Minneapolis Probate & Administration Lawyers

Serving Clients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Throughout Minnesota

We have compassionately assisted many families with the probate process.

When a loved one passes away, their estate often goes through a court-managed process called probate (or estate administration), where the assets of the deceased are managed and distributed. If the assets of the deceased were owned through a well-drafted and properly funded living trust, it is likely that no court-managed administration is necessary, though the successor trustee will need to facilitate the distribution of the deceased’s assets. The length of time needed to complete the probate of an estate depends on the size and complexity of the estate and the local rules and schedule of the probate court.

The probate process for each estate is unique but usually involves the following steps:

• Filing of a petition with the proper probate court
• Providing notice to heirs under the will or to statutory heirs (if no will exists)
• Petitioning to appoint a personal representative (sometimes referred to as executor or administrator) for the estate
• Inventorying and appraising estate assets
• Paying estate debts
• Selling estate assets as necessary
• Paying estate taxes, if applicable
• Distributing assets to heirs

Probate FAQs

Q: What Happens If Someone Objects to the Will?

An objection to a will, also known as a “will contest,” is a fairly common occurrence during probate proceedings. This conflict can be incredibly costly to litigate.

In order to contest a will, one has to have legal “standing” to raise objections. This usually occurs when, for example, children are to receive disproportionate shares under the will, or when distribution schemes change from a prior will to a later will. In addition to disputes over the tangible distributions, will contests can be a quarrel over the person designated to serve as personal representative.

Q: Does Probate Administer All Property of the Deceased?

Probate is primarily a process through which title is transferred from the name of the deceased to the names of the beneficiaries. However, certain types of assets are "non-probate" assets and do not go through the process.

"Non-probate assets” include:

• Property in which you own title as “joint tenants with right of survivorship.” Such property passes to the co-owners by operation of law and does not go through probate
• Retirement accounts such as IRA and 401(k) accounts where there are designated beneficiaries
• Life insurance policies
• Bank accounts with “pay on death” (POD) designations or “in trust for” designations
• Property owned by a living trust. Legal title to such property passes to successor trustees without having to go through probate

Q: Do I Get Paid for Serving as a Personal Representative?

Personal representatives are reimbursed for all legitimate out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the process of the management and distribution of the deceased’s estate. In addition, you may be entitled to reasonable fees for your services, which vary from location to location and on the size of the probate estate. The personal representative must fulfill their fiduciary duties on behalf of the estate with the highest degree of integrity and can be held liable for mismanagement of estate assets in their care. It is advised that the personal representative retain an attorney and an accountant to advise and assist them with their duties.

Q: How Much Does Probate Cost? How Long Does Probate Take?

The cost and duration of probate can vary substantially depending on a number of factors, such as the value and complexity of the estate, the existence of a will, and the location of real property owned by the estate. Will contests or disputes with alleged creditors over the debts of the estate can also add significant costs and delays. Common expenses of an estate include personal representative fees, attorney fees, accounting fees, court fees, appraisal costs, and surety bonds. These typically add up to 5-7% of the total estate value. Most estates are settled through probate in about 9 to 18 months if no litigation is involved.

Q: How Do I Start Probate?

Probate requires that the person applying to be named as the personal representative (also referred to as the executor) file a probate application with the Probate Registrar. A Probate Registrar is the person(s) who have been designated by the Probate Court to review all probate applications and make certain decisions and recommendations as to whether the application will be accepted or if additional steps need to be taken.

Q: What Is Required to Start the Probate Process?

The Probate Registrar will meet with the person seeking to be appointed as a personal representative and review the required probate paperwork. There are many steps that need to be taken in probate both before and after a meeting with the Probate Registrar.

Q: Do I Need to Use an Attorney to Start Probate?

Having an experienced attorney assist you can help make the probate process move in a more timely and efficient manner. An informal and unsupervised probate may take between 4 and 9 months to complete, while a more complex probate may take years to complete.

Trust Administration FAQs

Q: What are a trustee’s duties?

The trustee of an estate must carry out the terms of the decedent’s trust. These duties will include identifying and inventorying the trust’s assets, settling estate taxes, paying outstanding debts to creditors, distributing assets, and long-term management of the assets. The larger the estate is, the more responsibilities a trustee may have.

Q: What is included in a trust?

If you want to create a living trust, there are some things you should consider including, such as real estate, investments, and intellectual property. You can also include art collections, antiques, and other valuable items.

Q: What would happen if you died without a trust?

When you die without an estate plan, trust, or will, this is referred to as dying “intestate.” As a result, your property will be distributed according to state intestacy laws and it may not necessarily be what you would have wanted.

Q: What will happen if the successor trustee also passes away?

If no other individuals are nominated to serve as the successor trustee, you will have to go to court to appoint someone new in this role.

If you would like to discuss your situation, please contact our firm for a free case evaluation.