What Documents Do I Need for Probate?

When a loved one passes away, a nominated personal representative, or if there is no will, a family member or trusted friend must open probate to oversee the payment of outstanding debts and distribute the remaining assets and property to the deceased person’s heirs or beneficiaries. Before opening probate in court, the individual handling the deceased person’s affairs must first gather the necessary probate court paperwork.

The Vander Laan Law Firm, LLC, is a Nevada probate and estate planning law firm with offices conveniently located in Minden and Carson City. We offer comprehensive advice and guidance on probate matters to clients throughout Douglas County, Carson City, and Lyon County, guiding them through the complexities of probate and ensuring the necessary probate documents are filed on time and with the correct court.

Essential Probate Court Documents

Gathering the documents needed for probate is an essential part of understanding the probate process. Nevada probate attorney Natalia Vander Laan can help you determine which documents are needed for probate, identify and value the assets involved, help you distribute them according to the deceased person’s wishes, and close the estate.

Having the necessary probate documents in order can make the process easier. Once you have gathered the necessary probate documents, keep them organized and in a safe place so they can be easily accessed when needed.

Last Will and Testament

The Will is a probate document that identifies how the deceased person’s estate will be distributed. You will need the original Will when you initiate proceedings with the probate court. The Will generally identifies who is responsible for managing the estate (the personal representative) and how the deceased person wished to distribute their assets.

Death Certificate

You will likely need a certified Death Certificate to document the death to the probate court. Request multiple originals, as most institutions require an original death certificate before they will release assets. To minimize delays in the probate process, you should obtain the death certificate as soon as possible after the death of your loved one.

Inventory and Proof of Assets and Liabilities

The inventory is a list of all of the deceased person’s assets and liabilities, including real property, personal property, and financial assets. The inventory should include a description of each asset, its location, and its estimated value. You should gather all the titles.

Real estate, personal property, and other assets may need to be appraised to determine their market value at the time of the decedent’s death. Find a qualified appraiser who is knowledgeable about the type of asset being appraised.

The inventory should also include the deceased person’s debts and liabilities, such as credit card bills, loans, and taxes. The Personal Representative must ensure that all legally enforceable debts are paid before assets can be distributed to the deceased person’s heirs and beneficiaries.

Bank Statements and Financial Records

Bank statements and other financial records are important probate documents. They provide information needed to identify, value, and distribute the deceased person’s assets and will help create an accurate inventory.

Tax Returns

The personal representative is responsible for filing the deceased person’s final tax returns, estate’s tax returns, and for using estate assets to pay any taxes owed.

Probate Checklist

The following is a checklist of the essential documents needed for probate:

• Original Last Will and Testament (if one exists)
• Original Death Certificate (request at least five)
• List of estate assets
  • Deeds and titles to real property
  • Vehicle title and registration
  • Bank account statements
  • Bank statements
  • Statements from retirement and other financial accounts
  • Business ownership documents
  • Insurance policies
• List of estate liabilities
• Names, address, and contact information for the deceased person’s heirs and beneficiaries
• Tax returns for the past 3 to 5 years

Contact the Vander Laan Law Firm, LLC, for Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Probate can be an overwhelming and complicated process, especially when families are already dealing with grief and loss. The Vander Laan Law Firm, LLC, can help your family navigate this process and ensure compliance with Nevada’s probate laws, regulations, and filing deadlines.

Natalia Vander Laan is a Nevada probate attorney who serves clients from her offices in Minden and Carson City, Nevada. She is pleased to work with individuals and families throughout Douglas County, Carson City, and Lyon County. Learn more about her unique approach to probate and estate planning, then call (775) 461-2897 or contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and how Natalia can assist you.