Santa Fe, New Mexico guide

Santa Fe County's Probate Court page explains local informal probate and provides packets. County Probate Court is not interchangeable with District Court. If the estate is contested, ask an attorney which court has authority rather than filing the same packet again.

Santa Fe County Probate Court's informal packets should not be treated as substitutes for District Court proceedings when jurisdiction is disputed or the estate is contested. Describe the reason authority is needed and disclose any existing case before starting another one. The county office and District Court have different roles despite serving the same local community. Separately ask the CPA about New Mexico's estate-return and no-tax-due certificate process if a federal estate return is filed.

New Mexico does not currently impose a state estate tax for 2026 deaths and does not currently impose a separate inheritance tax for 2026 deaths.

New Mexico Revenue says its estate tax is phased out, but instructs filing a state return with a required federal Form 706 for a certificate of no tax due.

The New Mexico guide covers the broader estate process. The local court does not provide a retirement or investment plan. An attorney addresses legal authority, a CPA addresses filings, and an advisor addresses financial planning. SBC has no local office in Santa Fe.