How Much Does Probate Cost in Washoe County, Nevada?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Washoe County can expect.
What probate costs in Washoe County, Nevada comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Second Judicial District Court at 75 Court Street, Room 125, Reno. The court is part of the 2nd Judicial District.
Local procedures at this court: E-filing mandatory via eFlex system; Local probate rules under WDCR Rule 57 (Rules 57.1-57.8); Forms from other jurisdictions must be edited to comply with local rules. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
The Second Judicial District Court charges $0 - $426 (based on estate value)NRS 19.013, NRS 19.0302Verified May 14, 2026 to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Second Judicial District Court accepts e-filing (https://wceflex.washoecourts.com/). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Nevada sets attorney fees by statute — a percentage of the estate's gross value. Every attorney charges the same schedule, so the decision to hire one comes down to complexity, not price.
Executor compensation is also statutory in Nevada, typically 2%NRS 150.020 (statutory percentage: 4% on first $15K, 3% next $85K, 2% above $100K; court may allow additional reasonable fees)Verified May 14, 2026 to 4%NRS 150.020 (statutory percentage: 4% on first $15K, 3% next $85K, 2% above $100K; court may allow additional reasonable fees)Verified May 14, 2026 of estate value. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Nevada requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Nevada typically runs 6 monthsNRS 150.020Verified May 14, 2026 to 9 monthsNRS 150.020Verified May 14, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 3 monthsNRS 147.040Verified May 14, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- NRS 147.040
- NRS 150.020
- NRS 150.020 (statutory percentage: 4% on first $15K, 3% next $85K, 2% above $100K; court may allow additional reasonable fees)
- NRS 19.013, NRS 19.0302
Data sourced from Nevada statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Washoe County, that means filing fees (about $522.5 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs about $522.5 in Washoe County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Yes. Nevada sets probate attorney fees by statute, so Washoe County attorneys charge the same schedule as the rest of the state. Predictable, but often higher than hourly billing would produce for simple estates.
Nevada caps executor compensation by statute — the same schedule used for attorney fees in many states. Executors can waive this fee, which often makes sense for family members who are also beneficiaries.
Yes. Nevada estates under $150,000 can use a Small Estate Affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the Nevada self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Washoe County probate.
Washoe County Payment Requirements
This county has specific payment deadlines and requirements. Missing these can delay your filing.
Payment & Fees
Personal checks not accepted
Payments by mail must be law firm check, cashier's check, or money order only.
Accounting Requirements
Inventory due 60 days from appointment
Supplemental inventory due within 20 days of discovering new assets.
First accounting due 6 months from appointment
Second Judicial District Court
Washoe County
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more