Detailed answer — what heirs can do under Nevada law

If an estate administrator (personal representative) in Nevada becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets, heirs have several court-backed options to protect the estate and force action. A personal representative owes fiduciary duties to beneficiaries, including a duty to marshal estate assets, provide accountings, pay valid expenses and debts, and distribute the estate according to the will or Nevada intestacy law. If those duties are not performed, beneficiaries may ask the probate court to intervene.

Start by confirming whether the administrator is formally appointed by the court. If the administrator is acting under court authority, almost every remedy runs through the probate court where the estate is open.

Key steps heirs may take (in order of escalation):

1. Communicate in writing: Send a polite but firm written demand to the administrator asking for an accounting, status update, and proposed distribution timeline. Keep copies of all communications.
2. Request an accounting: Heirs have the right to see an accounting of estate receipts, disbursements, and the proposed distribution. If the administrator refuses an informal accounting, beneficiaries can petition the probate court for an order compelling a formal accounting.
3. File a petition to compel distribution or performance: If assets are ready for distribution but the administrator refuses, beneficiaries can petition the probate court for an order directing the administrator to perform duties and distribute assets.
4. Move to remove the administrator: Beneficiaries can petition to remove a personal representative for cause (for example: neglect, refusal to perform duties, conflict of interest, mismanagement, incompetence, or misconduct). The court can remove the administrator and appoint a successor or a special administrator.
5. Ask for surcharge or damages: If the administrator’s misconduct or gross negligence caused financial loss, beneficiaries can ask the court to surcharge (financially charge) the administrator for the loss or to order other equitable relief.
6. Seek contempt or enforcement sanctions: If the court has previously ordered the administrator to act and they disobey, a beneficiary can ask the court to hold the administrator in contempt or impose other sanctions.
7. Request an increase in bond: If the administrator posted a bond, the court can increase it to protect estate assets.
8. Pursue direct litigation: In some circumstances beneficiaries may bring a separate civil action for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, or other claims against the administrator. Often these claims are handled within the probate case.

Practical outcomes the court can order include compelling an accounting, requiring turnover of assets, removing the administrator and appointing a successor, awarding monetary damages or surcharges, increasing the bond, or imposing sanctions for contempt.

For statutory guidance and forms, consult the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and the Nevada Courts self-help probate resources. The Nevada Legislature maintains the NRS at https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/. The Nevada Judiciary provides probate self-help information at https://nvcourts.gov/selfhelp/family/probate/.

How to proceed step-by-step (practical checklist)

• Gather documents: Will, letters testamentary or letters of administration, inventory, any accountings, correspondence with the administrator, bank statements, deeds, and proof of your status as an heir or beneficiary (e.g., certified death certificate and the will).
• Send a written demand: Request an updated inventory and accounting and a timetable for distribution. Send by certified mail and keep copies.
• Check the probate docket: Contact the clerk of the probate court that opened the estate to review filings and scheduled hearings. Court files show whether the administrator has filed required inventories or accountings.
• File a petition with the probate court: If you get no response, file a petition to compel accounting, petition for removal, or petition for distribution. The court clerk can explain filing procedures and required forms or you can review the Nevada Courts self-help materials.
• Attend the hearing: Bring your evidence of unresponsiveness or refusal and be prepared to request specific relief (accounting, removal, surcharge, turnover, etc.).
• Consider mediation: Some probate disputes resolve faster and cheaper through court-ordered or private mediation.

What evidence helps your case

Useful evidence includes:

• Copies of written demands and correspondence showing nonresponse.
• Proof that assets exist (account statements, deeds, title documents).
• Filed probate documents showing missed required filings (inventory, accountings).
• Records or testimony of mismanagement, unauthorized transfers, or conflicts of interest.

Timing, costs, and likely timeline

Time and cost depend on whether the situation is resolvable informally. Court petitions and contested hearings add legal fees and court costs and can take weeks to months depending on court calendars. Removal and surcharge proceedings commonly require notice, opportunity for the administrator to respond, and a hearing. If the estate is complex or assets are tied up, expect longer timelines.

When to hire an attorney

If the administrator resists court orders, misapplies assets, or the beneficiaries face complex accounting questions, consult a Nevada probate attorney. An attorney can draft and file the necessary petitions, present evidence at hearings, and pursue damages if needed. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court clerk or self-help center can explain filing steps and forms, but they cannot give legal advice.

Helpful hints

• Always send written communications and keep copies. Document attempts to contact the administrator.
• Check the probate docket online or at the court to see all filings and deadlines.
• Ask for an interim accounting early if you suspect mismanagement.
• Use the Nevada Courts self-help resources for common probate forms and guidance: https://nvcourts.gov/selfhelp/family/probate/
• Be realistic about costs: contested probate litigation can be expensive and time-consuming. Mediation or negotiated resolution can save time and money.
• Know that courts prefer administrators to perform duties; removal is available but courts may weigh the disruption to the estate against the administrator’s failings.
• If assets are being dissipated or stolen, seek emergency relief from the court immediately (for example, a temporary restraining order or appointment of a special administrator).