Probate & Estate Administration

The legal process that is used to wrap up a person’s estate after they have passed away is known as probate. It doesn’t matter if they did or did not have a will, it is necessary for the estate to be probated to make sure beneficiaries receive what they are legally entitled to and to make sure creditors are paid.

The probate process can be difficult for families, but more difficult if a will is not present. The Law Firm of Johnson, Larson, Peterson, & Halvorson can help families through the process. If you have been named as an estate administrator or executor to a family member’s estate, you will need guidance. We also work with disabled individuals and their executors to handle any affairs with their estate.

Wright County Estate Planning Attorney

Having an estate plan is very important and can make the probate process much easier for family members. It is quite common for a Buffalo probate lawyer to see family members argue over who is to receive what from their loved one’s assets. We can help you with as little or as much of the process as you wish and help ensure that a family conflict does not occur. In other words, you may simply want advice or you may need a law firm that can manage the estate and distribute the property for you.

The Probate Process

The nature of the estate is going to determine the probate process. The following are examples of some of the factors that can influence how the process is handled:

• Minnesota law will determine the heirs if there is no legal will
• It must be proven that the most recent will filed with the court is legal
• Beneficiaries named in a will or trust must be identified and located
• The assets of the estate must be inventoried and their value appraised
• Debts owed by the deceased and their estate must be paid
• Money that is owed to the estate must be collected
• Property must be distributed according to the will and other legal documents
• Any state and federal taxes must be paid, if applicable
• Continuation of business operations after a key person within the business has died

Some of the above may apply to some estates and not to others. Each individual situation is different, which is why it helps to have a Buffalo estate administration lawyer to guide you through the probate process.

Disabled Individuals

When an individual becomes unable to manage their own affairs due to disability or illness, the process of estate administration must occur. This is so that the disabled individual’s affairs can remain in order while unable to take care of those affairs on their own. This can include a power of attorney and assurance that bills are paid. Without estate administration at a time when a person becomes disabled, a person’s affairs may not be managed or managed properly.

Buffalo Probate & Estate Administration Lawyers

If you are an executor faced with the probate process, someone wishing to set up an estate plan, or a disabled individual needing someone to handle your affairs, we can help. There are options available to you and you can find out what those options are by calling us at 763-682-4550 or toll free at 866-682-4550 to schedule a consultation.