For most Brown County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Brown County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the District Court. The two tools that keep a Brown County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Brown County property passes through the District Court — even simple Minnesota probates run 4+ months and start with $320 in filing fees. Minnesota also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Brown County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorder during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, a Minnesota transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentMinn. Stat. 507.071Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathMinn. Stat. 507.071Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Brown County are recorded with the County Recorder at 14 South State Street, 2nd Floor, New Ulm, MN 56073. Phone: 507-233-6653. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
The County Recorder charges $46 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Brown County comes to $46. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Brown County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Brown County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $46 |
| Well Disclosure Certificate | $54 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Minn. Stat. 357.18 (Abstract); Minn. Stat. 508.82 (Torrens)
Verified September 6, 2026 · Source
FirmMankato, MN
The Blethen and Berens firms have collectively served southern Minnesota for over 120 years, with the Mankato predecessor dating to 1896 and the New Ulm predecessor serving for 90+ years. Merged in 2018. Nine attorneys handle estate planning, probate, and trust litigation matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust Litigationand 2 more
Solo PracticeNew Ulm, MN
Serves New Ulm and the Brown and Nicollet county courts from a downtown office. Represents personal representatives and beneficiaries through probate administration and prepares wills and trusts for area families. A solo practice operating in the region since 2001, offering a free initial consultation on probate matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmMankato, MN
Serves Mankato and the Blue Earth County area of southern Minnesota, with a second office in Madelia. Handles estate planning, wills and trusts, and probate and estate administration. Founded in 1893, it is one of the oldest and largest firms in the region.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Solo PracticeHutchinson, MN
General practice firm with offices in Hutchinson and Waconia. Attorney Troy A. Scotting handles estate planning, family law, criminal defense, and personal injury matters across central and south-central Minnesota. Saturday appointments available.
PracticesEstate PlanningCriminal DefenseFamily LawPersonal InjuryProbate Administration
FirmOwatonna, MN
Serves Owatonna and Steele County, with additional offices in Faribault, Waseca, and Janesville across southeastern Minnesota. Guides executors and beneficiaries through probate administration -- validating the will, appraising assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing property -- and handles wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. The firm also practices elder law.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawConservatorshipGuardianshipand 2 more
FirmDuluth, MN
Serves Duluth and the Arrowhead from offices in Duluth, Cloquet, and Superior, Wisconsin. Handles estate planning and trust probate, income and transfer tax planning, and business succession for families and closely held businesses across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Founded in 1893, it is one of the largest firms in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate Administration
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Minnesota statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Minnesota.
Forms and tools for property owners in Brown County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Minnesota.
