Nevada Probate Thresholds Rising: How SB 404 Could Affect Your Estate Plan

jdragon30
Nov 19
2 min read

Beginning October 1, 2025, Nevada’s SB 404 raises the dollar limits for summary estate administrations and spousal set‑asides. Learn what the new probate thresholds mean for families and why you should update your estate plan.

Overview

Nevada’s legislature passed SB 404 in 2025, making the state’s already friendly probate rules even more efficient. The law raises the threshold for a summary administration from $300,000 to $500,000, meaning estates under $500,000 can now avoid full probate; previously the cap was only $300,000. It also increases the amount a surviving spouse can “set aside without administration” from $100,000 to $150,000. These adjustments reflect rising property values and aim to speed up estate administration.

Under SB 404 the spousal affidavit of entitlement limit also jumps from $100,000 to $150,000. Estates exceeding these thresholds still require probate, but the higher limits mean many moderate estates can avoid the delays and costs of full administration. These reforms underscore Nevada’s status as one of the most efficient jurisdictions for estate administration.

Practical Implications

Update beneficiary designations: Ensure bank accounts, retirement plans and life‑insurance policies have valid beneficiaries to avoid probate altogether. SB 404 does not affect non‑probate transfers.
Revise your estate plan: If your estate’s value hovers around the old $300,000 limit, talk to your attorney about whether a trust or updated will could help you take advantage of the higher threshold.
Consider a trust: Even with higher probate limits, trusts still provide privacy and control. Existing Dragon Law Group posts explain why trusts often avoid probate and maintain confidentiality dragonlawgroup.com.