What to Do When Someone Dies in Washoe County, Nevada
Probate in Washoe County runs through the Second Judicial District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Washoe County, settling their estate runs through the Second Judicial District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Accepted paymentCheck, Money order, Credit card, Debit card. Personal checks not accepted. Payments by mail must be a law-firm check, cashier's check, or money order. Card payments are made through AllPaid.com (24/7) or by phone at 888-604-7888 and carry a processing fee.
Remote hearings available via Zoom at 1-877-853-5247, Meeting ID: 219-682-836#. The division handles trusts and estates of deceased persons but does not assist with filing or processing matters. Self-represented individuals must research Nevada law (e.g., at the Washoe County Law Library) and prepare their own documentation. Court Resource Center reachable at 775-325-6731 (Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM). A Milestone Tracker for deadlines and Probate Court Guidelines are published online. Document copy requests processed within 5 business days.
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Washoe County, probate runs through the Second Judicial District Court at 75 Court Street, Room 125, Reno. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Nevada intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Nevada estates take 6 months to 9 months to move through this process. The 3 monthsNRS 147.040Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Washoe County
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 that affect cost: Personal checks not accepted; Inventory due 60 days from appointment; First accounting due 6 months from appointment. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Washoe County runs a probate self-help center (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case. Call 775-325-6731.
The Second Judicial District Court charges $0 - $426 (based on estate value)NRS 19.013(1), NRS 19.020(2), NRS 19.0302(1)(c)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source 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:
Attorney fees in Nevada are negotiated, typically 1%NRS 150.060 (reasonable compensation; if computed on the value of the estate the court allows 4% on first $100K, 3% next $100K, 2% next $800K, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M — hourly billing also permitted, fee fixed by written agreement and approved by the court)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 4%NRS 150.060 (reasonable compensation; if computed on the value of the estate the court allows 4% on first $100K, 3% next $100K, 2% next $800K, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M — hourly billing also permitted, fee fixed by written agreement and approved by the court)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is also statutory in Nevada. 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 months to 9 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Second Judicial District Court
Probate documents in Washoe County can be filed in person at the Second Judicial District Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Second Judicial District Court is realistic. Washoe County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
At least 10 days between first and last publication. 90-day (general) or 60-day (summary) claim period.
Source: NRS 155.020
Before You Go
Accepted payment
Check, Money order, Credit card, Debit card. Personal checks not accepted. Payments by mail must be a law-firm check, cashier's check, or money order. Card payments are made through AllPaid.com (24/7) or by phone at 888-604-7888 and carry a processing fee.
What to Bring
To file at the Second Judicial District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in Washoe County
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Washoe County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by County Recorder Kalie M. Work, at 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Rooms 140/150, Reno, NV 89512. Phone: 775-328-3660. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $43 flat, regardless of page count.
Washoe County accepts electronic recording through CSC / Deeds.com / EPN / Hopdox / Tyler Technologies / Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Washoe County · County Recorder · Kalie M. Work
Address
1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Rooms 140/150Reno, NV 89512
Nevada uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Washoe County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Nevada uses a presumed-reasonable fee schedule for probate attorneys — the percentages are a starting point that can be negotiated, especially for simple estates. Washoe County firms typically follow the schedule for routine work and negotiate on complex matters.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Second Judicial District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Carson City general-practice firm founded in 1968, serving Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe counties before the First Judicial District Court. Twelve attorneys handle wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate administration, and guardianships, with three focused specifically on probate. More than 50 years of continuous Nevada practice.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipBusiness LawReal Estate Law
Estate planning firm serving the Lake Tahoe Basin and Northern Nevada with offices in Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and Gardnerville. Founder Justin Sinner is licensed in both Nevada and California, focusing on revocable living trusts, wills, probate, trust administration, and guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateGuardianshipand 3 more
Carson City firm providing estate planning and business law services since 2011. Steven Handelin brings a direct, thoughtful approach to estate planning for clients across Carson City, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and surrounding communities. Licensed in both Nevada and California.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateAsset ProtectionBusiness Formationand 2 more
Reno sole practice devoted exclusively to the trusts and estates field for over 36 years. J. Douglas Clark is the founding president of the Probate Bar Association of Washoe County and past president of the Estate Planning Council of Northern Nevada.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTrust LitigationAlternative Dispute Resolutionand 2 more
Estate planning and personal injury firm in Minden serving Douglas County, Carson City, and the Carson Valley. Gene Kaufmann brings 25+ years of experience with particular expertise in will contests and undue influence claims. Licensed in Nevada, California, and Indiana.
Founded in 2021 by Jeremy L. Krenek, Lakeside Lawyers serves the Lake Tahoe Basin with estate planning, probate, trust administration, and real estate law. Licensed in Nevada, California, and Texas.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTrust Litigationand 2 more
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Washoe County Guides
Step-by-step tools for families in Washoe County, Nevada.
