Getting Through Probate
Probate: First Stage
Probate: First Stage
Probate: First Stage
The first step you should take to preserve your loved one's estate is to retain an experienced Las Vegas probate attorney. There will be a fee, but this fee can be paid out of your pocket or from the estate, but you will be reimbursed.
Probate: Second Step
Probate: First Stage
Probate: First Stage
Your Las Vegas attorney will provide you with a general overview of the process. They will then give you instructions such as gathering important financial documents, mail, proof of assets, deeds, policies, bank statements, etc. These documents are important because they are the only way to know what assets and properties are part of the decedent's estate. Your attorney will also inform you that some assets can be transferred immediately, such as those involving direct beneficiaries of life insurance policies. Those do not enter probate.
Probate: Third Step
Probate: First Stage
Probate: Fourth Step
Your Las Vegas attorney will also instruct you to compile a list of all known relatives and heirs and their contact information. This is to provide notice to them of the possibility of their rights in the estate. Sometimes an heir search through a company may be necessary. You do not have to find every heir that exists, only the ones that you are aware of.
Probate: Fourth Step
Probate: Fourth Step
Probate: Fourth Step
If there is a will, it will be lodged with the Clerk of the Court. If not, the estate will be distributed through Nevada's intestate distribution laws. After this, the Petition will be filed requesting that you be appointed the administrator of the estate assets. After you are appointed you will file a creditor's notice to give creditors an opportunity to make a claim against the estate.
Probate: Fifth Step
Probate: Fourth Step
Probate: Fifth Step
Once all estate assets are identified and heirs and creditors are identified, you will proceed with distributing the assets of the estate in accordance with Nevada's probate and estates statutes. Sometimes there isn't enough assets to satisfy everyone's share and you will have to follow the proper procedure for dividing the assets. When a share of the estate is distributed, you must obtain proof from the recipient.
Probate: Sixth Step
Probate: Fourth Step
Probate: Fifth Step
After this, you will proceed with closing the estate administration with the court by producing evidence that all assets were properly distributed and received. You may also receive compensation for your work as an administrator of the estate in Nevada.