Short answer: To apply for probate appointment and to sign the oath in Nevada you generally need (1) the original will (if there is one), (2) a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate, (3) a completed petition for probate (petition for appointment of personal representative or petition for probate of will), (4) required notices and proof of service to heirs and interested parties, (5) proof of the petitioner’s identity and relationship or interest, (6) any renunciations or consents from other potential personal representatives, (7) a proposed order and letters (letters testamentary or letters of administration), and (8) bond paperwork if the court requires a bond. You will also complete an oath and file an acceptance of appointment. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step explanation tailored for Nevada and links to the state resources that govern the process.

Who files and where

In Nevada a probate case is filed in the district court of the county where the decedent lived at death or where substantial property is located. A person seeking to be appointed as personal representative (executor or administrator) files the petition. If the decedent left a will, the person named as executor usually files to probate the will and be appointed. If no will exists, an interested person (often a surviving spouse or heir) files to be appointed as administrator.

Key documents to prepare and file

1. Original will (if one exists). Nevada courts generally require the original signed will when probating a decedent’s estate. If you cannot locate the original, you must explain circumstances and the court may require an affidavit or additional proof.
2. Certified copy of the death certificate. Obtain from the county health or vital records office. Courts require a certified copy (not just a photocopy) to open a probate case.
3. Petition for probate and appointment of personal representative. This is the main pleading that asks the court to admit the will (if any), appoint a personal representative, and set bond. Use the Nevada district court probate petition form or your county’s local form. The petition states basic facts: decedent’s name, date of death, residences, heirs, value of estate (estimated), and the petitioner’s relationship to the decedent.
4. Oath of personal representative / acceptance of appointment. After appointment, the personal representative must take the statutory oath and file an acceptance. Nevada requires an oath promising faithful performance of duties. The court may have a local form (often called “Oath of Personal Representative” or part of the acceptance form).
5. Letters testamentary or letters of administration. These are the court’s written authority documents given to the appointed personal representative. The petition usually asks the court to issue these letters upon appointment and filing of the oath and any bond.
6. Bond or corporate surety documents (if required). Nevada law allows the court to require a fiduciary bond for the personal representative unless the will waives bond. If the will waives bond, the waiver must be in writing and comply with statutory requirements. If a bond is required, you must file the bond form and the surety’s certificate.
7. Notices to heirs and interested persons and proof of service. Nevada requires notice to the decedent’s heirs and certain interested parties (and publication when required for unknown heirs or creditors). You must provide a mailing list and proof that notices were sent. Keep proof of service or affidavits of mailing for the court file.
8. Renunciations or consents. If someone entitled to priority to serve as personal representative declines (renounces) the appointment, a signed renunciation helps speed the court’s appointment to another person and is typically filed with the petition.
9. Lists of heirs and beneficiaries; addresses and relationship statements. Courts want clear information on who is entitled to notice and distribution. Prepare a list of known heirs and devisees with current addresses and relationship to the decedent.
10. Inventory and appraisement (filed later). After appointment, the personal representative must file an inventory and appraisal of estate assets within the time required by Nevada law. This is not usually required with the initial petition but is an early duty to plan for.
11. Identification and contact information for the petitioner. Courts expect the petitioner to provide current identification, mailing address, telephone number and an attorney identity if one is assisting.
12. Filing fee or fee waiver request. Most courts charge a filing fee for opening a probate case. If the petitioner cannot pay, a fee waiver application may be available under local court rules.

Nevada‑specific statutory guidance and forms

Nevada’s probate rules and personal representative duties are set out in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and local district court rules. For easy reference:

• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) — searchable index (start here for statutory provisions on probate and fiduciaries).
• Nevada Courts Self‑Help — Probate and estate information (forms, instructions and local court contacts).

Use the NRS site to search terms like “personal representative,” “probate,” “letters testamentary,” and “oath” to pull specific statute language relevant to the petition and oath requirements in your county.

Typical process and timeline

1. Prepare petition, gather the original will, collect certified death certificate, prepare list of heirs and required notices.
2. File petition and pay the filing fee at the district court clerk in the correct county.
3. The court sets a hearing and requires notice to heirs and interested persons. Publication may be required for unknown heirs and creditors.
4. At or after the hearing, if the court appoints the petitioner, the petitioner signs the oath and files acceptance, posts bond (if required), and receives letters testamentary or of administration.
5. After appointment, the personal representative notifies creditors, inventories assets, collects estate property, pays debts and taxes, and eventually files a final accounting for distribution.

Common problems that delay appointment

• Missing original will.
• Incomplete or incorrect names/addresses of heirs (notice problems).
• Failure to provide certified death certificate.
• Disputes among potential personal representatives or heirs.
• Failure to post bond when required or inadequate surety forms.

When to get help from an attorney

If there are disputes about the will’s validity, contested appointments, unclear heirship, significant or unusual assets, or potential creditor claims or taxes, consult a Nevada probate attorney. An attorney can prepare filings, advise about bond and notice requirements, and represent you at court hearings.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Nevada probate procedures and is not legal advice. Laws change and each case has unique facts. Consult a licensed Nevada attorney or the district court clerk for advice tailored to your situation.

Helpful Hints

• Start by getting several certified copies of the death certificate—courts and banks will require them.
• Locate and bring the original will to the clerk; make a good faith effort to find the original if it isn’t immediately available and document that effort.
• Prepare a short, clear list of heirs with current addresses to avoid notice delays.
• Check the local district court’s probate webpage or call the clerk for required forms and local filing fees before you file.
• If the will expressly waives bond, bring the will language and be ready to cite the statutory waiver requirements.
• Keep organized copies of everything you file and proof of any mailings or publications ordered by the court.
• If you expect disputes, file sooner rather than later; delaying can make creditor and notice duties harder to meet.
• Use the Nevada Legislature site (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/) to read the statutes on personal representatives and probate duties; use the Nevada Courts Self‑Help pages (https://nvcourts.gov/self_help/) for forms and local guidance.