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Probate Attorney

Your Minnesota Probate Lawyer
 

 

Probate is the legal process whereby the estate of the deceased (decedent) is administered.  A court will determine whether or not a will is valid.  The process also involves gathering together assets, eliminating liabilites, filing and paying taxes, and distributing the remaining property and assets to the rightful heirs.  The one in charge of these duties is called the Personal Representative, who is usually under the supervision of the probate court or some other official body. 


There are several different types of probate in Minnesota, each with its own unique characteristics.  For smaller estates, one might consider an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (this allows the assets to be collected without a probate proceeding).   Summary Assignment would be another option– this can be used if the homestead is the only probate asset (making the appointment of a personal representative unnecessary).  What if the decedent has been dead for more than three years?  If that is the case, and the assets remain in the decedent’s name, then a Decree of Descent must be used in order to transfer title.  This is a relatively quick process, there is only one hearing and the estate is decreed in about 40 days.  As mentioned previously, every situation is different.

What are the differences between Informal and Formal Probate?

Informal Probate

  • Before County Registrar (not a Judge) who appoints the Personal Representative
  • Notice to the heirs and devisees is after the fact
  • Still requires notice to creditors
  • County Registrar will issue Letters of General Administration and Letters Testamentary
  • Preparation of Inventory is still required, one page closing statement is filed with the court when process has been completed


Formal Probate

  • Petition is filed with the court and Judge is involved
  • Can elect to have the Probate supervised or unsupervised
  • Notice to all devisees and heirs is required
  • Published notice to creditors
  • Hearing where court decides whether or not the will is valid
  • Court appoints the Personal Representative and issues Letters of Administration and Testamentary
  • Must prepare an inventory, a final accounting, petition for Order of Settling Estate, and Order from the Court

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