Detailed answer: Typical timeline and steps to admit an out‑of‑state will in Nevada

When a decedent owned property in Nevada or died domiciled in Nevada but left a will executed in another state, Nevada courts can admit that out‑of‑state will to probate. The total time to “get a will approved” (i.e., admit it to probate and obtain appointment of a personal representative or letters) varies. Typical time ranges depend on whether the probate is uncontested, whether the will is self‑proving, whether the matter is ancillary (property only in Nevada while domicile was elsewhere), and whether anyone contests the will.

Key statutory framework

Nevada law governing wills and their probate can be found in the Nevada Revised Statutes, chapter on Wills. See NRS Chapter 133 (Wills) for provisions on validity and admission of wills: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-133.html. That chapter and related probate statutes explain formalities and how Nevada treats wills executed elsewhere.

Common procedural steps (and how they affect timing)

1. Prepare and file petition for probate. A petitioner files the will and a petition for probate in the district court of the Nevada county where decedent lived or where the property is located. The court assigns a case number and sets a hearing or issues letters administratively depending on local practice.
2. Notice and service. Nevada law requires notifying heirs, beneficiaries, and often a surviving spouse and creditors. The court will require proof of notice (personal service or mail) before appointing a personal representative. Serving interested parties adds time—often a few weeks to complete each step.
3. Authentication of an out‑of‑state will. If the will is “self‑proving” (a notarial affidavit or statutory self‑proving form signed at execution), admission is usually faster because witness testimony may not be required. Without a self‑proving affidavit, witnesses or other proof of execution may be needed, which can delay admission if witnesses live out of state or are unavailable.
4. Hearing and appointment. If no one objects and the court accepts the proof, the court will admit the will and appoint the personal representative. After appointment, the court issues letters testamentary or letters of administration, permitting the representative to manage estate assets.
5. Creditor claim period and distribution. Even after admission, the estate must satisfy creditor notice and claims procedures before final distribution. The creditor period and administrative tasks affect when assets can be sold or distributed, but they are separate from the initial admission timeline.

Typical timelines — realistic examples

Below are approximate timelines based on common scenarios. These are estimates only; local court workload and case complexity cause variation.

• Uncontested probate with a self‑proving out‑of‑state will (most straightforward): 4–10 weeks from filing to appointment. If the will is self‑proving and all interested parties are notified quickly, many courts can admit the will and issue letters within 1–2 months.
• Uncontested probate but will not self‑prove or witnesses are out of state: 2–4 months. Getting witness affidavits, certified copies, or apostilles can add time.
• Ancillary probate (decedent domiciled elsewhere; only some Nevada property): 4–12 weeks. Ancillary proceedings often move faster because the main estate administration is elsewhere, but the court still requires proof of the foreign probate or authenticated documents.
• Contested probate (will validity, undue influence, competing wills): Many months to years. Contested matters involve discovery, motion practice, and potentially trial. Expect 6–18+ months in moderately contested disputes; complex litigation can last longer.

Hypothetical illustration

Hypothetical: Maria, a Nevada homeowner, dies leaving a will executed in Arizona. The will includes a self‑proving affidavit signed before a notary. Her adult child files the will in the Nevada district court where the house is located, serves the heirs by mail, and there are no objections. The court admits the will and issues letters within six weeks. If the will lacked a self‑proving affidavit and the witnesses live in Arizona, the petitioner must obtain witness affidavits or depositions; admission could stretch to three months or more.

Factors that commonly cause delay

• Will not self‑proving and witnesses are unavailable or out of state.
• Disputes among heirs or creditors filing claims.
• Need for authenticated foreign documents (apostille) or certified copies of a will or death certificate.
• Court backlog or local procedural requirements (some counties have different scheduling timelines).
• Incomplete or incorrect petition documents requiring refiling.

If you are involved in a specific case, the local district court clerk’s office can often provide typical scheduling times for probate hearings in that county.

Helpful hints — how to shorten the process and what to prepare

• Locate the original will and any self‑proving affidavit or notarized statements before filing.
• Get a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate promptly.
• If witnesses signed the will, ask them to provide notarized affidavits or be available for testimony; if they live out of state, arrange for remote or sworn affidavits if the court allows.
• Prepare a clear list of heirs and beneficiaries with contact information to streamline notice.
• Consult a Nevada probate attorney for an initial review; an attorney can prepare the petition correctly and identify whether ancillary or domiciliary probate applies.
• If property in Nevada is limited (e.g., a single bank account or a deeded parcel), ask the attorney about simplified or small‑estate procedures that may be faster.
• Keep records of all notice, service, and filings—missing proof of service is a common cause of delay.
• If the will was executed abroad, find out whether an apostille or certified translation is needed and obtain those documents early.