Public Administrator

Levels of Administration

LEVELS OF ADMINISTRATION

There are different levels of administration of an estate of someone who has passed away.  The level is determined by the amount of assets included in the estate.  An asset is any property or financial account owned by the decedent at the time of death.  The asset must be in the deceased person’s name only with no beneficiary.  For example; assets include the property on the person at the time of death (jewelry, wallet, keys, etc), their final paycheck, and the contents of their home, their bank accounts, vehicles, stocks, any real property that is titled in their name, and any businesses in which they are financially involved.

• If the total value of the assets belonging to the deceased is less than $25,000 the estate may be administered with the use of a small estate affidavit.  The Public Administrator’s office uses a Public Administrator affidavit for these cases.  (See Nevada Revised Statutes – chapter 253.)  It is always approved by the court.  A family member can sometimes handle most aspects of an administration with an Affidavit of Entitlement (See Nevada Revised Statutes – chapter 146.) which is available at the Washoe County Law Library.    
• If the total value of the assets belonging to the deceased is between $25,000 and $100,000 the estate may be administered with a Set Aside Petition. (See Nevada Revised Statutes – chapter 146.)  A State of Nevada licensed attorney is recommended to prepare and submit this petition to the Second Judicial District Court. 
• If the total value of the assets belonging to the deceased is between $100,000 and $300,000 the estate must be administered with a Summary Administration.  (See Nevada Revised Statutes – chapter 145.)  Again, a State of Nevada licensed attorney is recommended to prepare and submit this petition to the Second Judicial District Court.
• If the total value of the assets belonging to the deceased is over $300,000 the estate must be administered with a General Probate.  Again, a State of Nevada licensed attorney is recommended to prepare and submit this petition to the Second Judicial District Court.