The Probate Professor
*The Probate Professor* is your guide to understanding probate processes, estate planning, and legal strategies for protecting your legacy. Join Taylor from Clear Council Law Group as he simplifies complex legal topics for Southern Nevada families.
Episodes

Aug 6, 2026
Aug 6, 2026
16 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Probate Professor, host Shameika Rhymes sits down with attorney Taylor Waite from Clear Council Law Group to demystify the complexities of handling debts during the probate process in Nevada. Taylor explains the critical role of creditors and debts in probate, emphasizing the importance of transparency from families about any outstanding financial obligations. He breaks down the types of debts typically encountered, such as secured debts like mortgages and unsecured debts like medical bills and credit cards.
Taylor also outlines the statutory order of payment for creditors and discusses what happens if an estate lacks sufficient funds to cover all debts. This episode provides listeners with valuable insights into how to manage and prepare for probate, ensuring a smoother process for families dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
00:12 – Understanding Probate and Debt in Nevada
00:39 – Importance of Disclosing Debts
01:08 – Nature and Value in Probate
02:02 – Embarrassment and Debt Disclosure
03:38 – Types of Debts in Probate
04:51 – Secured vs. Unsecured Debts
05:54 – Personal Injury and Probate
06:32 – Notifying Creditors in Probate
08:56 – Statutory Order of Debt Payment
11:20 – Insufficient Estate Funds
13:24 – Administrator Liability for Debts
15:07 – Preparing for Debt Handling in Probate
About the Show:
The Probate Professor is a podcast designed for individuals navigating the complexities of probate law in Nevada. Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show offers clear, practical advice on estate planning, debt management, and legal processes.
Listeners gain insights into how to protect their family's legacy and manage legal hurdles with confidence. Whether you're dealing with a recent loss or planning for the future, The Probate Professor provides the guidance you need to make informed decisions.

Jul 23, 2026
Jul 23, 2026
16 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of The Probate Professor, attorney Taylor Waite from Clear Counsel Law Group joins host Shameika Rhymes to explore the complexities of selling a home during the probate process in Nevada. Taylor explains how Nevada law treats a home as an estate asset and discusses the probate process's impact on property sales. He delves into the roles of administrators, the necessity of court approval, and the differences between probate and standard real estate transactions. Taylor also addresses common complications, such as administrative costs and creditor claims, that may necessitate selling a home. He offers practical advice on structuring home ownership to avoid probate, emphasizing the benefits of using a trust over joint ownership. This episode provides valuable insights for families navigating probate and those planning their estates to ensure a smoother process for their heirs.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction00:17 – Nevada Probate Law and Home Ownership00:44 – Treatment of Homes as Estate Assets01:37 – Selling a Home During Probate02:33 – Legal Authority to Sell Property03:20 – Court Approval for Home Sales04:52 – Differences from Standard Real Estate Transactions06:32 – Distribution of Sale Proceeds08:32 – Necessity of Selling During Probate10:35 – Complications in Selling a Home12:16 – Structuring Ownership to Avoid Probate14:23 – Risks of Joint Ownership
About the Show:The Probate Professor is a podcast dedicated to helping Southern Nevada families navigate the intricacies of the probate system with confidence. Hosted by attorney Taylor Waite, the show offers clear and practical guidance on estate planning, probate procedures, and legal strategies to protect family legacies. Each episode breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible discussions, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their estate matters. Whether you're dealing with probate or planning ahead, The Probate Professor provides the insights you need to manage your family's future effectively.

Jul 9, 2026
Jul 9, 2026
19 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of The Probate Professor, attorney Taylor Waite from Clear Counsel Law Group discusses the intricacies of Nevada's small estate affidavit process. Taylor explains the conditions under which families can bypass full probate, focusing on the importance of asset nature and value. He outlines the threshold limits for using a small estate affidavit, emphasizing that real property disqualifies this option. Taylor also delves into the types of assets that can typically be transferred using this method, such as bank accounts and vehicles, and highlights common mistakes families make when attempting to use affidavits on their own. The episode provides valuable insights into planning ahead to ensure a smoother estate settlement process, offering practical advice on utilizing transfer on death designations and other probate-avoidance strategies. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how to manage estate matters efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction00:32 – Understanding Small Estate Affidavit01:14 – Asset Limits and Real Property02:03 – Affidavit Use for Surviving Spouse03:09 – Asset Nature and Value Importance04:49 – Common Transferable Properties06:01 – DMV and Bank Affidavit Processes08:39 – Situations Where Affidavit Fails10:54 – Completing and Submitting Affidavits13:06 – Probate Court Involvement14:02 – Common Mistakes in Affidavit Use16:05 – Planning Ahead for Simpler Processes
About the Show:The Probate Professor is a podcast designed for individuals navigating the complexities of probate law in Southern Nevada. Hosted by attorney Taylor Waite, the show provides clear, actionable advice on estate planning, probate processes, and legal hurdles that families may face. Each episode breaks down intricate legal concepts into understandable terms, empowering listeners to protect their legacies with confidence. Whether dealing with small estates or complex probate cases, The Probate Professor offers valuable insights and practical solutions for managing estate-related challenges.

Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
14 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Probate Professor, attorney Taylor Waite from Clear Counsel Law Group discusses the complexities of ancillary probate in Nevada. The conversation delves into the nuances of handling probate when a deceased person owned property in Nevada but resided in another state. Taylor explains that Nevada does not have ancillary probate proceedings, requiring all assets within the state to be managed under Nevada's jurisdiction. The episode highlights common scenarios, such as timeshare ownership, and offers practical advice on how to manage multi-state assets efficiently. Taylor emphasizes the importance of using trusts to avoid probate complications across different jurisdictions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the probate process and learn strategies to protect their assets and legacies effectively.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction0:23 – What Is Ancillary Probate?1:19 – Nevada's Approach to Ancillary Probate1:39 – Common Scenarios for Nevada Property Owners2:32 – Managing Multi-State Assets3:42 – Primary Probate in Nevada4:22 – Interaction with Other State Probates5:30 – Real Property and Probate Triggers7:03 – Responsibility for Opening Probate9:38 – Ancillary vs. Standard Probate Speed10:43 – Challenges in Multi-State Probates12:18 – Preventing Ancillary Probate with Trusts
About the Show: The Probate Professor is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners navigate the often complex world of probate law. Hosted by attorney Taylor Waite, the show provides clear and practical advice for families dealing with probate matters, particularly in Southern Nevada. Each episode breaks down legal concepts in an accessible way, empowering listeners to protect their assets and legacies with confidence. Whether you're dealing with probate for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, The Probate Professor offers valuable insights and guidance.

Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
16 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Probate Professor, attorney Taylor Waite from Clear Counsel Law Group joins host Leann Lyon to explore the complexities of dying without a will in Nevada. Taylor explains the legal implications of intestate succession and how Nevada law determines the distribution of assets when someone passes away without a will. They discuss the importance of identifying all interested parties, including distant relatives, and the challenges that can arise in the probate process. Taylor also highlights the distinctions between community and separate property, and how these affect asset distribution. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the probate process and learn practical steps to ensure their wishes are clearly documented to avoid potential complications for their loved ones.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction00:33 – Legal Implications of Dying Intestate01:34 – How Nevada Determines Asset Distribution02:54 – Statutory Guidelines for Inheritance03:25 – Community vs. Separate Property04:10 – Probate Process Without a Will06:21 – Handling Unmarried or Childless Estates07:51 – Identifying Heirs and Beneficiaries10:10 – Challenges in Probate Without a Will12:02 – Complications of Intestate Cases14:17 – Steps to Avoid Probate Issues
About the Show: The Probate Professor is a podcast dedicated to helping Southern Nevada families navigate the complexities of the probate system with confidence. Hosted by attorney Taylor Waite, the show provides clear and practical advice on estate planning, asset distribution, and legal processes. Whether you're dealing with a probate matter or planning for the future, The Probate Professor offers valuable insights and guidance to protect your legacy and ensure peace of mind. With a focus on clarity and understanding, the series is an essential resource for anyone looking to manage their estate effectively.

May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
19 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Probate Professor, attorney Taylor Waite from Clear Counsel Law Group joins host LeAnn Lyon to demystify the complexities of the Nevada probate system. Taylor explains how Nevada law determines which assets are subject to probate and which can bypass the process. He breaks down the importance of title ownership and beneficiary designations, and how these factors influence whether assets like homes, vehicles, and bank accounts go through probate. The discussion also covers the impact of joint ownership and the role of living trusts in estate planning. Taylor provides practical advice on structuring assets to minimize probate involvement, emphasizing the benefits of trusts and the careful use of beneficiary designations. This episode is essential for Southern Nevada families looking to protect their legacies and navigate probate with confidence.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:25 – Assets Subject to Probate in Nevada
01:07 – Determining Title Ownership
02:27 – Handling Real Estate and High-Value Assets
03:20 – Non-Probate Assets Explained
04:54 – Beneficiary Designations on Various Assets
05:33 – Impact of Joint Ownership on Probate
07:21 – Understanding Joint Tenancy and Survivorship
09:09 – Process for Beneficiaries to Claim Assets
11:22 – Role of Living Trusts in Avoiding Probate
13:00 – Pour-Over Wills and Estate Planning
15:26 – Effective Asset Structuring to Avoid Probate
16:39 – Trusts vs. Beneficiary Designations
About the Show:
The Probate Professor is a podcast dedicated to helping Southern Nevada families navigate the complexities of the probate process. Hosted by attorney Taylor Waite, the show offers clear, practical advice on estate planning, asset protection, and legal strategies to ensure a smooth transition of assets. Each episode breaks down intricate legal concepts into understandable terms, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their estates. Whether you're dealing with probate for the first time or looking to optimize your estate plan, The Probate Professor provides the insights you need to protect your legacy.

May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary: In this episode, attorney Taylor Waite from the Clear Council Law Group discusses the intricacies of the probate process in Nevada, focusing on timelines, factors affecting duration, and key considerations for families navigating probate in Clark County. From estate values to court schedules, Taylor provides valuable insights to help listeners prepare for the probate journey effectively.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Timeline for probate process based on estate value03:45 – Court scheduling and expected delays in Clark County06:15 – Impact of mandatory waiting periods for creditors08:20 – Role of valid wills in expediting the probate process10:00 – Managing probate alongside selling a home12:45 – Challenges and delays in contested will cases15:30 – Importance of detailed information for efficient probate proceedings
About the Show:*The Probate Professor* is a podcast dedicated to demystifying probate processes and legal hurdles, helping Southern Nevada families navigate estate planning and probate with clarity and confidence. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on probate matters.

Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
19 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Taylor from Clear Counsel Law Group explains the role of a personal representative in the Nevada probate system. He breaks down the differences between an executor and an administrator, discussing how they are appointed and their responsibilities. Taylor also delves into the implications of residency on serving as a personal representative and the priority order for appointing representatives in the absence of a will. Listeners gain valuable insights into the legal nuances and potential liabilities of being a personal representative.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Personal Representative vs. Executor vs. Administrator
04:15 – Residency Requirements for Personal Representatives
06:45 – Priority Order for Appointing Representatives
09:20 – Potential Liabilities for Personal Representatives
12:00 – Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Personal Representative
15:45 – Compensation for Personal Representatives
18:30 – Declining the Role of a Personal Representative
21:00 – Wrapping Up the Episode
About the Show:
*The Probate Professor* is a podcast series dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance on navigating probate matters in Nevada. Hosted by Mike Leon, each episode features Taylor from Clear Counsel Law Group, who shares expert knowledge and practical advice for individuals facing probate challenges. Tune in for clear explanations and actionable tips to protect your legacy with confidence.

Apr 16, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
19 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of *The Probate Professor*, attorney Taylor Waite sheds light on the immediate actions needed after a loved one's passing in Nevada. From the role of a will to the legal implications of assets without one, Taylor provides essential insights for families facing this challenging time.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:45 – Role of a Will After Death
03:30 – Handling Assets Without a Will
05:15 – Validity of Wills in Nevada
07:00 – Legal Notification Requirements
08:45 – Surprises in Inheritance Laws
10:20 – Avoiding Probate Thresholds
12:30 – Risks of Early Property Distribution
About the Show:
*The Probate Professor* offers expert guidance on navigating the complex probate system in Nevada. With a focus on empowering families to protect legacies and manage legal hurdles, this series is a valuable resource for those facing probate challenges.

Apr 2, 2026
Apr 2, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary:
Taylor from Clear Council Law Group delves into the intricacies of probate in Nevada, explaining its definition, timelines, costs, bottlenecks, and dispelling common myths. Discover how families can navigate probate efficiently and gain clarity on estate planning strategies.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Defining Probate and Addressing Family Anxiety
05:45 – Timeline and Value Factors in Probate Length
08:30 – Court Bottlenecks and Access to Information
11:45 – Understanding Probate Costs and Complexity
15:20 – Public Nature of Probate Filings and Privacy Concerns
18:10 – Wills as Instructions for Probate Court
21:00 – Instances Where Probate Process is Beneficial
23:30 – Effective Tools for Avoiding Probate: Revocable Trusts
26:45 – Additional Estate Planning Options Beyond Trusts
About the Show:
*The Probate Professor* is your guide to understanding probate processes, estate planning, and legal strategies for protecting your legacy. Join Taylor from Clear Council Law Group as he simplifies complex legal topics for Southern Nevada families.








