The Truckee Meadows Cremation & Burial Chapel is at 437 Stoker Avenue in Reno, where the firm's site places a visitation. The site states burial and cremation services and help with funeral pre-needs, and families can call the firm day or night.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Washoe County, Nevada
How probate works in Washoe County: the Second Judicial District Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Washoe County Second Judicial District Court
Washoe County · 2nd Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
1 South Sierra Street, 3rd Floor, Reno, NV 89501
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
Required for attorneysEvery filer, self-represented or not, files probate papers through eFlex unless a judge approves an exemption. A free account is approved within 3 business days, or at once when the signed user agreement is brought to the Resource Center. A filing sent after 4:30 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday is reviewed the next business day. On paper: A filer may apply for an exemption, approved by a judge; An original will is filed with the Filing Office along with the petition.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe court publishes probate packets for opening a safe deposit box, releasing medical records, cremation, special administration, discharge and small-estate transfers, with letters, inventory and creditor forms; it publishes none for a set-aside, summary or general administration. Another court's forms may be used only once edited to Washoe's local rules. A free 15-minute virtual session with a probate attorney is offered on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCheck, Money order.By mail the court takes a law firm check, cashier's check or money order, and personal checks are refused. Payments are also taken in person at the Resource Center; the AllPaid online and phone service covers criminal fines, copies and mediation fees only.
Hearing schedule
- Probate commissioner hearings every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. by Zoom, moving to Thursday in a holiday week. The public dial-in is 1-877-853-5247, meeting ID 219-682-836#.
Self-help center
- Resource Center, Room 308, 1 S. Sierra Street, 3rd Floor1-775-325-6731 · resourcecenter@washoecourts.us · Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-noonThe Resource Center helps organize completed court forms and set up eFlex accounts, and assists visitors in 240 languages. It does not file documents or give legal advice.
Second Judicial District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
Fax
1-775-325-6617
Departments
- Probate Department1-775-328-3100 · 75 Court Street, Room 125 · probatedept@washoecourts.usThe Probate Department runs the probate commissioner's calendar and takes proposed orders in Word format by email; it does not help with filing.
- Washoe County Law Library1-775-328-3250 · 75 Court Street, Room 101 · lawlibrary@washoecourts.us · Monday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-noon
- Records requestsrecords@washoecourts.us
- Language access1-775-328-3152
About the court
- Probate papers are filed through eFlex or at the Filing Office front counter on the third floor of 1 South Sierra Street; the Probate Department at 75 Court Street runs the commissioner's calendar but does not help with filing. The court's Milestone Tracker and opt-in reminders follow a case's deadlines.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Washoe County
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 1 South Sierra Street, 3rd Floor, 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. Creditors have 3 monthsNRS 147.040, NRS 147.070, NRS 147.130, NRS 147.195, NRS 155.020Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
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 1 South Sierra Street, 3rd Floor, Reno. The court is part of the 2nd Judicial District.
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 Oct 17, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Nevada are negotiated, typically 1%NRS 150.060 (reasonable compensation; on the value of the estate, 4% on first $100K, 3% next $100K, 2% next $800K, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M; hourly billing also permitted)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 4%NRS 150.060 (reasonable compensation; on the value of the estate, 4% on first $100K, 3% next $100K, 2% next $800K, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M; hourly billing also permitted)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Nevada sets executor compensation by statute — about $11,150 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.2%NRS 150.020 (statutory percentage: 4% on first $15K, 3% next $85K, 2% above $100K); NRS 150.020(4) (further fees the court deems just and reasonable); NRS 150.030 (extraordinary services)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Nevada requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
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 cases in Washoe County, Nevada are filed at the Second Judicial District Court. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Probate Department, Washoe County Law Library, Records requests, and Language access.
The Resource Center helps organize completed court forms and set up eFlex accounts, and assists visitors in 240 languages. It does not file documents or give legal advice.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Nevada has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableNRS 143.340; NRS 155.020 (appointment is by court petition and hearing — no registrar/informal track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Washoe County Self-Filing Assessment.
Washoe County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Deficiencies cured by noon the Monday before
The deficiency report shows a matter's status by the Friday twelve days before its hearing, and a deficiency is cured by noon on the Monday before the hearing.
SourceDocument Requirements
PR in the caption and the death certificate with the petition
Every petition uses PR as the department number in the caption. The death certificate is filed with the first petition, or as soon as vital statistics issues it.
SourceInstructions for Personal Representative before letters
Before letters issue, the personal representative signs and files a copy of the Instructions for Personal Representative, published on the court's forms page.
SourceCourt Appearances
The probate commissioner hears every probate and trust case
Every probate and trust proceeding is referred automatically to the probate commissioner. Matters on the approved calendar need no appearance; a matter marked priority code 2 or 4 requires one.
SourceHearing requested after the petition is filed
A hearing is requested through the court's online form after the petition is filed and a proposed order in Word format is emailed to the Probate Department. The notice of hearing is filed and served only after the date is confirmed, and it states that the hearing is by conference call with the dial-in published on the probate page.
SourceService Requirements
Medicaid Estate Recovery served by mail
The initial petition and a set-aside petition are mailed to Medicaid Estate Recovery at 9850 Double R Boulevard, Suite 200, Reno, NV 89521.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Second Judicial District Court: Copy of the death certificate, attached to the initial petition as an exhibit with the decedent's Social Security number redacted (an uncertified copy suffices; Washoe accepts "some other evidence of death"); Original will and any codicils, delivered to the clerk of the district court within 30 days after knowledge of the death (NRS 136.050(1)-(2))NRS ch. 136 (probate of wills & petitions for letters); NRS 136.090 (petition contents); NRS ch. 138-139 (appointment & priority); NRS ch. 141 (letters)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Coroner in Washoe County
In Nevada a death is registered locally, and in Washoe County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Northern Nevada Public Health Vital Statistics Office, Washoe County as well as by Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health - Office of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Washoe County · Northern Nevada Public Health Vital Statistics Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-12:45 PM and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Office
1001 East Ninth Street, Building B, Reno, NV 89512
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Order online
Northern Nevada Public Health - Vital Statistics
1001 East Ninth Street
Building B
Reno, NV 89512
Local rule
- The office holds deaths that occurred in Washoe County from the late 1800s to the present. In person, bring valid photo identification and original proof of need.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $25 |
Verified November 3, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
Washoe County · Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
990 East Ninth Street, Reno, NV 89512
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-775-785-6163
Verified November 3, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in Washoe County
17 funeral homes and crematories in Washoe County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
Cremation Society of Nevada - Affinity is the group’s location at 644 South Wells Avenue in Reno. The group states it has been locally owned for more than 20 years, offers cremations, has its own crematories and cremates one person at a time. Staff outline prepayment plans, from single pay to monthly bank withdrawals.
Cremation Society of Nevada - Northern Nevada is the group’s location at 8056 South Virginia Street in Reno. The group states it has been locally owned for more than 20 years, offers cremations, has its own crematories and cremates one person at a time. Staff outline prepayment plans, from single pay to monthly bank withdrawals.
La Paloma Funeral Services at 5301 Longley Lane in Reno offers cremation with or without a service, along with burial and pre-planning. Staff arrange shipping to another state or country. The family-owned operator states it has been locally owned since 2006.
La Paloma Funeral Services on Longley Lane in Reno offers funeral and cremation packages, with a chapel for 120, and staff can meet with a family at home. Staff arrange shipping to another state or country, specializing in Latin America and the Philippines. The family-owned operator states it has been locally owned since 2006.
Masonic Memorial Gardens at 437 Stoker Ave in Reno is a funeral center and cemetery operated by Reno Lodge #13 Free and Accepted Masons. Its facilities include a chapel, crematory and mausoleum, and the property exists to serve the final needs of the Masonic family.
Funeral homes by city: Reno, Sparks
Cremation Services in Washoe County
11 listings
Pre-Need Funeral Plans in Washoe County
9 listings
Burial Services in Washoe County
2 listings
Funeral Transport in Washoe County
2 listings
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
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 at 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Rooms 140/150, Reno, NV 89512. Phone: 1-775-328-3660. 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 Portico and Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Washoe County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, Rooms 140/150, Reno, NV 89512
Website
Fees
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $43 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
NRS 247.305
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Washoe County
Nevada allows independent administrationNRS 143.300Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so the personal representative manages, pays and distributes the estate without returning to the court for approval at each step. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Legal Sources
(11)·
- NRS 143.300
- NRS 143.340; NRS 155.020 (appointment is by court petition and hearing — no registrar/informal track)
- NRS 147.040, NRS 147.070, NRS 147.130, NRS 147.195, NRS 155.020
- NRS 150.020 (statutory percentage: 4% on first $15K, 3% next $85K, 2% above $100K); NRS 150.020(4) (further fees the court deems just and reasonable); NRS 150.030 (extraordinary services)
- NRS 150.060 (reasonable compensation; on the value of the estate, 4% on first $100K, 3% next $100K, 2% next $800K, 1% next $9M, 0.5% next $15M; hourly billing also permitted)
- NRS 19.013(1), NRS 19.020(2), NRS 19.0302(1)(c)
- NRS ch. 136 (probate of wills & petitions for letters); NRS 136.090 (petition contents); NRS ch. 138-139 (appointment & priority); NRS ch. 141 (letters)
- NRS 247.305
- Washoe County Second Judicial District Court, official page
- Washoe County Recorder, official page
- Washoe County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Nevada statutes and official state code. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Nevada
Free tools for settling an estate in Nevada: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Nevada.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Nevada: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysNRS 144.010, NRS 144.090Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsNRS 147.040, NRS 147.070, NRS 147.130, NRS 147.195, NRS 155.020Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Nevada happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteNRS Chapter 163, 164, 165Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
Nevada has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableNRS 143.340; NRS 155.020 (appointment is by court petition and hearing — no registrar/informal track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
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