David J. Merrill

David J. Merrill — Estate Planning Attorney, Las Vegas NV

David J. Merrill is a Nevada attorney with 28 years of experience practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada, admitted to the Nevada Bar in 1998. David is based at Merrill Law Firm, serving clients throughout Clark County — including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and the surrounding metro.

David's primary focus is Estate Planning. David also handles Probate, Trust Administration, Business Law and Real Estate cases. Clients searching for a estate planning attorney in Las Vegas benefit from working with someone who understands the specific procedural rules of Clark County courts, the judges and prosecutors in the local system, and the Nevada statutes that govern their case. Key statute: NRS 116.

Why Hire David J. Merrill for Estate Planning in Las Vegas?

• Nevada-specific planning advantages: Nevada has no state income tax, no inheritance tax, and allows perpetual dynasty trusts. David at Merrill Law Firm knows how to take full advantage of Nevada's favorable trust and estate laws.
• Avoiding probate: Nevada probate (NRS Chapter 143) can take 6–18 months and cost 3–5% of the estate. David designs plans using revocable trusts, beneficiary deeds, and payable-on-death accounts to keep assets out of probate.
• Incapacity planning: Beyond wills and trusts, David drafts durable powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives so your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated.
• Business succession: For business owners in Las Vegas, David J. Merrill integrates buy-sell agreements and succession planning into the broader estate plan, protecting both the business and your family.

Estate Planning Law in Las Vegas — What You Need to Know

Nevada's legal system has its own procedures, deadlines, and standards that differ from other states. For estate planning cases in Clark County, the court of record is typically the Clark County District Court for felonies and civil matters over $15,000, or the Las Vegas Justice Court for misdemeanors and small claims. Choosing a Las Vegas estate planning attorney who regularly appears in these specific courts — and who knows the local culture and preferences — can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.

Nevada law imposes strict deadlines on most legal matters. Personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years under NRS 11.190; DUI-related license suspensions trigger an immediate seven-day clock to request a DMV hearing; divorce filings require six weeks of Nevada residency under NRS 125.020. Missing these windows can permanently bar your legal remedies. David's 28 years of Nevada practice means clients get timely guidance on all applicable deadlines from the first consultation.

What to Expect Working with David J. Merrill

Most Nevada attorneys in estate planning offer a free initial consultation. During that first meeting, you should expect David to review the specific facts of your case, explain the likely legal process, outline fee arrangements (whether contingency, hourly, or flat fee), and give you a realistic assessment of your options. See our guide on Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney for the exact questions you should ask any attorney before you hire them.

Fee structures in Nevada vary by practice area. For personal injury and wrongful death cases, contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% of the recovery. Criminal defense and DUI representation is usually flat-fee or hourly. For detailed cost information specific to estate planning cases, see our Estate Planning Attorney Costs.

Clark County Courts Serving David J. Merrill's Clients

Depending on your case type, proceedings may take place in one or more of the following Clark County courts. Each court has its own filing procedures, hours, and self-help resources:

• Clark County District Court — Civil, criminal felonies, family law
• Las Vegas Justice Court — Misdemeanors, small claims, evictions
• Clark County Family Court — Divorce, custody, guardianship
• Henderson Justice Court — Henderson-area misdemeanors and civil cases under $15,000

Nevada Legal Resources Related to Estate Planning

Before or after speaking with David, you may find these Nevada-specific resources helpful:

• NRS 116 — Nevada Statute Guide
• Estate Planning Attorney Costs
• Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney
• Nevada Legal Glossary — 100+ Terms Defined

Frequently Asked Questions — Estate Planning in Nevada

Looking to compare? See our Top 3 Estate Planning Attorneys in Las Vegas — vetted recommendations for 2026.