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York County, NE Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | York County detail |
|---|---|
| Court | York County Court |
| Courthouse address | 510 Lincoln Avenue, Room 211, York, NE 68467. York County also describes the same office as 510 N. Lincoln Avenue, 2nd Floor, York, NE 68467. |
| Mailing address | 510 Lincoln Avenue, Room 211, York, NE 68467. |
| Phone | 402-362-4925 |
| Fax | 402-362-2577. A person filing without a lawyer may use fax filing with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601. |
| [email protected], for questions only. Email filings are not allowed in Nebraska court cases under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-212. | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 402-362-4925 before traveling, especially around the midday closure. |
| Filing fee | Under the statewide court fee schedule effective July 1, 2026, the statutory base is $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 York County Court before you file. |
| Local forms | York County does not publish a local probate packet. Use the statewide estate materials, the CC 15 series affidavits, and the uniform fax cover sheet when they fit the filing. |
| E-filing | A Nebraska attorney must use electronic filing (Neb. Ct. R. § 2-202). 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. Ask the clerk before relying on any non-attorney electronic filing registration under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-216. |
| Case search | Statewide trial court case search is through Nebraska.gov, running on the Judicial Branch's JUSTICE case management system at https://www.nebraska.gov/justice/case.cgi. A general search for a list of cases is free; 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 free at any courthouse kiosk or law library. |
| Remote appearance | Nebraska law allows a county court to hear all nonevidentiary hearings, and evidentiary hearings the court approves with all appearing parties' stipulation, by telephone or videoconference in a way that preserves an accurate record (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704). York County is in the fifth county judge district, whose Remote Hearings rule requires a request at least 48 hours before the hearing and contact with the court at least 24 hours before the hearing for instructions. |
| County judge district | Fifth county judge district. A county judge district assigns county judges and local rules; it does not move York County filings away from the York County Court (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-503). |
| Website | York County Court: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/courts/york-county-court. York County government County Court page: https://www.yorkcounty.ne.gov/county-court.html. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a filing path, list the assets, debts, beneficiaries, titles, and accounts. York County estate settlement may require no court filing for some assets, but the answer depends on how each asset is titled and whether Letters are needed.
Sunset's estate settlement platform searches more than 2,300 financial institutions to help families find accounts and organize the asset picture before paperwork is prepared for the York County Court.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for York County is filed with the clerk of the York County Court at 510 Lincoln Avenue, Room 211, York, NE 68467. 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).
York County sits in Nebraska's fifth county judge district, which is how county judges and county court local rules are assigned. A county judge district does not change the filing counter: a York County estate is filed at this county's own courthouse in the city of York (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-502, § 24-503).
Venue for the first informal or formal testacy or appointment proceeding is the county where the decedent had domicile at death, or, if the decedent was not domiciled in Nebraska, any Nebraska county where the decedent's property was located (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2410).
The jurisdiction process
- Choose the opening track. An informal probate uses an application to the registrar; in an informal proceeding the registrar's acts are performed by a county judge or by a person designated by the court in a written order, and the application is delivered to the clerk of the county court (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2216). A formal probate uses a petition to the court and proceeds with notice.
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if there is one, asset information, debt information, names and addresses of interested persons, and any facts needed to show why York County is the correct venue under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2410.
- File with the clerk of the York County Court at 510 Lincoln Avenue, Room 211, York, NE 68467. If you are filing without a lawyer, you may file in person, by mail, or by fax to 402-362-2577 with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601. A Nebraska attorney must use electronic filing under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-202. Email filings are not allowed under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-212.
- Pay the filing fee under the statewide court fee schedule effective July 1, 2026. The statutory base is $22 for a proceeding commenced and closed informally, and a formal probate fee is based on the gross value of the Nebraska estate at death (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125).
- For informal probate, wait for the statutory timing rule. 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).
- For a formal probate, follow the court's notice requirements. An unopposed formal testacy petition may be decided on the pleadings if the court is satisfied, or the court may conduct a hearing and require proof (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2429).
- If a hearing is set, ask the clerk how York County handles any request for remote participation. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704 and the fifth county judge district's Remote Hearings rule, the request must be filed at least 48 hours before the hearing, and an authorized participant must contact the court at least 24 hours before the hearing for instructions.
- After appointment, the court issues the proper Letters. Nebraska uses letters testamentary when there is a will and letters of administration when there is no will; one certified copy of letters of appointment is provided without charge in a formal proceeding under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125.
- Handle creditor notice. After appointment of a personal representative, the clerk publishes notice to creditors once a week for three successive weeks, with first publication within thirty days after appointment; claims are barred unless presented within two months after the date of first publication when notice is given as required (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2483, § 30-2485). Give Department of Health and Human Services notice when Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2483 requires it.
- Administer the estate, inventory assets, address claims, and complete any inheritance tax determination. Nebraska inheritance tax is determined by the York 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, § 77-2004).
- Distribute property only after the required steps are complete, then file the appropriate closing papers for the track used. Nebraska law provides for a closing statement in qualifying circumstances (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,128).
Forms and documents
Probate forms in York County
York County does not publish a local probate packet for opening an estate. The Judicial Branch's estate materials include some statewide forms, but they do not include a fill-in application for informal probate, a fill-in petition for formal probate, Letters, or an inventory form for every estate situation.
| Form or resource | Use in York County |
|---|---|
| CC 15:40, Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate, revised July 2022 | Used for qualifying personal property when the statutory requirements are met, including the $100,000 ceiling raised by 2022 Neb. Laws LB 1124, signed April 18, 2022. It is presented to the holder of the property, not filed with the York County Court (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125). |
| CC 15:41, Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property without Probate, revised October 2025 | Used for qualifying Nebraska real property interests under the separate real property affidavit route. In York County, it is recorded with the York County Register of Deeds at 510 N Lincoln Ave, York, not filed with the court. The $100,000 real property ceiling was raised by 2024 Neb. Laws LB 1195, signed April 15, 2024 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129; the personal property affidavit under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125 carries the same $100,000 ceiling). |
| Uniform fax cover sheet | Required as the first page of a fax filing by a person filing without a lawyer. Fax filing by non-attorneys is accepted until July 1, 2028, under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601. |
| Flowchart for Informal Probate Filed with a Will | The Nebraska Judicial Branch estates materials at nebraskajudicial.gov include a testate informal-probate flowchart. It does not apply when there is no will, the will is contested, or the estate or distribution is contested. |
Local nuance
York County-specific considerations
| Local point | What to do |
|---|---|
| Midday court closure | The York County Court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 402-362-4925 before traveling if your filing depends on a same-day counter visit. |
| Register of deeds hours differ from court hours | The York County Register of Deeds is in York at 510 N Lincoln Ave and publishes hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. That office records a qualifying CC 15:41 Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property without Probate under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129; it is not where you open a probate estate. Ask that office about any recording charge. |
| Fifth district remote rule | For a remote hearing request under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704, the fifth county judge district's rule requires the request at least 48 hours before the hearing and court contact at least 24 hours before the hearing for instructions and an invitation. |
Recent updates
| Date | York County update |
|---|---|
| February 16, 2023 | The fifth county judge district Remote Hearings rule was approved. York County uses that district rule along with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704 for telephone or videoconference requests. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely York County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | Start by checking title. Survivorship may resolve the home without a court filing. If personal property qualifies for the $100,000 affidavit route, use CC 15:40 under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125 after thirty days have elapsed. If a qualifying real property affidavit is needed, CC 15:41 is recorded with the York County Register of Deeds under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129. | Sunset helps identify accounts, collect title clues, and organize the estate settlement file before you decide whether court authority is needed. |
| Out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | If thirty days or more have passed and the personal property is within the $100,000 limit, CC 15:40 is presented to whoever holds the property and is not filed with the York County Court (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125). If Letters are needed, file by mail to 510 Lincoln Avenue, Room 211, York, NE 68467, or by fax to 402-362-2577 with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601 if you are filing without a lawyer. | Sunset can help determine whether an affidavit path is realistic, generate a probate packet when Letters are needed, and connect the family with local counsel. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | Open the estate with the clerk of the York County Court if a sale requires court authority. A clerk magistrate may hear and determine some uncontested estate matters, but not a determination of title to real estate or an authorization to sell or mortgage real estate; those matters go to a county judge (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-519, § 24-507). | Sunset organizes asset and debt information, prepares the filing package for attorney review, and helps the family track creditor notice, inheritance tax, and closing steps. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center, https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help | Virtual self-help materials for Nebraska court users. Court employees cannot provide legal advice or interpret laws. |
| Estates section, https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates | Estate process information, claims against estates, deposit of will information, the informal-probate flowchart, and links to the two affidavit forms. |
| Additional Information: Estates, https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/estates/additional-information-estates | Explains that filing an estate will most often require an attorney's help, while Nebraska law allows self-representation if you choose. |
| County court directory, https://nebraskajudicial.gov/directories/county-court-contacts | Statewide county court contact list for county court offices, including York County Court contact information. |
| Master forms list, https://nebraskajudicial.gov/forms | Searchable Judicial Branch form list, including the CC 15 estate forms. |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska, https://legalaidofnebraska.org/how-we-help/ | 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 Nebraska counties. Screening depends on household income, assets, and legal issue. Published practice areas focus on family, debt, housing, and benefits rather than estate administration, and the organization takes no walk-ins. |
| Nebraska Free Legal Answers, https://ne.freelegalanswers.org/ | Free online civil legal question service for qualifying users. Its published topic list does not include estates, and volunteer lawyers cannot represent anyone in court. |
| Limited Scope Representation, https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help | Information about hiring a lawyer for part of a case rather than the entire matter. |
When to hire an attorney
Nebraska does not require a personal representative to hire a lawyer, and the Judicial Branch's own estate materials say the law allows self-representation if you choose. 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, and counsel is especially useful when real estate must be sold, family members disagree, creditor claims are disputed, or inheritance tax questions arise under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-2004. Sunset connects families in York County to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches more than 2,300 financial institutions, helps identify insurance, bank, retirement, and investment accounts, and gives families a clearer estate settlement inventory before they file in York County.
Generate the probate packet. When a York County Court filing is needed, Sunset turns the asset and family information into an organized probate packet for review, filing, and follow-through.
Find a local probate attorney. If the estate needs formal probate, a real estate sale, inheritance tax work, or help with creditor issues, Sunset connects 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 attorney help is introduced when the family wants legal guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in York County, Nebraska?
File with the clerk of the York County Court at 510 Lincoln Avenue, Room 211, York, NE 68467. 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).
What are the York County Court hours?
The York County Court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The court closes during the noon hour, so call 402-362-4925 before traveling if timing matters.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in York County?
Nebraska law allows self-representation, and the Judicial Branch's estate materials say so. Those same materials also say filing an estate will most often require an attorney's help because estates differ in property, finances, family facts, and will issues.
How much does it cost to file probate in York County?
Under the statewide court fee schedule effective July 1, 2026, the statutory base is $22 for a probate proceeding commenced and closed informally, with additional informal filings also addressed by statute. Formal probate is charged under a gross value schedule that reaches $1,500 for Nebraska estates over $5,000,000 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 33-125). Call the clerk at 402-362-4925 to confirm the amount due before filing.
Can I use an affidavit instead of opening an estate in York County?
For qualifying personal property, a claiming successor may use CC 15:40, Affidavit for Transfer of Personal Property without Probate, after thirty days have elapsed, if the statutory requirements are met, including the $100,000 ceiling raised by 2022 Neb. Laws LB 1124, signed April 18, 2022 (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125). For qualifying real property, CC 15:41 is recorded with the York County Register of Deeds under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,129; that separate $100,000 ceiling was raised by 2024 Neb. Laws LB 1195, signed April 15, 2024, and the personal property affidavit under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125 carries the same $100,000 ceiling.
Is there a Nebraska inheritance tax in York County?
Yes. Nebraska inheritance tax is a county tax: the York 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 participate in a York County probate hearing by phone or video?
Nebraska law allows nonevidentiary hearings, and evidentiary hearings approved by the court with all appearing parties' stipulation, to be heard by telephone or videoconference (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2704). York County is in the fifth county judge district, whose Remote Hearings rule requires a request at least 48 hours before the hearing and court contact at least 24 hours before the hearing for instructions.
Can I file York County probate papers by fax or email?
A person filing without a lawyer may file in person, by mail, or by fax to 402-362-2577 with the uniform cover sheet under Neb. Ct. R. § 6-601, which applies until July 1, 2028. A Nebraska attorney must use electronic filing under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-202. Email filings are not allowed under Neb. Ct. R. § 2-212.
How do I look up a York County probate case?
Use Nebraska.gov's statewide JUSTICE trial court search at https://www.nebraska.gov/justice/case.cgi. A general list search is free; 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 free at any courthouse kiosk or law library.
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.