Real estate is always a special consideration in legal matters. When it comes to real estate that you leave behind after your death, there are several ways the court may handle it. What happens will depend on ownership of the property and your estate plan. According...
I wrote the book on Minnesota probate.
Probate
Four ways you can avoid probate
Planning for the future isn’t always easy, especially if it concerns plans for after your death. You’re likely not ready to talk about it, but you must find the time to do so anyway. When you don’t prepare for the future, it can cause problems for your family after...
Estate of wealthy retired aerospace executive disputed
Any beneficiary has the legal right to contest a will or trust executed in Minnesota or anywhere else in the U.S. When heirs believe the deceased intended to leave them a particular asset or property, they may initiate a dispute through the probate court. To succeed,...
The timely handling of the probate process
Your loved one has passed on, and you’re ready to put their estate quickly to rest. Unfortunately, going by the book means their affairs could take months to resolve. While each probate case is different, the average time to settle an estate is nearly 16 months....
The duties of executors of wills in Minnesota
Choosing to become an executor, now called a “personal representative,” for someone’s last will and testament can entail a lot of responsibility, depending on the complexity of that person’s estate. If the majority of the estate is subject to Minnesota probate...
Will I be responsible for a parent’s debt?
Thinking about the future passing of an aging parent can be extremely difficult. You may also wonder about the state of their financial affairs and what will happen after they're gone. This uncertainty is not uncommon. Elderly care and medical bills can quickly add...
Two famous cases show the deeply emotional side of probate
Someone who has prepared a will may gather the family together to explain the provisions and what each heir can expect to receive. Other times, the heirs have no idea what the decedent put in his or her will, and an inheritance or lack thereof may come as an unwelcome...
3 signs your heirs will fight over your estate
It is normal for families to squabble and fight, but rivalries and grudges may come to an all-time high when inheritance enters the picture. No matter how kind and respectful your family members are, you should prepare your estate properly to avoid arguments...
Are probate fights more frequent in stepfamilies?
Probate is the process by which the courts establish the validity of a will in order to administer and distribute the assets of a deceased person. It is also the process by which the court handles asset distribution and settling the estate if the deceased person...
My parent died. Do I need a probate attorney?
As the adult child of elderly parents, you had likely been aware for some time that one or both of your parents are nearing the end of their lives. However, the impact of a parent's death is never something that one can fully be ready for or expect, regardless of...