Detailed answer — practical steps under Nevada procedures

1) Find the probate case and get the court file

Every probate estate is handled in the district court of the county where the decedent lived. Start by locating the case number and court using the decedent’s legal name and county of residence. You can:

• Search or contact the county district court clerk where your father lived. Use the Nevada courts site to find the correct court: https://nvcourts.gov/Find_a_Court/.
• Ask the court clerk for the probate docket sheet and copies of all filed documents (called the court file or case file). Many courts allow online access or will provide certified copies for a small fee.
• If the personal representative or their lawyer gave you a case number, use that to request records more quickly.

2) Know what to look for in the file

Compare what is in the court file to what you expect. Important documents include:

• Petition for probate or appointment of personal representative (administrator or executor)
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (the official authority for the personal representative)
• Notices to heirs and creditors (these prove required notices were given)
• Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
• Accountings and vouchers showing income, expenses, distributions, and receipts
• Orders approving accountings, sale orders, and final distribution orders

3) Identify the type of problem

Common problems include:

• Documents that never appear on the docket (missing filings)
• Inventory or accountings that omit assets or liabilities
• Incorrect personal data (wrong heirs listed, incorrect asset descriptions)
• Failure to give notice to heirs/creditors
• Accounting errors, unexplained withdrawals, or suspicious transfers

4) Take immediate, low-cost steps

• Request a copy of the missing document(s) from the clerk.
• Contact the personal representative or their attorney in writing and ask for the missing information or a corrected filing.
• Keep a dated paper trail: letters, emails, and certified mail receipts.
• Preserve evidence: bank statements, titles, account access, communications, and anything that shows the estate’s assets and transactions.

5) Use court procedures to correct the record

If informal requests fail, Nevada probate practice allows interested persons (heirs, beneficiaries, creditors) to ask the probate court to fix problems. Typical petitions/motions include:

• Motion or objection: File a written objection to a specific filing (for example, an accounting) and request a hearing.
• Petition to compel accounting: Ask the court to require the personal representative to provide a complete, verified accounting if one is missing or inadequate.
• Motion to amend or supplement the inventory: Ask the court to order the personal representative to correct or add assets to the inventory.
• Petition to reopen the estate: In appropriate cases, ask the court to reopen administration to address omitted assets or errors before final distribution.
• Petition for removal or surcharge: If the personal representative breaches fiduciary duties, wastes assets, or acts fraudulently, the court may remove the representative and order financial remedies.

These are court actions. The court will set deadlines and a hearing. If you file motions, follow the local court rules and service requirements so the court accepts your filings.

6) Where Nevada law and resources can help

Nevada’s probate rules and statutes set standards for notice, inventory, accounting, fiduciary duties, and removal of fiduciaries. Review the Nevada Revised Statutes and local court rules on probate procedure. The Nevada Legislature website provides searchable statutes: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/. For step-by-step forms and procedural guidance, see the Nevada Courts’ self-help resources: https://nvcourts.gov/.

7) Time sensitivity and deadlines

Probate matters often have strict deadlines for contesting wills, filing objections, and protecting creditor rights. Because these deadlines can bar your claims if you wait too long, act promptly once you discover missing or incorrect filings. If the probate court has already closed the estate with a final distribution order, reopening can be more complicated. Contact a probate attorney quickly if you think you missed a deadline.

8) When to hire an attorney

If the matter is contested, involves significant estate assets, possible fiduciary breaches, or suspected fraud, an attorney who practices probate in Nevada can:

• Explain deadlines and your legal rights under Nevada law.
• Prepare and file proper petitions or objections with the court.
• Represent you at hearings and negotiate with the personal representative.
• Coordinate forensic accounting or asset tracing when necessary.

Even when you start by doing your own review, a consultation can clarify whether formal court action is needed.

Helpful Hints

• Start at the court clerk’s office: obtain the docket sheet and all filed documents early.
• Ask for certified copies when you need records for hearings or to prove filings didn’t occur.
• Document every contact with the personal representative and their lawyer, and save copies of written requests.
• Gather supporting documents (death certificate, title documents, bank and investment statements, insurance policies) before you file anything with the court.
• Use the Nevada courts’ self-help resources for procedural forms and contact information: https://nvcourts.gov/.
• Act quickly when you suspect missing assets or improper distributions — delays can limit remedies.
• If the personal representative is unresponsive, file a formal petition with the court rather than relying only on informal requests.
• Consider a narrow, specific request first (e.g., compel a single accounting) before launching broad litigation.