Twin Cities Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer
At G. Martin Johnson, Ltd., Attorney at Law, we help personal representatives carry out their duties to the deceased. The probate process can be difficult for family members, in part because of the variety of options available. Our skilled probate attorney knows how to streamline the complex estate administration process. This facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of assets to beneficiaries upon the passing of a loved one.
Experienced, Dedicated, Trustworthy
Free Initial Consultation • E-mail or Call 952-881-9758
Probate Explained
Probate worries many people. Why? Because most people have no experience with probate until they have to deal with it for the first time, when a loved one dies.
Simply put, probate is a court process that is required by law to validate and enforce the terms of a will, and to transfer your assets to your loved ones. If you die without a will (known as dying "intestate") in Minnesota, the state will create one for you. In a blended family, this can get very messy, and your estate may pass to heirs as you never intended. Drafting a will enables you to take control of your assets and have them distributed according to your wishes.
Helping You through the Probate Process
Probate involves primarily accounting for what the decedent owes, and determining who is to receive it. With more than 30 years of experience in tax law and accounting, our attorney, Martin Johnson, is highly skilled at playing the game. Some of the matters we handle include:
- Establishing powers of attorney
- Compiling an inventory of all assets including retirement accounts
- Having all assets properly valued, listed, and disclosed to the probate court
- Accounting for changes in the value of assets
- Re-titling assets
- Selling assets as needed
- Collecting debts and paying the bills of the estate
- Preparing and filing income tax returns and Minnesota and federal estate tax returns
- Paying the medical bills and funeral expenses of the deceased
- Distributing the remaining assets as directed under the terms of the will
For additional information, please visit our Probate and Estate Administration FAQ Link page.
Tax Issues in Probate
Taxes are among the more critical issues that must be dealt with during probate. The tax consequences imposed on heirs and the question as to whether assets are liquidated or transferred, for example, can be substantial. With extensive experience in both accounting and tax law, attorney Martin Johnson can help you effectively manage the probate process and any subsequent tax issues that arise.
Experience You Can Trust
Have questions about elder law or estate planning? Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Minnesota lawyer. You may also e-mail us using the special Probate and Estate Planning Intake Form on this Web site.
