Probate

Meeker County Probate Attorneys

Navigating Probate in Kandiyohi, Stearns, Meeker & McCloud County, MI

After a person passes on, their estate must be settled in court. This process is called probate. During probate, property is inventoried, debts are paid, and remaining assets are divided amongst heirs according to the decedent’s will or, if there is no will, according to Minnesota law. Probate proceedings may be informal or formal and must be completed within three years.

Depending on the circumstances, probate may be anything but straightforward. Whether you were named the personal representative of a loved one’s estate, are an heir, or have any other relationship or claim to an estate, you may need legal counsel during the probate process.

Dolan, Besser & Geffre is here to help. Our Meeker County probate attorneys can offer honest advice, practical guidance, and dedicated representation through every stage of these proceedings to ensure your interests are protected.

We represent clients in matters involving:

Will administration
Trust administration
Probate litigation

What Property Is & Isn’t Subject to Probate in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, estates worth more than $75,000 must generally go through the probate process. Real property must also be probated, although there are some exceptions, such as property owned in joint tenancy or that has been placed in a trust.

The following property is not subject to probate in Minnesota:

Joint bank accounts
Joint tenancy property
Payable-on-death accounts
Life insurance proceeds
Pension benefits with designated beneficiaries

For estates valued at $75,000 or less, probate can only be avoided by filing an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property. This can only be filed 30 days after a decedent has passed on.

Our Probate Services in Meeker County & Beyond

If you have questions about probate, what rights you have as a family member, or any related matter, our Meeker County probate lawyers are standing by to help.

Call (320) 400-1537 or contact us online to learn more about how our Meeker County probate attorneys! We help clients in Meeker County, McCloud County, Stearns County, and Kandiyohi County.

"William Dolan was incredibly informative...he saved my sanity."
Tim J.
"Nicole Geffre is awesome! She helped us very professionally and with easy-to-understand options."
Jeff S.
"Very sound judgment, intelligent, warm, morally strong, competent, and effective."
David C.