Serves southern Minnesota from offices in Mankato and Madelia, and states that its lawyers serve the entire state. Handles probate and estate administration, trust administration, affidavits of collection, guardianship and conservatorship, and estate litigation including will contests and probate and trust disputes. The firm traces its origin to a Mankato law practice opened on July 1, 1893.
Madelia is in Watonwan County.
Probate in Watonwan County
Probate Court Record
Watonwan County District Court
Watonwan County · Fifth Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Watonwan County →
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Watonwan County? →Settling an estate in Watonwan County →
Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Minnesota
Free Minnesota forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Minnesota.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Minnesota
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Minnesota: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Minnesota.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Minnesota happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeMinn. Stat. § 501C.0101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?
In Minnesota, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Minn. Stat. § 501C.0708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.
Calculate the Fee
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Minnesota: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 180 daysMinn. Stat. §§ 524.3-706, 524.3-708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsMinn. Stat. §§ 524.3-801, 524.3-803, 524.3-805, 524.3-806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
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