ProbateUS

MN Probate Guide

Probate in Minnesota

Everything you need to know about probate in Minnesota — thresholds, timelines, fees, and county court information.

Small Estate

$75,000

Simple Timeline

6-9 months

Court Type

District Court

Filing Fees

$280-$400

Overview

Minnesota uses the District Court system to handle probate matters. When a resident passes away, their estate may need to go through probate to validate the will, pay debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

Small Estate Threshold

If the estate is valued at $75,000 or less in personal property, it may qualify for a simplified small estate process, avoiding full probate.

Typical Timeline

Complexity Estimated Duration
Simple estates 6-9 months
Complex/contested estates 12-18 months

Average Filing Fees

Filing fees in Minnesota typically range from $280-$400 depending on the county and estate value.

When Is Probate Required?

Probate is generally required in Minnesota when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
  • The estate contains assets above the $75,000 small estate threshold
  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors
  • Assets are not held in a trust, joint tenancy, or have designated beneficiaries

When Probate May Be Avoided

  • Assets held in a revocable living trust
  • Property owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship
  • Accounts with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts, POD/TOD accounts)
  • Estates that qualify for small estate affidavit procedures

Step-by-Step Probate Process

  1. Locate the will and gather the death certificate (you'll need multiple certified copies)
  2. File a petition with the Minnesota District Court to open probate proceedings
  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Minnesota law (typically by mail and published notice)
  4. Appoint executor/administrator — the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  5. Inventory the estate — identify and appraise all assets, debts, and liabilities
  6. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds, file final tax returns
  7. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or Minnesota intestacy laws
  8. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court and request discharge

FAQ

How long does probate take in Minnesota?

Simple estates typically take 6-9 months, while complex or contested estates can take 12-18 months.

What is the small estate threshold in Minnesota?

Estates valued at $75,000 or less in personal property may qualify for simplified procedures.

How much does probate cost in Minnesota?

Filing fees range from $280-$400. Attorney fees, executor compensation, and other costs are additional.

Where do I file for probate in Minnesota?

Probate is filed at the District Court in the county where the deceased resided.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Minnesota?

While not always legally required, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

In Minnesota, assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Need Help Settling an Estate?

EverSettled guides you through every step of estate settlement — from probate to closing accounts.

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Minnesota County Courts

Aitkin County

Aitkin, MN

218-927-7350

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Anoka County

Anoka, MN

763-324-4000

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Becker County

Detroit Lakes, MN

218-846-5040

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Beltrami County

Bemidji, MN

218-333-4120

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Benton County

Foley, MN

320-968-5205

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Big Stone County

Ortonville, MN

320-849-7005

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Blue Earth County

Mankato, MN

507-594-3055

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Brown County

New Ulm, MN

507-441-7020

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Carlton County

Carlton, MN

218-673-5065

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Carver County

Chaska, MN

952-361-1420

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Cass County

Walker, MN

218-888-5150

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Chippewa County

Montevideo, MN

320-269-7774

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Chisago County

Center City, MN

651-213-7010

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Clay County

Moorhead, MN

218-227-7040

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Clearwater County

Bagley, MN

(218) 935-4020

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Cook County

Grand Marais, MN

218-387-3000

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Cottonwood County

Windom, MN

507-831-4551

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Crow Wing County

Brainerd, MN

218-824-1310

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Dakota County

Hastings, MN

651-377-7974

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Dodge County

Mantorville, MN

507-624-7010

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Douglas County

Alexandria, MN

320-304-6050

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Faribault County

Blue Earth, MN

507-526-6273

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Fillmore County

Preston, MN

507-765-6021

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Freeborn County

Albert Lea, MN

(507) 668-6014

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Goodhue County

Red Wing, MN

(651) 267-4816

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Grant County

Elbow Lake, MN

218-685-7675

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Hennepin County

Minneapolis, MN

612-348-6000

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Houston County

Caledonia, MN

507-724-7002

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Hubbard County

Park Rapids, MN

218-732-5286

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Isanti County

Cambridge, MN

(763) 689-3859

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Itasca County

Grand Rapids, MN

218-327-2870

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Jackson County

Jackson, MN

507-800-7003

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Kanabec County

Mora, MN

320-679-6400

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Kandiyohi County

Willmar, MN

320-231-6206

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Kittson County

Hallock, MN

218-843-3674

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Koochiching County

International Falls, MN

218-283-1160

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Lac qui Parle County

Madison, MN

320-295-4000

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Lake County

Two Harbors, MN

218-595-5001

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Lake of the Woods County

Baudette, MN

218-634-1451

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Le Sueur County

Le Center, MN

507-357-8260

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Lincoln County

Ivanhoe, MN

507-680-7005

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Lyon County

Marshall, MN

507-706-7050

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Mahnomen County

Mahnomen, MN

218-935-2251

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Marshall County

Warren, MN

218-745-4921

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Martin County

Fairmont, MN

507-238-3205

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McLeod County

Glencoe, MN

320-864-1285

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Meeker County

Litchfield, MN

320-535-6015

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Mille Lacs County

Milaca, MN

320-362-3200

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Morrison County

Little Falls, MN

320-632-2941

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Mower County

Austin, MN

507-509-7013

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Murray County

Slayton, MN

507-873-7001

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Nicollet County

Saint Peter, MN

507-931-6800

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Nobles County

Worthington, MN

507-295-5170

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Norman County

Ada, MN

218-415-7090

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Olmsted County

Rochester, MN

507-722-7264

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Otter Tail County

Fergus Falls, MN

218-560-045

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Pennington County

Thief River Falls, MN

218-684-7000

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Pine County

Pine City, MN

320-591-1500

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Pipestone County

Pipestone, MN

507-690-7004

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Polk County

Crookston, MN

218-281-2332

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Pope County

Glenwood, MN

(320) 424-7170

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Ramsey County

Saint Paul, MN

651-266-8145

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Red Lake County

Red Lake Falls, MN

218-521-4050

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Redwood County

Redwood Falls, MN

507-616-4800

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Renville County

Olivia, MN

320-523-3680

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Rice County

Faribault, MN

507-497-7134

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Rock County

Luverne, MN

(507) 935-7006

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Roseau County

Roseau, MN

218-463-2541

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Scott County

Shakopee, MN

952-496-8200

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Sherburne County

Elk River, MN

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Sibley County

Gaylord, MN

507-237-4051

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St. Louis County

Duluth, MN

218-221-7560

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Stearns County

St. Cloud, MN

320-656-3620

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Steele County

Owatonna, MN

507-686-7012

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Stevens County

Morris, MN

320-349-7010

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Swift County

Benson, MN

320-843-2744

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Todd County

Long Prairie, MN

320-357-5005

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Traverse County

Wheaton, MN

320-422-6010

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Wabasha County

Wabasha, MN

651-412-8627

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Wadena County

Wadena, MN

218-631-7633

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Waseca County

Waseca, MN

507-308-7002

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Washington County

Stillwater, MN

651-413-8030

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Watonwan County

St. James, MN

507-621-6005

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Wilkin County

Breckenridge, MN

218-643-7172

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Winona County

Winona, MN

507-615-5183

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Wright County

Buffalo, MN

763-760-6300

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Yellow Medicine County

Granite Falls, MN

320-722-7002

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