When establishing an estate plan, there’s one subject important for all testators and grantors to know about -- and that's probate. Probate is the process of certifying someone's will as valid and distributing property or funds after someone passes away in the proper...
Probate
What to do when you inherit a business you don’t want
Maybe your father always dreamed of you taking over the family business when he retired. You really had no interest in doing that, but you put off having that conversation. Then he unexpectedly died, and you find out that he left the business to you. This is just one...
Considerations when selling assets on behalf of an estate
As the executor handling the administration of an estate, you have a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important things you may possibly have can involve selling some of the assets from the estate. There are two circumstances where asset liquidation may be...
Under Minnesota law, most estates must go through probate
For many people, estate planning has the primary goal of helping a family avoid probate court. In some states, adequate planning can be enough for even large estates to stay out of probate court, which people may view as expensive or an unnecessary delay to the...
What happens if you die without a will in Minnesota?
Drafting a will is the least complicated and thoughtful way to make sure your possessions are passed along according to your wishes. Dying without a valid will in place means the Minnesota court system will decide who inherits your assets. The state’s intestate...
The difference between informal and formal probate in Minnesota
When you lose someone close to you, the aftermath can be intimidating. You not only have grief to deal with but also the logistical and financial matters that require resolution after someone passes away. In Minnesota, most estates go through the probate process. The...