Small Estate Affidavit in Nebraska

Personal property: 30 days after death, a successor may collect money, bank accounts, stock, vehicles and other personal property by affidavit if the value of all personal property in the estate, less liens, is $100,000 or less, no personal representative has been applied for or appointed, and a certified death certificate is attached. The affidavit is signed before a notary and given to whoever holds the property (it is not filed with the court). Real estate: 30 days after death, successors may record an affidavit with the register of deeds if the deceased's Nebraska real estate is worth $100,000 or less (based on the assessed value for the year of death, less taxes owed), with a death certificate and any will attached.

If the inventory shows the whole estate, less liens, is no more than the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, administration costs, reasonable funeral expenses, and last-illness medical expenses, the personal representative may distribute it without notice to creditors and close by sworn statement. Nebraska also allows informal probate and appointment without a hearing.

Claims that arose before death must be presented within 2 months after the first published notice to creditors (a late creditor may ask the court within 60 days after that deadline for up to 30 more days for good cause). If proper notice is never given, the limit is 3 years after death. Claims arising after death generally must be presented within 4 months after they arise.