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Greeley County, NE Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Greeley County Court. The filing office is the clerk of the Greeley County Court, an office held by a clerk magistrate (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-507). |
| Courthouse address | 101 South Kildare Street, Greeley, NE 68842. |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 302, Greeley, NE 68842. |
| Phone | 308-428-2705. |
| Fax | 308-428-6500. |
| [email protected], for questions only. Email filings are not allowed in Nebraska court cases (Neb. Ct. R. § 2-212). | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed weekends and holidays. Call before going if timing matters. |
| Filing fee | $22 for a probate proceeding commenced and closed informally, with another $22 for each subsequent petition or application in an informal proceeding; a formal probate is charged on a schedule keyed to the gross value of the Nebraska estate at death, from $22 on estates of $1,000 or less to $1,500 over $5,000,000 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125). Confirm the current amount with the clerk of the Greeley County Court before you file. |
| Local forms | No Greeley County only probate forms or local probate cover sheet is posted. Nebraska estate forms, the informal probate flowchart, and the uniform fax cover sheet are on nebraskajudicial.gov. |
| E-filing | A Nebraska attorney must use e-filing (Neb. Ct. R. § 2-202). A person filing without a lawyer is not required to use e-filing and may file in person, by mail, or by fax with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601(B), which every Nebraska court must accept until July 1, 2028. Ask the clerk whether optional non-attorney registration under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-216 is open before relying on it. |
| Case search | Statewide trial court case search runs through Nebraska.gov on the Judicial Branch's JUSTICE case management system: https://www.nebraska.gov/justice/case.cgi. A general search for a list of cases is free; viewing a case's details is $2, with no extra charge for document images, and frequent users can open a Nebraska.gov subscriber account for an annual $100. The same case information is free at any courthouse kiosk or law library. |
| Remote appearance | Nebraska law allows a county court to hear all nonevidentiary hearings, and any evidentiary hearing the court approves with all appearing parties' stipulation, by telephone or videoconference, in a manner that preserves an accurate record (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704). Greeley County sits in Nebraska's eighth county judge district, whose county court local rules add their own remote hearing procedure; ask the clerk of the Greeley County Court how to request one for your hearing. |
| County judge district | Greeley County is in Nebraska's eighth county judge district, which assigns county judges and county court local rules but does not move the filing counter (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-503). |
| Website | Court page: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/courts/greeley-county-court. County site: https://greeleycounty.ne.gov. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you open a Greeley County estate, make a working list of the decedent's assets, debts, tax issues, family contacts, and any original will. That list drives whether you need an informal application to the registrar, a formal petition with notice, or an affidavit route outside the county court.
Sunset's estate settlement process can search across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help identify accounts, insurance, investments, and other assets before you spend money filing in the Greeley County Court.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Greeley County is filed with the clerk of the Greeley County Court at the courthouse location in Greeley. The county court serves estates venued in Greeley County, including Greeley, Spalding, Scotia, Wolbach, and the surrounding county area.
Nebraska district courts do not hear probate; a will is proved and letters are issued in the county court, which has exclusive original jurisdiction of all matters relating to decedents' estates (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-517). Greeley County sits in Nebraska's eighth county judge district, which is how county judges and the county court's local rules are assigned; the case itself is filed at this county's own courthouse (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-502, § 24-503).
Venue for the first informal or formal testacy or appointment proceeding is in the county where the decedent had domicile at death, or, if the decedent was not domiciled in Nebraska, in any Nebraska county where the decedent had property at death (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2410).
The jurisdiction process
- Choose the opening track. In an informal probate, an application is directed to the registrar, whose acts are performed by a county judge or by a person designated by the court in a written order; the application is delivered to the clerk of the county court (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2216). In a formal probate, a petition is filed with notice to interested persons.
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if there is one, a list of heirs and devisees, addresses for interested persons, and an asset and debt list for the estate settlement.
- File with the clerk of the Greeley County Court at 101 South Kildare Street, by mail to P.O. Box 302, Greeley, NE 68842, or by fax to 308-428-6500 if you are filing without a lawyer and use the uniform cover sheet required for fax filing under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601(B). A Nebraska attorney must use e-filing under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-202. Email filing is not allowed (Neb. Ct. R. § 2-212).
- Pay the filing fee. The base fee for a proceeding commenced and closed informally is $22, and formal probate fees run by gross value of the Nebraska estate at death under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125. Confirm the exact amount and payment method with the clerk before filing.
- For informal probate, wait for the statutory timing requirement. The registrar may issue the written statement of informal probate only if at least 120 hours have elapsed since death (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2415).
- Handle notice after appointment. Upon appointment of a personal representative, the clerk publishes notice to creditors once a week for three successive weeks, with the first publication within thirty days; the party or attorney must mail the published notice and prove mailing (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2483). Properly noticed creditor claims are generally barred unless presented within two months after the first publication (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2485). Notice to the Department of Health and Human Services is required in the circumstances stated by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2483.
- Receive Letters. Nebraska uses letters testamentary for a will and letters of administration when there is no will; the court issues Letters after appointment, and one certified copy is provided without charge under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125(2).
- Administer the estate. Collect assets, safeguard property, prepare the inventory, address claims, and decide whether any Greeley County real property issue requires court action or a recording with the Greeley County Register of Deeds under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129.
- Address Nebraska inheritance tax. Nebraska's inheritance tax is determined by the Greeley County Court and paid to the county, with the tax due twelve months after the date of death (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2010, § 77-2018.01). Rates and exemptions depend on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent and on whether the death was before or on or after January 1, 2023 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2004).
- Distribute and close. After claims, taxes, expenses, and court requirements are handled, the personal representative distributes remaining assets and closes the estate, often by filing a closing statement under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,128.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Greeley County
Nebraska has a partial statewide estate form set, not a complete opening packet. The Judicial Branch provides CC 15:40, Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate, revised July 2022, for the personal-property affidavit under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125. It also provides CC 15:41, Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property without Probate, revised October 2025, for the real-property affidavit recorded with the register of deeds under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129.
The uniform fax cover sheet is required as the first page when a person without a lawyer files by fax under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601(B). The Nebraska Judicial Branch estate materials also include a flowchart for informal probate filed with a will, but that flowchart does not apply when there is no will, the will is contested, or the estate or distribution of assets is contested.
The Judicial Branch does not supply a statewide application for informal probate, a petition for formal probate, Letters, or an inventory. No Greeley County only probate form or local probate cover sheet is posted, so confirm with the clerk of the Greeley County Court what opening document format the court expects before filing.
Local nuance
Greeley County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Street and mailing addresses differ | Use 101 South Kildare Street, Greeley, NE 68842 for in-person filing. Use P.O. Box 302, Greeley, NE 68842 for mail. |
| Separate land records office | The Greeley County Register of Deeds is a separate office with mailing address P.O. Box 287, Greeley, NE 68842, phone 308-428-3625, fax 308-428-3022, and email [email protected]. The real-property affidavit route is recorded there, not filed in the county court (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129). |
| Large county judge district | Greeley County is in Nebraska's eighth county judge district, which includes fifteen counties and has three county judges for the district (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-503). Ask the clerk how hearings are assigned and how to request a remote hearing under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Persona | Likely path in Greeley County | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | Start by identifying how the home is titled and what assets are not jointly owned. If a court appointment is needed, file in the Greeley County Court. If a qualifying Nebraska real-property affidavit is enough for a limited transfer, it is recorded with the Greeley County Register of Deeds under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129, and the personal-property affidavit rules still come from Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125. | Sunset helps gather account information, organize the asset list, and identify when a local attorney should review title and inheritance tax issues. |
| Out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | If the personal property route applies, the Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate can be presented to the holder of the property after thirty days and within the $100,000 ceiling raised by 2022 Neb. Laws LB 1124, signed April 18, 2022 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125). If a county court appointment is needed, use mail or fax filing with the Greeley County Court unless a lawyer files electronically. | Sunset can help locate accounts before you choose the affidavit route, prepare a document checklist, and connect you with Nebraska counsel if the institution refuses the affidavit or a court appointment is needed. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A sale of real estate often needs more than an uncontested clerk-magistrate matter. In Nebraska, a clerk magistrate may hear certain noncontested estate matters but not an authorization to sell or mortgage real estate (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-507, § 24-519). Plan for a county judge review in the Greeley County Court if court authority is needed. | Sunset can assemble the estate settlement information, help generate the probate packet, and connect the family with a vetted probate attorney for the sale and tax pieces. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center | Virtual Judicial Branch self-help materials, including filing method rules and estate materials. | https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help |
| Estates section | Explains Nebraska estate processes, claims against estates, deposit of a will, the informal probate flowchart, the two affidavit routes, and motor vehicle title transfer. | https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates |
| Additional information: Estates | Explains that estate filings often require attorney help, while Nebraska law allows self-representation, and describes when an affidavit route may be available. | https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates/additional-information-estates |
| Master forms list | Searchable Judicial Branch form list that includes the CC 15 estate forms and the affidavit forms. | https://nebraskajudicial.gov/forms |
| County court contacts | Statewide county court contact page for court addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and clerk email addresses. | https://nebraskajudicial.gov/directories/county-court-contacts |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska | Statewide AccessLine 1.877.250.2016, Monday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central; ElderAccessLine 1.800.527.7249 for people 60 and over in all 93 counties. Screening is by household income, assets, and legal issue; the published practice areas are family, debt, housing, and benefits rather than estate administration, and the organization takes no walk-ins. See legalaidofnebraska.org. | https://legalaidofnebraska.org/how-we-help/ |
| Nebraska Free Legal Answers | Free Legal Answers lets qualifying users post civil legal questions for Nebraska-licensed volunteer attorneys. Its published topic list does not include estates, and volunteers cannot represent anyone in court. | https://ne.freelegalanswers.org/ |
| Limited Scope Representation | Nebraska's Limited Scope Representation materials explain hiring a lawyer for part of a case rather than the entire matter. | https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help |
When to hire an attorney
Nebraska does not require a personal representative to hire a lawyer, and the Judicial Branch's estate materials say the law allows you to represent yourself. The same materials say that filing an estate will most often require an attorney's help and that the Self-Help Center cannot supply forms for every situation. Limited Scope Representation information is available through nebraskajudicial.gov if you want help with only part of the case. If the Greeley County estate involves real estate, creditor disputes, inheritance tax questions under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2004, or a contested will, Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help families find bank accounts, investments, insurance, and other assets before choosing an estate settlement path in Greeley County.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset helps turn the family's information into an organized probate packet, including the asset list, contact list, and filing checklist you can review before filing with the Greeley County Court.
Find a local probate attorney. When an estate needs court authority, a real estate sale, inheritance tax work, or formal probate with notice, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted Nebraska probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset's estate settlement tools without paying Sunset, and decide whether they want attorney support after the assets and next steps are clearer.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Greeley County?
File with the clerk of the Greeley County Court. The in-person address is 101 South Kildare Street, Greeley, NE 68842, and the mailing address is P.O. Box 302, Greeley, NE 68842. Nebraska district courts do not hear probate; the county court has exclusive original jurisdiction over decedents' estates (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-517).
Do I need a lawyer for Greeley County probate?
Nebraska law allows self-representation, but the Judicial Branch's estate materials say filing an estate will most often require an attorney's help. A lawyer is especially useful when the estate involves formal probate with notice, real estate, creditor disputes, or inheritance tax under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2004.
How much does it cost to file probate in Greeley County?
The base filing fee is $22 for a probate proceeding commenced and closed informally, with another $22 for each later petition or application in an informal proceeding. Formal probate fees are based on the gross value of the Nebraska estate at death and run from $22 to $1,500 under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125. Confirm the current amount and payment method with the clerk before filing.
Can I use an affidavit instead of opening probate?
Possibly. The personal-property affidavit route uses CC 15:40, Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate, after thirty days have elapsed and within the $100,000 ceiling raised by 2022 Neb. Laws LB 1124, signed April 18, 2022 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125). Nebraska also has CC 15:41, Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property without Probate, for qualifying real property, recorded with the register of deeds under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129. These routes are not the same as opening a Greeley County Court probate case.
Is there a Nebraska inheritance tax in Greeley County, and who is paid?
Yes. Nebraska inheritance tax is a county tax. The Greeley County Court determines it, and it is paid to the county, with the tax due twelve months after the date of death (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2010, § 77-2018.01). Rates and exemptions depend on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent and on whether the death was before or on or after January 1, 2023 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2004).
Can I file by fax or email in Greeley County Court?
A person filing without a lawyer may file in person, by mail, or by fax with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601(B), which every Nebraska court must accept until July 1, 2028. The Greeley County Court fax number is 308-428-6500. Email filing is not allowed in Nebraska court cases (Neb. Ct. R. § 2-212). A Nebraska attorney must use e-filing under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-202.
Can I appear by phone or video for a Greeley County probate hearing?
Nebraska law allows a county court to hear all nonevidentiary hearings, and any evidentiary hearing the court approves with all appearing parties' stipulation, by telephone or videoconference (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704). Greeley County sits in the eighth county judge district, whose local rules add a remote hearing procedure. Ask the clerk how to request permission to appear remotely for your hearing.
How do I look up a Greeley County probate case?
Use Nebraska.gov's statewide trial court case search for JUSTICE records at https://www.nebraska.gov/justice/case.cgi. A general search for a case list has no charge; viewing case details is $2, with no extra charge for document images, and frequent users can open a Nebraska.gov subscriber account for an annual $100. The same case information is available without charge at courthouse kiosks and law libraries.
What are the Greeley County Court clerk's hours?
The Greeley County Court clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed weekends and holidays. Call 308-428-2705 before going if you need to confirm holiday hours or filing logistics.
Do I have to travel to Greeley to start estate settlement?
Not always. A filing without a lawyer can be delivered in person, mailed to P.O. Box 302, Greeley, NE 68842, or faxed with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601(B). If a hearing is set, ask the clerk how to request a remote hearing under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.