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ok what the deal is when my dad passed away I had to sign for a release of a death certificate of my dad with the funeral home for my stepbrother who is not a biological son of his. But yet they gave my dad's girlfriend 10 death certificates without me signing for the release of any death... View More 
answered on Dec 23, 2019
Obtaining a death certificate in Minnesota is a pretty simple process. The Office of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining death records. Each county has its own office location.
To receive death certificates you must complete an application requesting the certificates, provide valid... View More
Are confused
answered on Nov 19, 2019
I'm unsure why this is posted in the Minnesota jurisdiction, but the answer should generally be "no". A Trust is a vehicle designed specifically to avoid probate, no matter where it is created or where the person who created it (called the Settlor or Trustor) passes away.
The... View More
My father was on Medicaid for several years. My mother had followed the Elder Attorney's advice on regarding one car, one house and minimum cash. Fast forward, my father had passed away almost 3 years ago and my mom just passed away less than one month ago. Mom had spent her last 3 years in... View More
answered on Nov 14, 2019
The answer to this should be pretty straightforward, despite the complexity of the applicable rules. The process you are referencing is called "Estate Recovery". The County brings forward a claim they have had for your father's receipt of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) benefits... View More
This is a lake property. In past years we ran it as a resort. For 20 years I worked (unpaid) at the resort. I feel I have a vested interest in the property. My parents want to transfer the property to me and move to senior living. We met with an attorney. She gave us two options. My parents could... View More
answered on Sep 3, 2019
I would agree with much of what Attorney Whitehurst set forth in the response above regarding the 60-month lookback period and private pay ramifications, with one caveat (referenced by Attorney Whitehurst in the closing sentence). Minnesota has specific rules that are applicable to Irrevocable... View More
She was adopted as a baby and is now 42. If she doesn't have a will, or that her wishes are spelled out, will her biological mother/siblings be entitled to what she owned after she passes away, or would it go to her adopted family?
answered on Aug 20, 2019
If someone passes away without a Will, they are deemed to have died Intestate. Minnesota then sets forth a "default estate plan" for the person. This default plan basically sets forth that the persons closest living family members have priority to act as the Personal Representative (or... View More
In his personal bank account. She said that in a few years when she is in a lower tax bracket then she would give it out. Nothing went to probate and has done not followed thru with her fiduciary duties. He passed in 2017. Can creditors come this late collect any monies?? This has been difficult... View More
answered on Aug 15, 2019
This question should be reviewed in detail by a probate attorney. The largest issue here is probate assets versus non-probate assets. While your sister may be the Executor of the Will, this only extends to probate assets (or assets in your father's name alone with no beneficiary designations... View More
I don't have a formal complaint. But what if I find out months after I sign that she stole from the estate?.
answered on Aug 15, 2019
Prior to signing a receipt and release of the Executor (or Personal Representative), a beneficiary of the estate has the opportunity to review a detailed accounting of the estate. An accounting should set forth the probate assets and the payments made by the estate. These payments can include... View More
She needs me to help pay until her house sells. Will they come back on me if she repays me from the house sale?
Please respond to
answered on Feb 6, 2019
Medical Assistance laws, including Elderly Waiver (EW), are incredibly complicated and can have harsh penalties if there are any financial issues or reporting mistakes. Also important to remember is that each state has its own Medicaid laws (Medical Assistance in MN), so you cannot rely on an... View More
My cousin and I are both the agents (acting jointly) for our Aunt, who's 79 yrs old, on a durable power of a attorney.
The Principle has diminished mental capacity, is a US citizen currently living in the Philippines. One agent is in Nevada, the other agent is in Minnesota. Only one... View More
answered on Feb 6, 2019
Generally, the answer to this is no. The Principal should not need to be present for his or her Attorney(s)-in-Fact to use the Power of Attorney document. In light of the recent epidemic of misuse of POAs and the exploitation of the elderly, many banks have attempted to institute additional... View More
we married. Then he died. Now I'm being told I have to go to probate to remove his name from the deed. Don't I inherit his share since we were married?
answered on Dec 11, 2018
The issue with your question is the title/ownership of the property in question.
You state that you owned the property as Tenants in Common with your deceased husband. Tenants in Common own a divided interest or separate interests in property. In the above scenario, you would own 50% and... View More
answered on Dec 11, 2018
The answer to this question depends on what you would like to happen with your assets after you pass away. Minnesota does have a default estate plan for individuals who die without a Will. This process is called Intestacy. Basically, Minnesota law will assume that your closest living relatives are... View More
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