (metered) and nearby parking garages. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse. Cell phones are generally allowed but must be silenced; photography is prohibited.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Affidavit of Entitlement: If the estate is valued at $25,000 or less (or $150,000 for a surviving spouse) and includes no real property, you may be able to collect assets via affidavit after 40 days.
Set Aside: If the net estate value is $150,000 or less, you can file a Petition to Set Aside Estate Without Administration.
Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: File the Petition

If formal probate is needed (Summary or General Administration), file a Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters (or Petition for Letters of Administration) with the Second Judicial District Court. Include:

Petition for Probate
Original will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Filing fee (varies by estate value)
Order Appointing Personal Representative (proposed)

E-Filing: The Second Judicial District Court utilizes the eFlex system for electronic filing, which is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants.

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 Washoe County (e.g., Reno Gazette-Journal) for three successive weeks (General Administration) or as required by the court.

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, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Notify creditors: Publish a Notice to Creditors. The claim period is 60 days for Summary Administration and 90 days for General Administration (for estates >$500,000).
Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days of appointment.
Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
File a final accounting and petition for discharge.

Local Requirements

Washoe County-Specific Procedures

E-Filing: The court uses eFlex for all civil and probate filings.
Probate Commissioner: Many probate matters in Washoe County are heard by the Probate Commissioner rather than a District Judge.
Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in an approved newspaper such as the Reno Gazette-Journal or Sparks Tribune.
Local Forms: The court provides some specific forms for objections and guardianships but generally requires petitioners to draft their own pleadings for probate administration or use legal aid resources.

Note on Thresholds: Effective October 1, 2025, Nevada increased the Summary Administration threshold to $500,000 (previously $300,000) and the Set Aside threshold to $150,000 (previously $100,000).

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Washoe County)

Fees are based on the stated value of the estate (effective Sept 30, 2025):

Estate value $0 – $2,500: No Fee
Estate value $2,500 – $20,000: $170.50
Estate value $20,000 – $300,000: $269.50
Estate value $300,000 – $500,000: $522.50
Estate value > $500,000: $522.50
Petition to Contest Will: $208.00
Certified copies: $3.00 certification + $0.50 per page
Publication costs: Approximately $150–$400 depending on the newspaper

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A processing fee applies to card payments.

Estimated Timelines

Set Aside (Small Estate): 30-60 days
Summary Administration (<$500k): 5-9 months (60-day creditor period)
General Administration (>$500k): 7-12+ months (90-day creditor period)
Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years+

Local Resources

Washoe County Court Resources

Court Website: washoecourts.com
Probate Division: washoecourts.com/Probate
Self-Help Center: selfhelp.nvcourts.gov

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Washoe County Bar Association: (775) 786-4494 — wcbar.org
Nevada Legal Services: (775) 284-3491 — nevadalegalservices.org
State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral: nvbar.org

Publication

Reno Gazette-Journal: (775) 788-6200 — rgj.com
Sparks Tribune: (775) 358-8061 — sparkstrib.com

Probate in Washoe County, Nevada: 2026 Guide