When someone dies in Minnesota, all of their property and responsibilities transfer to their estate. Their estate will pay their taxes and settle their debts. The estate will own their property until it transfers to a creditor or beneficiary. Therefore, the person who...
I wrote the book on Minnesota probate.
Probate
3 ways family members could steal from an estate and each other
When someone dies, grief is not the only emotion that overtakes the family. Many people will also experience intense greed when they start to consider their loved one's resources. A loss on its own can be a traumatic experience for a family. The death of a close...
Mistakes to avoid as the executor of a will
At some point in your life, there’s a chance that a loved one could name you as the executor of their will. While they’re living, this doesn’t sound like that big of a deal. However, upon their passing, you’ll find yourself dealing with a variety of responsibilities....
Grandpa Was A Hoarder
Dealing With A Disorganized Estate When a Loved One passes away, it can be a challenging time for many families. Let me tell you about a Minnesota family. A couple I will call Mark and Michelle live in Shakopee. Michelle's father Samuel was an old farmer who still had...
My Stepson Is Stealing My Inheritance
Blended Families Dealing With Probate Blended families are very common in Minnesota today. Since there are so many families with stepparents and stepchildren, it is important to understand that estate planning must be adapted to protect blended families. A Story About...
A Creditor Placed A Judgment Against Dad Before He Passed Away
The Probate Process In Minnesota The Minnesota Probate process provides an orderly process to receive, evaluate, and accept (or reject) credit card or other debt claimed against the decedent. There are a number of exemptions that the executor and their attorney should...
Bill Peterson Inducted As Attorney In North Dakota
Bill Peterson, a Bloomington lawyer, was recently inducted as an attorney in North Dakota. Bill Peterson and Chief Justice Gerald W. Vande Walle Mr. Peterson completed the extensive application and background check processes that are required of a lawyer applicant....
(Probate Issues 2 of 5) Isn’t the Probate Attorney The Lawyer For The Whole Family?
A Very Common Misconception A common misconception that many Minnesota families have during a probate proceeding is to assume that the lawyer hired by the executor is there to represent all family members. This is not so. The Executor Hires The Attorney For Just...
(Probate Issues 1 of 5) Will the Probate Court Investigate Improper Actions of the Executor?
Will The Court Look Into It? When the executor of the estate delays on administration or does things which some of the heirs think is wrong, can the heirs call or write the court to have the court look into it? As a general matter, under Minnesota Law the court...
My Stepfather Is Stealing My Inheritance!
A Tale Of A Minnesota Stepfamily Here is a tale about a Minnesota stepfamily, which can happen all too often in reality. After Dad passed away, Mom lived by herself for a while and eventually met someone new. Six years ago, she remarried; this time to a man who was...