When your loved one dies, you may have expectations as to what you will inherit from him or her. But what if the deceased’s Last Will and Testament fails to make the inheritance provisions for you that you expected? Can you challenge the will? Challenging a will can...
I wrote the book on Minnesota probate.
Probate
Timely estate planning may prevent extra grief during probate
Estate planning can be a sensitive and painful subject, so it is understandable if you have been putting it off. Many people do not want to dwell on their own mortality, or that of a loved one. Some people may suffer an unexpected loss, robbing them of the...
How does the court transfer a house in probate?
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...
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...