The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for Nevada with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
The short answer
Nevada is one of the states where the core probate fees are set by statute — fixed by law rather than negotiated. Here’s how those fees work, what else gets added on top, and the ways many families avoid full probate entirely.
Attorney fees
The attorney may elect a statutory percentage under NRS §150.060: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9M, and 0.5% of the next $15M — or ask the court for reasonable compensation instead.
Executor / personal representative fees
Statutory under NRS §150.020: 4% of the first $15,000, 3% of the next $85,000, and 2% of everything above $100,000. The attorney's and executor's fees apply separately. Family executors often waive their commission.
What the fee is based on
Calculated on the value of the estate accounted for, less liens and encumbrances. Because the attorney and executor each draw a percentage, combined fees on a mid-size Nevada estate can reach five figures — similar in feel to California, though the executor's schedule is lighter.
Court filing fees
Roughly $200 to $600 to open probate, tiered by estate value and county (Clark and Washoe counties handle most cases).
Appraisal / probate referee
Not used. Nevada does not appoint a state appraiser. The personal representative files an inventory and may retain a disinterested appraiser for real estate or unusual assets.
How long probate takes in Nevada
About 6 to 12 months for a routine case; the 90-day creditor period sets the floor, and set-aside or summary administration can be faster. Contested estates, missing heirs, or real estate sales can extend that.
Creditor claim period
Creditors must file claims within 90 days after first publication of the notice to creditors under NRS §147.040 (60 days in a summary administration). In practice, this window is often the real floor on how quickly an estate can close, because the personal representative usually waits it out before making final distributions.
How to skip full probate (or shrink the bill)
- Small-estate procedure. An estate of $100,000 or less with a surviving spouse or minor children can be set aside without administration under NRS §146.070. A separate affidavit collects personal property up to $25,000 (or up to $100,000 if the affiant is the surviving spouse) under NRS §146.080.
- Transfer-on-death deed. Nevada allows a deed upon death (transfer-on-death deed) for real estate under its Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act (NRS §111.655 et seq.). Owners can record the deed naming a beneficiary; the property passes at death without probate.
- A funded living trust. Assets in a properly funded revocable living trust skip probate entirely. The successor trustee distributes them privately, usually in a month or two.
- Beneficiary designations and joint ownership. Life insurance, retirement accounts, payable-on-death (POD) accounts, and jointly held property pass directly to the named person and never enter probate.
- Family member as executor. When a relative serves as executor, they can often waive the commission — meaningfully cutting the total bill.
Do you need a lawyer?
For most Nevada estates that go through full probate, yes — the court process has formal requirements and missed deadlines can cost more than the legal fees they were meant to avoid. For genuinely simple estates, or where a small-estate procedure applies, many families handle it themselves or use a legal document preparer for a flat fee.
The honest takeaway
The cheapest probate cost is the one you avoid in advance — by titling assets correctly, keeping beneficiary designations current, and, where it makes sense, using a living trust. If your estate is likely to exceed Nevada’s small-estate thresholds, it’s worth talking to a licensed Nevada estate attorney while you still have the option to plan.
Related reading
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What Is Probate and How Does It Work? — the full plain-English explanation of how probate works in the US.
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How to Avoid Probate in Nevada — the state-specific avoidance playbook.
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How Long Does Probate Take in Nevada? — the companion timeline guide for Nevada.
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Will vs. Trust: Which Do You Need? — for Nevada residents weighing whether a trust is worth it.
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Estate Planning Checklist: Everything in One Place — the documents and decisions that make probate easier (or unnecessary).
This page explains Nevada probate costs in general terms as of 2026. It is not legal advice, and fee schedules, thresholds, and court costs change and depend on your specific situation. Confirm current figures with the Nevada courts or a licensed Nevada attorney. Sources: NRS §150.020, NRS §150.060, NRS §146.070, NRS §146.080, NRS §147.040, NRS §111.655 et seq. (deed upon death).