Library Research Guides: Probate and Estate Administration: Estate Administration

Administering an Estate - Generally

Estate Administration - FindLaw
Estates, Executors & Probate Court - Nolo
The Hidden Costs of Closing an Estate
Beware of these not-so-obvious expenses associated with executing a will. This is a US News and World Report Article by Geoff Williams, Feb. 20, 2014.

Finding a Deceased Person's Will

Deposit of Will with Court during Testator's Lifetime - Minn. Stat. 524.2-515
Duty of Custodian of Will - Liability - Minn. Stat. 524.2-516
Deposit of Wills - Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 418
Probate, Wills and Estates FAQ - MN Judicial Branch
"When a testator dies, an “interested party” may ask to get a copy by filing a written request along with a death certificate for the testator. Use the Request for Access to Confidential or Sealed Record to make a request."
Requesting permission to search decedent's safe deposit box - Form and Instructions - MN Judicial Branch
Sometimes it is necessary to search for a will in a safe deposit box. You can ask the court for permission to do so if:
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- You are related to a person who died or you have a legal interest in the person’s property.
- You believe the person who died may have left a will, codicil, deed to a burial lot or a document containing burial instructions in a safe deposit box.
- You want to search the safe deposit box for these documents.
Searching for Wills - Notice - MN Judicial Branch
Will Book Record Request - "What are Will Books?" - Minnesota Historical Society
Will Books consist of copies or transcriptions of the complete texts of wills probated by the courts. The Gale Family Library has Will Books for *most Minnesota counties for the years 1849-1985, though the dates covered by the books varies by individual county.
Look up a Minnesota Attorney
Another possibility is to contact the deceased person’s attorney (if known) to see if they have the will on file.
My dad died and I don't know whether he left a will. What should I do? - Nolo

Estate, Inheritance & Gift Tax

Tax Responsibilities for Personal Representatives - MN Dept. of Revenue
"Personal representatives (executors) for an estate of someone who has died have basic tax responsibilities to the Minnesota Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service. For probate questions regarding the handling of estates and wills, please contact your county court system."
The Minnesota Estate Tax - MN House of Representatives Research Department
Estate and Inheritance Taxation: An Overview of Taxes in the States - MN House of Representatives Research Department
Survey of State Estate, Inheritance, and Gift Taxes - MN House of Representative Research Department

Vehicle Title Transfer upon Death

Vehicle Title Transfer - Deceased Relative - MN Dept. Vehicle Services
Other Related Topics - Deceased Relative - MN Dept. Vehicle Services
Just the Facts: Settling the Vehicle and Driver's License Record of a Deceased Family Member - MN Dept. of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services
In settling the vehicle and driver’s license records of your family member or friend, you may need to address one or more
of the issues outlined in this fact sheet.

Medical Assistance Estate Recovery

Medical Assistance Estate Recovery and Liens - MN House Research Department
Medical Assistance Estate Recovery Manual - Minnesota Dept. of Human Services
Decree of Descent Application for a Medical Assistance Clearance Certificate - Minnesota Dept. of Human Services
The decree of descent shall operate to assign the property free and clear of any and all claims for medical assistance arising under section 525.313 without regard to the final disposition of those claims. The court may appoint two or more disinterested persons to appraise the property. (Minn. Stat 525.312)

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In our positions as librarians, not lawyers, we can suggest resources but cannot give legal advice (such as which form to file) or legal opinions (such as how a statute might apply to particular facts). To do so could be considered the unauthorized practice of law. Even though we try to suggest materials that will be of help, more research is often required to find a complete and correct answer. For many questions, the best answer may be to consult an attorney.

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