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Nebraska Probate Deadlines: What to File and When

Nebraska's fastest deadline is a 2-month creditor bar. Its most overlooked one is a 5-day window to notify the state's Medicaid program.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2483 & 30-2485

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Quick answer: the deadline that shapes the whole schedule is the 2-month creditor bar from first publication under § 30-2485(1) — provided notice was given correctly. See the full Nebraska probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.

The core deadlines, in order

DeadlineNebraska ruleStatute
First publication of creditor noticeWithin 30 days of appointment§ 30-2483
Notice to DHHS (if applicable)Within 5 days of first publication§ 30-2483(b)
Inventory filedWithin 3 months of appointmentNebraska probate practice
Creditor claim bar, notice compliant2 months from first publication§ 30-2485(1)
Creditor claim bar, notice not compliant3 years from date of death§ 30-2485(2)
Inheritance tax dueWithin 12 months of deathNeb. Rev. Stat. §§ 77-2004 to 77-2006
Closing Statement eligibleNot before 6 months after appointment, all tax paid§ 30-24,127
Personal representative liability ends1 year after filing the Closing StatementNebraska probate practice

The Medicaid notice most families never hear about

Worth understanding clearly: if the decedent was 55 or older, or resided in a specified medical institution, § 30-2483(b) requires the personal representative to send notice to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services within 5 days of the first publication of the general notice to creditors — protecting the state's Medicaid estate recovery claim. Nebraska courts have held that missing this specific deadline can bar the department's claim entirely, which is exactly why estates with a Medicaid history deserve extra care here.

Two months, or three years — the gap that hinges on paperwork

Under § 30-2485, compliant notice (publication plus the mailing and proof requirements of § 25-520.01) shortens the creditor window to 2 months from first publication. Skipping or botching that notice leaves the estate exposed for up to 3 years from the date of death instead — a difference measured in years, not weeks.

Facing probate in Nebraska?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Nebraska attorney

Nebraska probate deadlines — frequently asked questions

Why does Nebraska require notice to the Department of Health and Human Services?

If the decedent was 55 or older, or resided in certain medical institutions, the personal representative must send notice to DHHS within 5 days of first publication under Section 30-2483(b), protecting the state's Medicaid estate recovery claim — missing this deadline has caused reported claims to be barred against the department.

What happens if a Nebraska personal representative never gives compliant creditor notice?

Creditors then get up to 3 years from the date of death to present claims, instead of the 2-month window compliant notice would have set — a dramatically longer exposure period for the estate.

When is Nebraska's inheritance tax due?

Within 12 months of the date of death, regardless of when probate itself closes — and the estate's Closing Statement can't be filed until that tax is fully paid.

When does a Nebraska personal representative's liability end?

One year after filing the Closing Statement with the county court, which itself can't be filed until at least 6 months after appointment and all inheritance tax is paid.

Keep going

Nebraska Probate Timeline CalculatorYour estimate, based on your answers What Delays Probate in NebraskaBeyond the statutory floor Informal vs Formal ProbateWhich one applies to your estate Nebraska Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2483, 30-2485, 30-24,127, 77-2004 to 77-2006. Confirm current deadlines with the county court or a licensed Nebraska attorney.