Nevada § 139.040 - Order of priority for right to appointment; priority of nominee

Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 139.040 — Order of priority for right to appointment; priority of nominee, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 139.040. Order of priority for right to appointment; priority of nominee

1. Administration of the intestate estate of a decedent must be granted to one or

more of the persons mentioned in this section, and they are respectively entitled

to priority for appointment in the following order: (a) The surviving spouse. (b) The children. (c) A parent. (d) The brother or the sister. (e) The grandchildren. (f) Any other of the kindred entitled to share in the distribution of the estate. (g) The public administrator or a person employed or contracted with pursuant to NRS 253.125 , as applicable. (h) Creditors who have become such during the lifetime of the decedent. (i) Any of the kindred not above enumerated, within the fourth degree of consanguinity. (j) Any person or persons legally qualified. 2. A person in each of the foregoing classes is entitled: (a) To appointment, if the person is: (1) A resident of the State of Nevada or the person: (I) Associates as coadministrator a resident of the State of Nevada or a banking corporation

authorized to do business in this State; or (II) Is named as personal representative in the will if the will is the subject of

a pending petition for probate, and the court in its discretion believes it would

be appropriate to make such an appointment; or (2) A banking corporation which is authorized to do business in this State or which: (I) Associates as coadministrator a resident of the State of Nevada or a banking corporation

authorized to do business in this State; or (II) Is named as personal representative in the will if the will is the subject of

a pending petition for probate, and the court in its discretion believes it would

be appropriate to make such an appointment. (b) To nominate a resident of the State of Nevada or a qualified banking corporation

for appointment, whether or not the nominator is a resident of the State of Nevada

or a qualified banking corporation. The nominee has the same priority as the nominator. That priority is independent of the residence or corporate qualification of the

nominator. 3. If any heir who is otherwise entitled to appointment is a minor or an incapacitated

person for whom a guardian has been appointed, the court may appoint the guardian

of the minor or incapacitated person as administrator.

Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 139.040

What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 139.040 cover?

Section 139.040 ("Order of priority for right to appointment; priority of nominee") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Nevada § 139.040?

A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 139.040" (Nevada). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Nevada law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.

How does Nevada § 139.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.