Detailed Answer

When a person dies without a will (intestate) in Nevada, the court must appoint a personal representative (often called an administrator) to collect the assets, pay valid debts, and distribute property to the heirs under Nevada law. This FAQ explains the typical steps you would take to apply to serve as administrator of your mother’s estate in Nevada, what the court will look for, and practical tips to move the case forward.

Step 1 — Confirm jurisdiction and whether probate is required

File in the district court of the county where your mother was domiciled (her permanent residence) at the time of death. Some small estates may qualify for simplified procedures or may not require full probate; confirm with the county court clerk or the Nevada Courts self‑help resources whether a small‑estate or summary procedure applies.

Useful resource: Nevada Courts probate self‑help pages: https://nvcourts.gov/Self_Help/Probate/

Step 2 — Determine who has priority to be appointed

Nevada law gives priority to certain family members when appointing a personal representative. Generally, a surviving spouse and adult children have strong priority. If multiple people at the same priority level want the job, the court may choose based on who is best able to administer the estate or may require agreement among them. If no suitable family member volunteers, the court can appoint a neutral public administrator.

If more than one person at the same level applies, talk with the others early to avoid contested proceedings.

Step 3 — Gather documents and information you will need

• Original or certified copy of the death certificate.
• List of known assets (bank accounts, real property, vehicles, retirement accounts, life insurance, personal property) and approximate values.
• List of known creditors and debt balances, if any.
• Full legal names and contact information for surviving heirs (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.).
• Any available title documents, account statements, deed copies, and insurance policies.

Step 4 — Prepare and file the petition to be appointed personal representative

File a petition for appointment of personal representative (often titled “Petition for Probate of Estate” or “Petition for Letters of Administration”) with the district court clerk in the proper county. The petition asks the court to appoint you to administer the estate. Forms and filing requirements vary by county; many Nevada courts have sample forms and checklists on their self‑help pages.

Common attachments include the death certificate, an affidavit of heirs or heirs’ list, and an inventory or schedule of known assets. Expect to pay a filing fee; fee amounts vary by county.

Step 5 — Notice and creditor process

After you file the petition, the court will require notice to heirs and may require notice to creditors. The court may order publication of a notice to unknown creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors usually receive direct notice and then have a limited period to file claims.

Step 6 — Bond, appointment, and letters of administration

The court may require a bond (security) to protect estate creditors and heirs. The judge can waive or reduce the bond based on circumstances or if heirs agree. Once appointed, the court issues “Letters of Administration” (or similar document) that prove your authority to act for the estate. Use these letters to access bank accounts, transfer assets, and close affairs.

Step 7 — Administer the estate

As administrator you must collect assets, preserve them, pay taxes and valid debts, file required inventories and accountings, and distribute property to heirs according to Nevada intestacy rules. Keep clear records of every action and transaction. The court may require periodic statements or a final accounting before closing the estate.

Step 8 — Close the estate

When all assets are distributed and debts paid (or proper provision has been made), file a petition for discharge or final account with the court to close the estate. The court will review and, if satisfied, discharge you as personal representative.

Where to find Nevada statutes and forms

For statutes, the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) are available online at the Nevada Legislature’s site: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/. For practical forms, instructions, and county‑specific rules, use the Nevada Courts self‑help and local district court web pages: https://nvcourts.gov/Self_Help/.

Example (hypothetical)

Maria’s mother, a Nevada resident, died without a will owning a home and a bank account. Maria, the adult daughter, contacted the county probate clerk, downloaded the district court’s petition forms, and filed a Petition for Letters of Administration with a copy of the death certificate. The court set a hearing, required notice to siblings, and ordered publication for unknown creditors. The judge appointed Maria as administrator after confirming no higher‑priority person objected and issued Letters of Administration. Maria posted a modest bond (which the siblings later agreed to waive), collected assets, paid valid creditors, and distributed remaining property to heirs before filing a final accounting and receiving discharge.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Nevada procedures and is not legal advice. Laws and forms change. Consult the district court clerk or an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Helpful Hints

• Start at the county district court’s probate or self‑help webpage—many counties provide checklists and forms.
• Call the probate clerk before filing. Clerks can explain submission steps and required documents but cannot give legal advice.
• Collect a certified death certificate early—banks often require it before releasing assets.
• Create a clear asset list and proof of ownership (account statements, deeds) to speed administration.
• Notify likely heirs early and try to reach agreements about appointment and estate tasks to avoid contested hearings.
• Keep detailed records and receipts for every estate transaction; you will likely need them for the final accounting.
• Ask the court about bond amounts and whether heirs can waive bond to save costs.
• Watch deadlines for creditor claims and tax filings—missing deadlines can create personal liability or delays.
• If the estate is small, ask whether Nevada’s simplified or summary administration procedures apply.
• Consider at least a consultation with a probate attorney if the estate has real property, contested heirship, significant debts, or complex assets.