Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Nebraska attorney for advice about your specific situation.

Overview: What the court does and why you might be appointed

When someone dies without a will (intestate) and owned assets that require probate, a Nebraska county court appoints a personal representative (often called an administrator or executor) to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute property under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 30). The court chooses who serves based on statutory priority, the fitness of applicants, and any agreements among heirs. See Nebraska probate statutes for the legal framework: Neb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 30.

Detailed answer — step-by-step process to seek appointment

1. Confirm jurisdiction and whether probate is needed

Probate is usually opened in the county where the sister was domiciled (lived) at the time of death. Not all assets pass through probate (e.g., joint accounts, assets with beneficiary designations). If the estate is very small, Nebraska has simplified procedures and forms that may avoid a full administration. Check the Nebraska Judicial Branch probate information and forms: Nebraska Judicial Branch — Probate Court and Probate Forms.

2. Identify your priority to be appointed

Nebraska law sets a priority list for who the court will appoint as personal representative. Surviving spouse and descendants typically have the highest priority; parents and siblings follow depending on the family structure. If your sister died without children or a surviving spouse, siblings are often next in line. The court will consider whether any higher-priority person has applied or consents.

3. Gather documents and information to file

• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• List of known heirs and their contact information (names, addresses, relationships).
• Inventory of the decedent’s assets and estimated values (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments).
• Information about known debts and creditors.

4. File a petition with the county court

File a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (or the county’s equivalent form) in the county where your sister was domiciled. The petition typically asks the court to appoint you, requests issuance of Letters of Administration, and states the estate’s estimated value. Use the probate forms and local court clerk for the correct document names and filing procedures: Nebraska probate forms.

5. Provide notice and attend the hearing

The court will require that statutory notice be given to heirs and sometimes to creditors. The court may set a short hearing date. If there are no objections and you are the proper person to serve (and any required bond issues are resolved), the judge will appoint you and issue Letters of Administration authorizing you to act for the estate.

6. Bond, waiver, and consents

The court often requires a surety bond to protect estate creditors and heirs. Heirs can agree in writing to waive the bond requirement, which commonly speeds the appointment and reduces cost. If other heirs consent to your appointment and sign a waiver of bond, bring those signed consents when you file.

7. Duties after appointment

As administrator you will have duties including securing assets, filing an inventory, paying valid debts and taxes, notifying creditors, managing or selling property if needed, and distributing the estate according to Nebraska’s intestacy rules. You will also usually file a final accounting and petition for discharge to close the estate with the court.

8. What if someone else applies or objects?

If multiple people apply, the court examines statutory priority and the fitness of each candidate. If contested (for example, another heir objects to your appointment), the court will hold a hearing and decide who should serve. In contested cases or those involving complex assets or disputes, consider hiring a Nebraska probate attorney.

Practical checklist — documents and steps to prepare right away

• Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or county health department.
• Get a list of known heirs and try to obtain written waivers of bond and consents to your appointment.
• Inventory major assets (real property deed, bank account statements, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, life insurance beneficiaries).
• Contact the county court clerk where your sister lived to learn the local filing process and required forms.
• Consider whether the small‑estate affidavit procedure might apply (for small estates) to avoid full probate.

When to consult a Nebraska attorney

Talk to a probate attorney if the estate has: real property in multiple states, significant debts, tax issues, a dispute among heirs, unresolved creditor claims, or complex business interests. An attorney can file the petition correctly, represent you at hearings, and help comply with Nebraska’s probate rules and deadlines.

Helpful hints

• Start early: gathering documents and consents before filing speeds the court process.
• Use the Nebraska Judicial Branch probate forms as a template so your filings meet local requirements: Nebraska probate forms.
• Ask the county court clerk for filing fees, hearing timelines, and local procedures.
• If all heirs agree, a written agreement naming you as administrator and waiving bond will usually shorten the process and reduce costs.
• Keep detailed records and receipts; you will need them for the inventory and final accounting.

For the statutory framework governing probate and appointment of personal representatives, see Nebraska’s Probate Code: Neb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 30. For practical filing forms and local procedures, see the Nebraska Judicial Branch probate pages: Nebraska Judicial Branch — Probate Court and Probate Forms.

If you want, tell me the county where your sister lived and a few basic facts about the estate (e.g., whether she had a surviving spouse, children, or significant assets), and I can outline the likely next filings and documents to bring to the county court clerk.