White Law Chartered

Name: White Law Chartered
Address: 335 West 1st Street, Reno, NV, 89503-5301, US
Telephone: 775-322-8000

General Business Law Firm Practicing Estate Planning, Wills and Probate in Reno, Nevada

Understanding Probate and Estate Planning in Nevada

"At White Law Chartered, established over 50 years ago, we have been assisting Reno families with probate and estate planning for many years. We understand this is a sensitive time, and we are here to provide clear, practical guidance."

Answers from White Law Chartered

1. Why is having a will important in Nevada?

A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes rather than by state statutes. It also allows you to nominate an executor—the person you trust to handle your affairs—which can significantly simplify the process for your family. It allows you to determine when your executor must seek court approval of his actions and when he can act on his own.

2. What exactly is "probate," and does every estate need to go through it?

robate is the court-supervised process of authenticating a will and distributing a deceased person's property. In Washoe County, not every asset requires probate; for example, property held in a trust or with a designated beneficiary often avoids it. If your main asset is your Reno home, a "deed upon death" may be all you need to avoid probate. We help families determine which assets require court involvement and which do not.

3. How long does the probate process typically take?

The timeline depends heavily on the complexity of the estate and whether there are any contested issues. While simple estates may move through the process in Northern Nevada in 6 or 7 months, others may take longer. Our goal is to resolve these matters as efficiently as possible to reduce the burden on your family.

4. What is the role of an executor or administrator?

An executor is responsible for managing the estate, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. It is a significant legal and financial responsibility, and we assist executors in meeting these obligations to avoid personal liability.

5. How can I begin the estate planning process?

Preparation is the best way to ensure peace of mind. We recommend gathering a list of your primary assets and identifying who you would like to handle your affairs. If you would like to discuss your specific situation, please contact our office at:

White Law Chartered
   335 W 1st St
   Reno, NV 89503
   775-322-8000.

PRACTICE AREAS

PRACTICE
AREAS

ESTATE PLANNING

At White Law Chartered, we help our clients plan for the future by providing comprehensive Reno estate planning services. We understand that every client has unique needs and we work closely with each one to develop a plan that meets their individual goals and objectives.

WILLS AND PROBATE

Losing a loved one is never easy, but at White Law Chartered, we are here to help you through the process of settling their affairs. We offer a range of probate services, from drafting wills to administering estates, to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

LITIGATION

Sometimes disputes arise that cannot be resolved through negotiation. In those cases, our skilled litigators are here to represent our clients in court and fight for their rights. We have a proven track record of success in a wide range of litigation matters.

FRAUD

White Law Chartered is committed to protecting our clients from fraud and other forms of financial wrongdoing. We have experience representing clients in a variety of fraud-related matters, including civil and criminal cases.

BUSINESS

We understand the complexities of running a business and are here to help our clients navigate the legal landscape. Whether you are starting a new venture or facing a legal challenge, our experienced Reno business attorneys are here to provide the guidance and support you need.

TRUSTS

We provide comprehensive legal counsel for trusts, including formation, administration, and dispute resolution, tailored to protect your assets and preserve your intentions for future generations. Trust White Law Chartered to navigate the complexities of Reno trust law and deliver personalized solutions that meet your specific needs.

OUR FIRM

White Law Chartered is a general business law firm with concentration in the areas of estate planning, wills and probate representing residents of the Reno, Nevada area since the late 1970’s. Our attorneys have decades of experience and are committed to providing the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are located in Downtown Reno’s historic Twentieth Century Building across from the Truckee River.