Probate courts are usually trial courts with the authority to hear only matters relating to wills, estates, probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. Courts dedicated to these matters are usually located in populous counties and are said to have exclusive jurisdiction (authority) over such matters within the county.
In Nevada, probate matters are handled by the district courts, as the state does not have separate probate courts. The district courts have jurisdiction over cases involving wills, estates, probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. These matters are typically overseen by a specialized department or division within the district court that focuses on probate cases. The jurisdiction of these courts is exclusive in the sense that they are the only courts within the state that can decide on these types of cases. In populous counties, such as Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno), the district courts may have more formalized probate divisions due to the higher volume of cases. The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) provide the legal framework for how these matters are to be handled, including the procedures for the administration of estates and the appointment of guardians or conservators.