If your parent left behind only a handwritten will, the document may still be valid in Minnesota, but only if it meets the same legal requirements as any other will. Courts do not automatically reject handwritten wills, but they do look closely at whether the document was properly executed. So, what happens when you find…
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How Do I Find a Will After Someone Dies?
When someone passes away, one of the first questions families ask is: Where is the will, and how do we find it? In many cases, the will is kept at home, with an attorney, or filed with a local court. If you are not sure where to start, there are a few practical places to…
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Estate Planning Attorney Near Me: How to Choose the Right One
Looking for an estate planning attorney near you? The right choice comes down to finding someone who understands your goals, explains things clearly, and creates a plan that actually works for your life. But with so many options, how do you know who’s the right fit? If you’ve ever searched “estate planning attorney near me”…
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Living Trust vs Will: Which Do You Need?
If you’re deciding between a living trust and a will, the short answer is this: many people benefit from having both, but the right choice depends on your goals, assets, and how you want your estate handled. So how do you know which one actually fits your situation? What Is the Difference Between a Living…
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How Do Payable-on-Death Accounts Affect Your Estate?
Have you named a child or spouse as the beneficiary on your bank account and assumed that takes care of everything? In Minnesota, a payable-on-death, or POD, account passes directly to the named beneficiary when you die. It does not go through probate, and it does not follow the instructions in your will. That can…
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Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate in Minnesota?
Do you really need a lawyer to get through probate in Minnesota, or can you handle it on your own? In many cases, you are not legally required to hire a lawyer for probate. That said, whether you should depends on the size of the estate, the type of assets involved, and how well the…
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Can Your Spouse Override Your Health Care Directive?
Can your spouse step in and change your medical decisions if you have already put them in writing? In most cases, no. In Minnesota, a valid health care directive controls your care, even if your spouse disagrees, unless a court invalidates the document or you specifically gave your spouse that authority. When you are facing…
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How to Handle the Death of an Executor
What happens if the person you named to handle your estate passes away before your estate is settled? It’s a common concern, and the good news is that Minnesota law provides a clear path forward. Still, the process is far easier when successor executors are named and prepared ahead of time. What It Means When…
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Tax Consequences of Inheriting Property
Inheriting property does not always mean the same tax outcome for everyone. What you inherit and what you do with it can shape when taxes apply and how much you owe. Some assets come with helpful tax rules, while others trigger income taxes or reporting obligations earlier than expected. So why can two heirs receive…
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Do You Need Probate for a Trust?
Do you still need probate if you have a trust? Usually, no, but the answer depends on how the trust was set up and whether assets were properly transferred into it. This question comes up often, and it is a fair one, especially when someone has taken time to create a trust and expects it…
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