Probate Solutions

Settling Estates with Compassion and Confidence

Navigating Probate with Compassion and Confidence

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, and the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming. Our probate solutions are designed to provide clarity and support when you need it most. Whether you’re managing assets, settling debts, or ensuring your loved one’s wishes are honored, we guide you through each step with compassion and expertise. At Johnson/Turner, we handle the complexities of probate so you can focus on what truly matters—healing and remembering your loved one.

What makes us different

Our Probate Solutions

Our probate solutions are designed to bring clarity, ease, and resolution during a challenging time. Navigating the probate process can feel daunting, with its legal complexities, strict deadlines, and emotional weight. That’s why we’ve developed a straightforward, fixed-price system that ensures transparency and eliminates surprises. From managing estate assets to resolving creditor claims, our team provides personalized guidance every step of the way. With compassionate legal support and a focus on relieving your burden, we help you honor your loved one’s legacy while confidently managing the details of the probate process.

Estate Administration Without Court is a streamlined solution for managing an estate when probate isn’t required. Our team provides expert guidance to help you close accounts, settle debts, and distribute assets efficiently—ensuring everything is handled correctly and with ease.

Ideal For Those Who

Probate Court becomes necessary when an estate includes significant assets, such as real estate, or when legal complexities arise, like disputes among beneficiaries. This court-supervised process ensures debts are settled, assets are distributed properly, and the will is legally validated—providing clarity and resolution.

Ideal For Those Who

Beneficiary Representation ensures your interests are protected when you’re involved in a probate case but not the Personal Representative. Our legal team provides guidance, oversight, and advocacy to ensure the estate is handled properly and your rights are upheld.

Ideal For Those Who

What is probate AND

Why Does It Matter?

Probate is necessary when a deceased person’s estate includes property that needs to be transferred, such as real estate, bank accounts, or personal possessions. If there is a will, probate confirms its validity and carries out the decedent’s wishes as outlined. When there is no will, probate determines the rightful heirs according to Minnesota’s inheritance laws.

Probate also plays a vital role in:

Paying Debts and Taxes

Probate ensures that any outstanding debts, such as medical bills or personal loans, are settled before assets are transferred to heirs. This may involve filing estate tax returns and liquidating certain assets to cover these obligations, ensuring a clean transfer free of lingering debts.

Preventing Creditor Claims

Probate sets a firm deadline for creditors to submit claims, protecting heirs from unexpected demands on the estate. After this deadline, creditors are barred from making future claims, securing the inheritance intended for beneficiaries.

Handling Property in Other States

If the estate includes property outside of Minnesota, an additional probate process, called “ancillary probate,” may be necessary. This process ensures proper ownership transfer under that state’s laws, allowing beneficiaries to manage or sell the property without complications.

If you’re uncertain about whether probate is necessary or need guidance on the process, our team is here to help.

Minnesota Probate law

Guiding You Through a Complex Process with Compassion

Probate is the legal process that transfers ownership of a deceased person’s property to their rightful heirs or beneficiaries. It also ensures that any outstanding debts, taxes, and creditor claims are resolved. For many families, probate can feel overwhelming—especially during an already difficult time. At Johnson/Turner Legal, our team of compassionate probate attorneys is here to guide you through each step, offering clarity, transparency, and the support you need to settle your loved one’s estate.

Common Probate Challenges

Probate can be a complex process with several issues to address, including:

Asset Management: The Personal Representative (executor) is responsible for managing the decedent’s assets, from maintaining properties to evaluating asset values.
Debt and Tax Resolution: Any outstanding debts and estate taxes need to be settled, often involving liquidation of assets to cover these expenses.
Family Dynamics: Probate can sometimes create tension among heirs. The Personal Representative may need to mediate and keep family members informed throughout the process.

Our team helps you manage these challenges with expert guidance, easing the burden on families and ensuring each step is handled professionally.

The johnson/turner approach

Guiding You Through Probate

At Johnson/Turner Legal, we take pride in offering a straightforward, supportive approach to probate. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

1. Initial Meeting

We begin by understanding your goals and concerns while reviewing the decedent’s estate details, including any wills, trusts, or other estate documents. This allows us to map out the appropriate steps for administering the estate.

2. Filing and Appointment

Whether through court involvement or other administrative processes, we assist in appointing the responsible party—such as a Personal Representative—who will manage the estate and handle its obligations.

3. Notification of Creditors and Interested Parties

We help fulfill legal requirements to notify creditors and relevant parties about the estate. This step allows creditors to file claims within a specific timeframe while protecting heirs from future disputes.

4. Management of Assets and Debts

Our team supports you in managing estate assets, including obtaining appraisals, handling outstanding debts, and ensuring all tax obligations are met. This step ensures the estate is financially prepared for distribution.

5. Distribution of Assets

Once all obligations are satisfied, we assist with distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the will, trust, or applicable state laws, ensuring everything is handled properly and fairly.

6. Estate Closure

When all tasks are completed, we finalize the estate through either court approval or other required documentation, ensuring a smooth conclusion to the process.r

Want More Info?

Absolutely no obligation when you reach out for information. You need to make the best decision for you, we hope we can help.

For over 20 years, we’ve proudly served Minnesota with unwavering commitment, beginning in Forest Lake and expanding throughout the Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester areas.

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The Johnson/Turner Difference

Choosing Johnson/Turner Legal means having a partner who’s dedicated to making probate as clear and manageable as possible. Here’s what sets us apart:

Transparency: We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you’re never left wondering what’s next or what decisions need to be made.
Estate Checkbook Management: Managing the estate’s finances can be stressful. Unlike many firms, we handle the estate’s checkbook for you, taking this responsibility off your shoulders.
Fixed-Rate Pricing: Our flat-fee model ensures there are no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what to expect financially from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your family.

The probate process can feel complicated and daunting, especially when you’re grieving. At Johnson/Turner Legal, we’re here to guide you with compassion and expertise, making sure each step is handled smoothly and efficiently. Let us help you honor your loved one’s wishes and navigate probate with confidence.