Minnesota & Wisconsin Probate Lawyer
Don't Navigate Probate Alone
Our attorneys have guided Minnesota and Wisconsin families through probate for years and can help you protect the estate, meet your legal obligations, and move the process forward with confidence.
What You Need to Know About Probate
Probate is the court process of settling a loved one’s estate, including paying debts and distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries. What many families don't realize is that probate can be lengthy, expensive, and public. In Minnesota, it can often take 12–18 months or longer, depending on the estate.
Why Families Choose Safe Harbor
but you still need to do what needs to be done to protect your family…
“You will see why when you work with them!”
Every person at Safe Harbor Estate and Elder Law is helpful and professional, while being friendly and putting you at ease. They know that this is not an every day event for people, and that clients may be uncomfortable. Everyone there does everything they can to make the process easy and smooth sailing. Margaret and her team genuinely want to protect
“I appreciated how easily and professionally they guided me!”
Safe Harbor Estate Law first worked with me in 2017 to complete my Living Will and Estate Plan. They were very thorough and everything went smoothly. What really impressed me about them was how they worked to iron out the issues when I was refinancing with Wells Fargo. Safe Harbor’s lawyers interceded on my behalf to clarify the issues with the title
“Really solid organization their process is well thought out”
Absolutely experts at what they do. Really solid organization their process is well thought out and well practiced. I had very similar work done several years ago by another firm and Safe Harbor Estate Law fixed their work and provided a much better result in both less time and money. Everybody at this firm completes their role very efficiently and
“We were surprised at how easy it turned out to be.”
We were very pleased with the service from Safe Harbor. After years of procrastinating, we finally decided we needed to move forward and get our estate planning completed, which involved setting up a living trust. We were surprised at how easy it turned out to be. Safe Harbor tailored our will and trust documents to some unique need we had and all is now
I am now 100% comfortable and confident, as are my children!
I had put off getting a will done for 6 years, even after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 4 years ago. Then I watched Safe Harbor’s webinar just to learn some will/estate planning information. That webinar answered so many questions for me and made me realize the big mistake I was making by not finalizing a will. So I scheduled a consultation immediately
“I appreciate all they’ve done and would highly recommend them!”
Safe Harbor Estate Law was recommended by a lawyer friend. From the very beginning I was impressed with the respect and compassion with which we were treated. My goal was to come away with a plan that would protect our assets. I now have that plan which is very thorough, providing me with peace of mind. Working with the team at Safe Harbor Estate Law was a positive experience. All of the attorney I worked with were very professional. Michael Teeter, especially, is knowledgeable, explaining all the complexities. He was also patient and responsive in answering my follow-up questions, often more than once.
“I highly recommend Safe Harbor Estate Law.”
The process of creating our Trust
was incredibly smooth. From the initial zoom informational meeting to the meeting with the well versed attorney and the final signing, we felt confident and informed.
“I highly recommend them!”
I hired Safe Harbor Estate Law to do my estate plan including a living trust, power of attorney, and health care directive. They made the process easy by explaining everything clearly, being organized, and answering my questions.
“Safe Harbor people were friendly, knowledgeable and thorough.”
They listened to our wants and needs and drafted the documents we needed to feel secure in having the best estate plan possible for us and our family.
See what other Safe Harbor Estate Law clients are saying about their experience.
About Safe Harbor
At Safe Harbor Estate Law, we believe families should not have to navigate difficult legal decisions alone, especially during a time of loss. Our experienced attorneys help Minnesota and Wisconsin families navigate probate and estate administration with clear guidance, compassionate service, and a commitment to protecting what your loved one worked hard to build. Our family is committed to protecting your family. We’re here to help you understand what comes next and guide you through the process every step of the way.
FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to handle probate in Minnesota?
It isn't required, but it's advisable as a personal representative, you carry personal liability for handling the estate correctly under Minnesota law.
Does Minnesota have an inheritance tax?
No, Minnesota doesn't tax you because you inherit money, but estates over $3 million will pay a Minnesota estate tax, and larger estates may owe federal estate taxes as well.
What should I do first after a loved one dies?
Before distributing assets, selling property, or making major financial decisions, it's important to understand what the estate owns, how those assets are titled, and whether probate is required. Speaking with an attorney early can help your family understand what needs to happen and avoid mistakes that can be difficult or costly to correct later.
How long does probate take in Minnesota?
Probate commonly takes 12–18 months or longer, depending on the size and complexity of the estate, whether there are debts or real estate involved, and whether any issues arise during the process.
Is probate public in Minnesota?
Yes. Probate is a public court process, meaning documents filed with the court typically become part of the public record. This means personal information is made public, and solicitors reach out to the family. This is one reason families may want to explore whether probate can be avoided through proper estate planning.
Clear Guidance When You Need It Most
When a loved one passes, the last thing your family needs is the burden of figuring out probate on your own. Our probate attorneys guide Minnesota and Wisconsin families through the process, helping you understand what needs to be done, protect what your loved one left behind, and move forward with confidence. Probate can be lengthy, expensive, and overwhelming. You don't have to figure it out alone.
Call Us: 612-261-0477 Schedule Your Conversation