Minnesota Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Minnesota, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Minnesota guide.
- Will
- Minnesota will requirements explained: the writing and signature rule, two witnesses, why unwitnessed handwritten wills fail, self-proved wills, and revocation. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Minnesota revocable living trust explained under the Minnesota Trust Code, Chapter 501C: how it avoids probate, funding by retitling, and TOD deeds. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Minnesota power of attorney rules: the 523.23 statutory short form, why durability is not the default, notary signing, gift limits, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How a Minnesota health care directive works: one document for care instructions and a health care agent, notary or two witnesses, and no default surrogate list. Read the guide
Minnesota estate planning guides
Minnesota Estate Planning Basics
Minnesota estate planning basics under Minn. Stat. ch. 524: the will, durable power of attorney, and health care directive everyone needs, plus probate and tax.
Minnesota Will Requirements
Minnesota will requirements explained: the writing and signature rule, two witnesses, why unwitnessed handwritten wills fail, self-proved wills, and revocation.
Minnesota Power of Attorney
Minnesota power of attorney rules: the 523.23 statutory short form, why durability is not the default, notary signing, gift limits, and how it ends at death.
Minnesota Health Care Directive
How a Minnesota health care directive works: one document for care instructions and a health care agent, notary or two witnesses, and no default surrogate list.
Minnesota Guardianship Planning
How Minnesota guardianship and conservatorship work under Minn. Stat. 524.5, plus the planning documents that keep most decisions out of district court.
Minnesota Revocable Living Trust Guide
Minnesota revocable living trust explained under the Minnesota Trust Code, Chapter 501C: how it avoids probate, funding by retitling, and TOD deeds.
Minnesota Trust Administration Guide
Minnesota successor trustee duties after death under the Trust Code, Chapter 501C: beneficiary notice, gathering assets, paying debts, and distributions.
Minnesota Transfer on Death Deed Guide
Minnesota transfer on death deed under Minn. Stat. 507.071: how it passes real estate outside probate, how to record and revoke it, and creditor effects.
Not sure what you need in Minnesota?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.