Use This County Probate Reference Before You File
This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, Probate Court (informal) or District Court (formal) contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Lincoln County.
Local Fee Schedule
Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.
Court Rules and Orders
Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.
Clerk and Filing Logistics
Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.
Lincoln County Probate Court (informal) or District Court (formal) Guide
Twelfth Judicial District · Probate Court (informal) or District Court (formal) information · Updated June 2026
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Filing & Fees
Fee Schedule Signals
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Formal Administration Standard probate for larger estates | $132 |
Small Estate Affidavit For estates under threshold (no court filing needed) | $30 |
Note: New Mexico sets probate filing fees statewide. The county Probate Court charges a flat $30 docket fee for informal, uncontested probate and appointment of a personal representative (NMSA 34-7-14). The District Court charges the standard civil docket fee of about $132 for formal, supervised, or contested administration (NMSA 34-6-40). District court certified copies are $1.50 per document and plain copies $0.35 per page (Rule 1-099 NMRA). New Mexico imposes NO value-based probate tax and NO state estate or inheritance tax. The small-estate affidavit under NMSA 45-3-1201 has no separate court filing fee because it is presented directly to the asset holder rather than filed to open a case; the $30 figure shown reflects the comparable informal probate docket fee. Verify current amounts with the court before relying on a figure.
New Mexico sets probate filing fees statewide. The county Probate Court charges a flat $30 docket fee for informal, uncontested probate and appointment of a personal representative (NMSA 34-7-14). The District Court charges the standard civil docket fee of about $132 for formal, supervised, or contested administration (NMSA 34-6-40). District court certified copies are $1.50 per document and plain copies $0.35 per page (Rule 1-099 NMRA). New Mexico imposes NO value-based probate tax and NO state estate or inheritance tax. The small-estate affidavit under NMSA 45-3-1201 has no separate court filing fee because it is presented directly to the asset holder rather than filed to open a case; the $30 figure shown reflects the comparable informal probate docket fee. Verify current amounts with the court before relying on a figure.
Required Documents
E-Filing & Filing Methods
Records portal
Check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.
Timelines & Proceedings
Deadlines & Creditor Claims
Key Deadlines
- Will Deposit
- Verify locally
- Creditor Claims
- 4 months
- Known Creditor Notice
- 60 days
Creditor Claims
- Period Starts
- first publication of notice to creditors
- Statute
- NMSA § 45-3-801
Related Proceedings
Property Recording
Source ↗Sources (6)
- https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/government/elected_officials/probate_judge/index.php
- https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/government/elected_officials/county_clerk/index.php
- https://twelfthdistrict.nmcourts.gov/
- https://nmcourts.gov/forms-files/probate/
- https://seconddistrict.nmcourts.gov/home/clerks-office/court-fee-schedule/
- https://caselookup.nmcourts.gov/caselookup/