Probate can be time-consuming, expensive, and public—but it’s not always necessary. This post breaks down when probate can be avoided in Nebraska, how tools like living trusts and small estate affidavits work, and what steps you can take now to make things easier for your loved ones later.

Nebraska just made it easier to settle small estates without probate. As of July 19, 2024, heirs can now use a small estate affidavit to claim real property valued up to $100,000—double the previous limit. This post explains who qualifies, how the process works, and why this update matters for families navigating estate administration in Nebraska.

When someone dies without putting their wishes in writing, things get messy fast — even if “everyone knew” what they wanted. Verbal promises don’t hold up in probate, and when it comes to real estate, family dynamics, and legal costs, assumptions can turn into arguments. If you want to make sure your property goes to the right person — and avoid putting your loved ones in a stressful situation — you need more than good intentions. You need a will.

Being named an executor sounds honorable—until you’re staring down a stack of paperwork, unsure where to even start. Most people don’t realize that settling an estate isn’t just about handing out belongings. It’s about navigating probate court, managing finances, tracking down assets, paying off debts in the right legal order, and keeping everything meticulously documented. It’s a lot. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this post, I break down what being an executor really means, what to do first, and how to move through the process without losing your mind—or your weekend.