Minnesota Probate & Estate Administration Attorneys

Losing a loved one can be a very difficult time. You might not know where to begin or what to do. The process can be very time-consuming and emotional. We understand and are here by your side every step of the way. The team of probate and estate administration attorneys at Yanowitz Law Firm have been easing the burden of families facing these challenges in Rochester, the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota for 30 years. We can assist you through each step of the estate administration process, including probate.

What is probate?

A court proceeding called “probate” may be necessary if a person passes away with assets that do not pass automatically to others (for example, by a revocable trust, transfer on death deed, beneficiary designation or joint ownership). The court ensures that debts are paid and property is distributed to the correct individuals. Minnesota probate can be expensive and time consuming.  That’s why we regularly advise clients on how to avoid probate so property can pass easily when a loved one dies.  If a client must go through probate we can make the process as simple as possible because we have comprehensive knowledge on maneuvering through the convoluted rules of probate.

How can we help you when a loved one passes?

Our attorneys know how to navigate the many complex legal rules involved with probate and estate administration.  We will clearly explain the process and do everything we can to make the process smooth and efficient. We can also save our clients’ money by providing advice on ways to avoid probate and reduce estate and income taxes. In a time of grief and turmoil, you can trust the lawyers at Yanowitz Law Firm to alleviate stress by providing you straightforward advice and guiding you through the intricate rules in probate, estate administration and tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

My loved one recently passed away. What should I do next?
When a spouse, parent or loved one passes away, we recommend the family contact us as soon as they’re ready to set up an initial consultation, usually within a month of their loved one’s passing. During that consultation, we’ll discuss your family’s needs and the ways we can best assist with a successful estate administration in MN..
How can your firm help?
Our team of Minnesota-based probate attorneys are available to help with a wide variety of things during your estate administration process. We can:
  • Collect and transfer property out of a deceased person’s name to the correct beneficiary
  • Prepare deeds to transfer real estate
  • Answer questions about income and estate taxes
  • Prepare gift and estate tax returns
  • Advise on probate matters
  • Instruct on how to pay the deceased’s bills and debts
How much does it cost for the Yanowitz Law Firm to assist me when a loved one passes?
The amount of time we spend assisting a client when a loved one passes can drastically vary. As a result, we charge hourly for our time. In order to reduce the amount of time we spend working on a matter it is helpful if our clients provide us information promptly in an organized fashion. For more information, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of estate administration attorneys.
What sort of information do you need prior to my first appointment?
Before your first appointment, we will send you an informational worksheet. In the worksheet you will provide information about the deceased person’s property and family.  This worksheet allows us to provide tailored and specific advice when we meet.  Additionally, for our Minnesota probate attorneys to best be able to meet your needs, we ask that you provide:
  • A death certificate, as soon as it’s available to you
  • Any prior estate planning documents written by another firm, including any wills, trusts, or deeds we don’t already have
If we decide to move forward working together during this initial appointment, we will request that you pay a retainer and sign an engagement letter.
When a loved one has passed call the Yanowitz Law Firm team at (507) 252-8997. Our attorneys have the experience to guide you through the complicated probate and estate administration process in Rochester, the Twin Cities and throughout the rest of Minnesota.