Should You Get a Trust or a Will in Nevada?
Compare probate costs, trust administration fees, and digital signing options for your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Nevada, probate fees are set by statute as a percentage of the gross estate.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 Jul 14, 2026 For larger estates, a revocable trust avoids these fees entirely and distributes assets faster than the 4-6 month probate timeline.
Nevada probate fees follow a statutory schedule calculated as a percentage of the gross estate.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 Jul 14, 2026 On a $500,000 estate, combined attorney, executor, and court fees total about $24,726. A revocable trust has a one-time setup cost and no probate fees. See a detailed breakdown with the Nevada probate calculator.
No. A will must go through probate in Nevada. However, estates with personal property under $150,000 may qualify for Small Estate Affidavit, which is faster and less expensive than full probate.Codified NRS at leg.state.nv.us, all chapters re-fetched live 2026-07-14 (2025-session amendments codified; history lines cite "2025"): NRS 150.020 (executor fees), NRS 150.060 (attorney fees — reasonable compensation; elective percentage schedule), NRS 146.080 (small estate affidavit, $150K spouse/$25K other), NRS 146.070 (set-aside, $150K), NRS 147.040 (creditor claims), NRS 143.340/143.365 (independent admin), NRS 145.040 (summary admin, $500K), NRS 142.020/142.070 (bond), NRS 155.020 (publication), NRS 144.020 (appraisers)Verified Jul 14, 2026
Simple estates in Nevada typically take 4-6 months through probate. Complex or contested estates can take 9-18 months or longer.Codified NRS at leg.state.nv.us, all chapters re-fetched live 2026-07-14 (2025-session amendments codified; history lines cite "2025"): NRS 150.020 (executor fees), NRS 150.060 (attorney fees — reasonable compensation; elective percentage schedule), NRS 146.080 (small estate affidavit, $150K spouse/$25K other), NRS 146.070 (set-aside, $150K), NRS 147.040 (creditor claims), NRS 143.340/143.365 (independent admin), NRS 145.040 (summary admin, $500K), NRS 142.020/142.070 (bond), NRS 155.020 (publication), NRS 144.020 (appraisers)Verified Jul 14, 2026 A revocable trust avoids probate entirely; trust administration typically runs 1-3 months.
Yes. A will becomes a public court record once it enters probate in Nevada. A revocable trust is a private document that does not go through probate, so the terms, beneficiaries, and asset details remain confidential.
Use the Nevada probate calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and the probate timeline.Codified NRS at leg.state.nv.us, all chapters re-fetched live 2026-07-14 (2025-session amendments codified; history lines cite "2025"): NRS 150.020 (executor fees), NRS 150.060 (attorney fees — reasonable compensation; elective percentage schedule), NRS 146.080 (small estate affidavit, $150K spouse/$25K other), NRS 146.070 (set-aside, $150K), NRS 147.040 (creditor claims), NRS 143.340/143.365 (independent admin), NRS 145.040 (summary admin, $500K), NRS 142.020/142.070 (bond), NRS 155.020 (publication), NRS 144.020 (appraisers)Verified Jul 14, 2026
Whether a trust is cost-effective depends on estate size, property types, and Nevada's probate costs. The Nevada trust need assessment evaluates these factors against your specific situation.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
Learn more
Marriage
What married couples need in place: one joint trust or two, wills, beneficiary updates, and the spousal rights your state grants you automatically.
Learn more
New Baby or Adoption
Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.
Learn more
Serious Diagnosis
A serious diagnosis changes priorities. Healthcare proxies, financial powers of attorney, and the documents that ensure your wishes are honored.
Learn moreMore estate planning resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
When you're ready, we're here.
Nevada Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Nevada probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.