Wills
A Will is a legal instrument that can direct the disposition of a person’s property at death. As long as that person is still alive, a Will can be revoked or amended. Wills have certain requirements that have to be followed. Generally speaking, a person must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The person making the Will must also sign it. The Will must be in writing and witnessed and signed by at least two qualified people.
Problems concerning Wills typically arise when the original cannot be located, the Will is not dated, there are handwritten changes to the Will, or the Will does not nominate a personal representative (and the heirs can’t agree who to appoint). Additionally, some counties require proceedings if there is a blended family situation (where there are children from different marriages).
Having a Will is important for several reasons. First, it helps to minimize confusion. If you simplify your estate, you will almost certainly reduce your costs. Second, it helps you express your intentions clearly. Perhaps you want to include someone that normally wouldn’t be included, or maybe you want to exclude someone who would otherwise be an heir. Third, it helps you designate who you want to be a fiduciary (personal representative, guardian, or trustee).
If you would like a free consultation, please contact us today. We also offer free in-home visits. Simply complete the free legal consultation form online or call the office nearest you.
Minneapolis – 612-767-2009
St. Paul – 651-789-0059
Southern Suburbs – 952-767-0121
Northern Suburbs – 763-231-0383
Outstate – Call Toll Free – 1-866-777-2557
Vanderhyde & Associates
Scott County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Sherburne County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Stearns County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Wright County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Washington County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
St. Louis County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property [...]
Crow Wing County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property [...]
