Probate is the court process for wrapping up someone’s estate after they pass away. It can involve court filings, deadlines, creditor claims, and decisions about what to do with property and accounts. For most families, having a Nevada probate attorney involved is the safest way to make sure everything is done correctly.
We’re real estate professionals, not attorneys. This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, you should speak directly with a licensed Nevada attorney.
We don’t receive referral fees or compensation from any of the professionals listed below. This is not a complete list of probate attorneys in Northern Nevada, and inclusion here is not an endorsement. It’s simply a starting point for your own research.
When It Makes Sense to Talk With a Probate Attorney
Every estate is different, but in general it’s wise to talk with a probate lawyer when:
- There is no will, multiple versions of a will, or family disagreement about what the will means.
- The estate owns real estate, especially in Nevada or across multiple states.
- There are significant debts, creditor claims, medical bills, or possible Medicaid/benefit issues.
- A trust exists and you’re trying to understand your duties as a trustee.
- There are minor children, a blended family, or strained family dynamics.
- You are worried about personal liability as personal representative or executor.
Only a licensed attorney can tell you which court process applies (small estate procedure, set-aside, full probate, etc.) and what your responsibilities are.
How to Choose a Nevada Probate Attorney
When you’re comparing attorneys, you might ask:
- Do they handle probate and estate work regularly? – Look for practice areas such as probate, estate planning, trust administration, and trust or estate litigation – not just general civil work.
- Are they familiar with the local courts? – Probate for Washoe County matters goes through the Second Judicial District Court in Reno, which has its own procedures, calendars, and local rules. An attorney who regularly files in that court (or other Northern Nevada courts) will know what to expect.
- Are they comfortable dealing with real estate in an estate? – Many Nevada estates include a home, rental property, or land. It helps if your attorney is used to coordinating with real estate agents, title companies, and the court when a property needs to be sold during probate.
- How do they structure their fees? – Ask whether they bill hourly, offer flat-fee packages for simple matters, or require a retainer. Clarify what is and isn’t included so you’re not surprised later.
- Do you understand and feel comfortable with their communication style? – Probate can take months. You’ll want someone who explains things in plain English, answers questions, and sets realistic expectations about timing and outcomes.
You can (and should) talk with more than one attorney before you decide who you want to hire.
Featured Northern Nevada Probate & Estate Attorneys
These attorneys and firms regularly handle probate, estate planning, and related matters in Northern Nevada. They are listed in alphabetical order by last name. This is not a ranked list and not a guarantee of suitability for your situation; you should contact each office directly to confirm current services and availability.
Stefanie K. Funk – The Funk Firm, PLLC (Reno)
The Funk Firm is a Reno-based law practice focused on estate planning, probate, trust administration, and trust and estate litigation. The firm emphasizes tailoring plans and probate strategies to each family’s circumstances and works to streamline court processes where possible.
- Practice focus: Estate planning, probate, trust administration, trust and estate litigation
- Office: 3895 Warren Way, Reno, NV 89509
- Phone: (775) 260-9268
- Website: funkfirm.com
Cassy J. Walsh – Snell & Wilmer, Reno–Tahoe Office
Cassy Walsh is an associate in Snell & Wilmer’s Private Client Services Practice Group, serving clients throughout Northern Nevada. Her work includes estate planning, trusts and estates, tax planning, and probate and trust administration. As a fourth-generation Northern Nevadan, she’s active in local professional and community organizations, including the Estate Planning Council of Northern Nevada and the Washoe County “Lawyer in the Library” program.
- Practice focus: Estate planning, trusts and estates, tax planning, probate and trust administration
- Office: Snell & Wilmer, Reno–Tahoe office
- Phone: (775) 785-5418
- Website: swlaw.com/people/cassy-j-walsh
Jennifer (Jenny) McMenomy – McMenomy Law
Jennifer McMenomy is admitted in both California and Nevada and practices with McMenomy Law. Her listed legal focus includes estate planning, probate, real estate, adult guardianship, probate and trust litigation, and related business and landlord/tenant matters. She is also active in community programs such as “Lawyer in the Library,” We the People, and high school mock trial.
- Practice focus: Estate planning, probate, real estate, adult guardianship, probate and trust litigation
- Office: See “Location” on mcmenomylaw.com
- Website: mcmenomylaw.com
Ryan J. Earl – Law Offices of Ryan J. Earl
The Law Offices of Ryan J. Earl in Reno focuses on probate, elder law, estate planning, guardianships, and trust administration. The firm notes more than 20 years of experience in these areas and offers cost-conscious representation for wills, trusts, and probate matters in the greater Reno–Sparks area.
- Practice focus: Probate, elder law, estate planning, guardianships, trust administration
- Office: 548 W. Plumb Lane, Suite B, Reno, NV 89509
- Phone: (775) 829-1800
- Website: ryanjearl.com
Patricia Halstead – Halstead Law Offices
Halstead Law Offices is led by Patricia Halstead, who has been serving Nevada clients since the late 1990s. Her practice includes probate, wills and trusts, estate litigation, general civil litigation, and appeals. The firm’s probate description emphasizes guiding clients through the detailed court process of distributing a decedent’s estate and handling disputes when they arise.
- Practice focus: Probate, wills and trusts, estate litigation, general civil litigation, appeals
- Office: 615 S. Arlington Avenue, Reno, NV 89509
- Phone: (775) 322-2244
- Website: halsteadlawoffices.com
Alicia Johnson – Johnson Law Practice
Alicia Johnson is a Reno native and partner at Johnson Law Practice. Her background includes many years serving Northern Nevada families and small businesses in business law, real estate, family law, wills, trusts, probate, and litigation. The firm’s services include estate planning (trusts, wills, and powers of attorney) and probate and trust administration across Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks.
- Practice focus: Estate planning, probate and trust administration, business and real estate matters
- Office: 432 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501
- Phone: (775) 737-9927
- Website: johnsonlawreno.com
Carole M. Pope – Law Office of Carole M. Pope, APC
The Law Office of Carole M. Pope, APC, is a small Reno firm that has provided legal services since 1989. The firm’s practice includes probate law, wills, trusts and estate planning, real estate law, civil litigation, and contract law. The probate practice focuses on helping families navigate court procedures, creditor matters, tax issues, and property distribution after a death.
- Practice focus: Probate law, wills, trusts and estate planning, real estate law, civil litigation
- Office: 301 Flint Street, Reno, NV 89501
- Phone: (775) 337-0773
- Website: lawofficepope.com
Other Court & Public Legal Resources
The attorneys above are usually the best first call for legal advice. If you’re still getting oriented or doing background research before you hire a lawyer, these public resources can help:
Second Judicial District Court – Probate Department (Washoe County)
This is the court that handles Washoe County probate matters.
Use this site if you need to:
- See local probate rules and procedures
- Download probate forms and instructions
- Check hearing dates or case status when you have a case number
Court: Second Judicial District Court, Probate Department
Address: 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone (Probate Dept): (775) 328-3100
Washoe County Law Library
The Law Library is inside the courthouse and open to the public.
Use it to:
- Look up Nevada statutes, court rules, and probate self-help materials
- Get help from librarians finding the right forms and information
- Attend “Lawyer in the Library” sessions for brief consultations with volunteer attorneys
Location: 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501
Nevada Legal Services – Reno Office
If hiring a private attorney isn’t possible right now, Nevada Legal Services may be able to help if you qualify based on income and case type.
They may:
- Offer advice or limited help in simple probate or estate matters
- Assist with related elder-law issues like powers of attorney or benefits
- Point you toward other community legal resources
Reno office: 449 South Virginia Street, 3rd Floor, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 284-3491 • Toll-free (800) 323-8666
Website: nevadalegalservices.org
Senior & Community Legal Help
For seniors and caregivers, you may also find help through Northern Nevada Legal Aid / Senior Legal Services. They provide legal help for older adults with wills, powers of attorney, and basic estate issues.
Grief and Community Support
Probate is not just paperwork – it usually follows the loss of someone important. In addition to legal and real estate help, you may want emotional and community support.
Some local and statewide options include:
- The Solace Tree (Reno) – A nonprofit that offers peer support groups for children, teens, young adults, and their caregivers who are grieving a death or struggling with loss.
- Saint Mary’s Hospice Grief Support Groups – Smiles from Heaven – In-person grief support groups in the Reno and Carson City areas, hosted at local senior centers.
- Circle of Life Hospice / Other Hospice Programs – Many local hospice organizations offer free grief support groups that are open to the community, not just former patients’ families.
- Nevada 211 – Grief Support – A statewide directory of grief support groups, many of which meet in Reno/Sparks or online.
These organizations are independent of The Berman Group. Reach out to them directly for current schedules and participation details.
How The Berman Group Fits Into the Process
A probate attorney helps you navigate the legal side of the estate. The Berman Group’s role is to help you with the real estate side:
- Coordinating with your attorney so the sale of any estate property lines up with court requirements and timelines.
- Helping you decide between an as-is sale, basic clean-up, or more extensive prep – and then managing the vendors.
- Pricing, marketing, and negotiating the sale of the property in a way that fits the estate’s goals and obligations.
If you’re sorting out what to do with a house that’s part of a probate or trust in Northern Nevada, we’re happy to walk you through the options and coordinate with whichever attorney you choose.
Next step:
Talk with a probate attorney about your legal questions, then reach out to us for a free probate property review so we can help you plan what to do with the real estate.
