Advance Directive

Nebraska’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and deals with an individual’s living and last will. Signatures of all parties and two witnesses are required.

How to Order a Death Certificate

The following people can order a death certificate in Nebraska:

• Deceased’s parents or legal guardian
• Deceased’s children of legal age
• Deceased’s spouse
• A legal representative of the deceased or their family members
• An executor of the estate
• People holding a dedicated court order

The following information is required for application:

• Deceased’s name along with a maiden name if applicable
• Place and date of death
• The purpose for application and its proof
• Relation to the deceased and its proof
• Applicant’s name, phone number, and address
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID
• If a search is needed, the applicant must include the names of the deceased’s parents and spouse, their place and date of birth, and the funeral director’s name.

The certificate costs $16 including the mailing charge.

The application can be handed in person or sent to:

Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services

Division of Public Health

Vital Records

P.O. Box 95065

Lincoln, NE 68509-5065.

Digital Estate Planning Laws

LB 829 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on January 1, 2017.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Currently, Nebraska has no legislation regarding assisted death. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Nebraska’s organ donation registry can be found here.

Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Nebraska utilizes the national POLST form. This form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Nebraska’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Chapter 30: Decedent’s Estates, Protection of Persons and Property Act.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Nebraska has an inheritance tax of up to 18% with an exemption of estate with a value under $10,000.