Overview
White Pine County is located in Nevada with a population of approximately 8,534. The 7th 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.
Simplified Procedures (2026 Updates):
* Affidavit of Entitlement: For estates valued at $25,000 or less ($150,000 or less for a surviving spouse).
* Set Aside: For estates valued at $150,000 or less (increased from $100,000 under SB 404).
* Summary Administration: For estates valued between $150,000 and $500,000 (threshold increased to $500,000 under SB 404).
Statutory Fees:
Nevada law (NRS 150.060) sets the maximum compensation for personal representatives and attorneys (unless a written agreement states otherwise) based on the estate value:
* 4% of the first $15,000
* 3% of the next $85,000
* 2% of the amount over $100,000
This guide provides an informational overview of the White Pine 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
7th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in White Pine County are handled at the White Pine County Courthouse.
Address: 1786 Great Basin Blvd, Suite 3, Ely, NV 89301
Phone: (775) 293-6509 (County Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The County Clerk's office serves as the court clerk for the District Court and accepts all probate filings. The courthouse is located in Ely.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse. 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: If the estate is valued at $25,000 or less ($150,000 for a surviving spouse), you may be able to collect assets via affidavit after 40 days.
- Set Aside: If the estate is valued at $150,000 or less, you can petition the court to "set aside" the estate without full administration.
- 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 7th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (varies by estate value)
- Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative
Filings can be made in person at the Clerk's office or by mail. Check with the Clerk regarding the availability of e-filing for your specific case type.
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 White Pine County (e.g., The Ely Times) for three successive weeks (if required by the type of administration).
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 6 weeks after filing. 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 (90-day claim period for General Administration; 60-day for Summary).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days.
- 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
White Pine County-Specific Procedures
- Local Court Rules: The 7th Judicial District Court Rules apply to all proceedings.
- Hearings: Probate matters are typically heard on specific days (often Mondays); confirm the calendar with the Clerk.
- Submission of Orders: Proposed orders should be submitted to the Clerk for the Judge's signature.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in White Pine County, such as The Ely Times, for the statutory duration (typically 3 weeks).
Always check with the White Pine County Clerk for the most up-to-date local filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (White Pine County)
Filing fees in Nevada are generally tiered based on the value of the estate (NRS 19.013):
- Estate value under $2,500: No filing fee
- Estate value $2,500 – $20,000: Approximately $71
- Estate value $20,000 – $200,000: Approximately $196
- Estate value over $200,000: Approximately $352 - $550 (varies by specific tier)
- Certified copies of Letters: Approximately $3.00 per page + $6.00 certification
- Publication costs: Approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk for the exact current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards (convenience fees may apply). Personal checks may not be accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Summary Administration ($150k - $500k): 4-6 months
- General Administration (Over $500k): 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 9 months to 2 years
Timelines depend heavily on the creditor claim period (60 vs. 90 days) and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
White Pine County Court Resources
- Court Website: White Pine County District Court
- Probate Self-Help: Nevada Judiciary Self-Help
- Nevada Probate Forms: Nevada Self-Help Probate Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Nevada: (702) 382-2200 — Find a Lawyer
- Nevada Legal Services (Ely Office): (775) 289-6533 — Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- The Ely Times: (775) 289-4491 — Newspaper of general circulation for legal notices.