What to Do When Someone Dies in Carver County, Minnesota
Probate in Carver County runs through the District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Carver County, settling their estate runs through the District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
District Court
Carver County · First Judicial District
Address
604 East 4th StreetChaska, MN 55318
Phone
Fax
952-361-1491
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysSelf-filing allowed
Located in Carver County Justice Center. District Court processes filings for civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate and juvenile matters.
Verified June 2, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Carver County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Carver County, probate runs through the District Court at 604 East 4th Street, Chaska. The court sits in the First Judicial District.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Minnesota intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Minnesota estates take 6 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to 9 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to move through this process. The 4 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-803Verified Jun 11, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Carver County
What probate costs in Carver County, Minnesota comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at 604 East 4th Street, Chaska. The court is part of the First Judicial District.
Carver County runs a probate self-help center (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case. Call 651-435-6535.
Minnesota charges $310Minn. Stat. § 357.021, subd. 2(1); 2025 Minn. Laws c. 35, art. 1, § 20Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the District Court (https://www.mncourts.gov/file-a-case/file-in-a-district-trial-court.aspx). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Minnesota are negotiated, typically 2%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-720 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to 4%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-720 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to 4%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026View source of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Minnesota requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Minnesota typically runs 6 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to 9 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75Verified Jun 11, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 4 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-803Verified Jun 11, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the District Court
If you're handling probate yourself in Carver County, Minnesota, you can file at the District Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the First Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Carver County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing and may file on paper at the courthouse or by mail; they may also choose to e-file (once a self-represented filer e-files into a case, they must continue to e-file for the rest of that case).
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic. Carver County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Carver County Self-Filing Assessment.
What to Bring
To file at the District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in Carver County
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the County Recorder.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Carver County
Address
600 East 4th StreetChaska, MN 55318
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
E-recording
Available via SimplifileE-recording info →
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $46 |
$46.00 per document (flat fee, not per page). If a document cites more than 4 recorded instruments, an additional $10.00 applies for each citation over four. Some counties may charge additional technology or compliance fees. Contact the specific county recorder for the current total fee.
Minn. Stat. 357.18
Transfer tax
$1.65 per $500 of consideration (0.33%). Minn. Stat. 287.21, subd. 1.. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Deed tax applies only when consideration is exchanged (Minn. Stat. 287.21, subd. 1). TOD deeds recorded under Minn. Stat. 507.071 involve no present transfer of consideration, so no deed tax is due at the time of recording.). Hennepin and Ramsey counties may impose an additional environmental response fund fee. The deed tax is collected by the county treasurer at the time of recording.
Verified June 3, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Carver County
Minnesota allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Carver County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Minnesota are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-720 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026View source to 4%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-720 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 11, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Carver County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Twin Cities Firms
Brekke, Clyborne & Ribich, L.L.C.
FirmServes Scott and Carver counties from Shakopee, working with families on how assets are administered and distributed. The estate group drafts wills, trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, and cabin trusts, and settles estates with the family after a death. The firm also handles estate and trust disputes and appellate work.
Location
287 Marschall Road, Suite 201Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone
(952) 402-9410
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningWills TrustsProbate AdministrationEstate Litigation
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Unique Estate Law
FirmEstate planning and probate firm with three Twin Cities offices serving Minneapolis, Bloomington, Excelsior, Wayzata, Chanhassen, and St. Louis Park. The practice covers estate planning, probate and estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, estate litigation, and special needs planning. Recognized as an LGBTQ+-owned firm with dedicated family protection services.
Location
3800 American BlvdWest Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone
(612) 444-7390
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationGuardianshipConservatorshipEstate LitigationSpecial Needs Trust
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Burns & Hansen, P.A.
FirmFull-service Minneapolis law firm with 16 attorneys providing experienced estate planning and probate legal services. Minnesota's Best 2023 Gold Winner. Seven attorneys have been selected to Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.
Location
8401 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 300Minneapolis, MN 55426
Phone
(952) 564-6262
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationEstate LitigationGuardianshipConservatorship
Free consultationVisit site
Chandler and Brown, Ltd.
FirmMultigenerational St. Paul law firm serving clients throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin with estate planning, probate and trust administration, probate and trust litigation, and asset protection planning. Attorneys collectively bring over 100 years of combined experience across four decades of practice.
Location
332 Minnesota Street, Suite W2610St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
(651) 228-0497
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationWills TrustsReal Estate
Free consultationVisit site
Henson Efron
FirmEstablished Minneapolis law firm excelling at estate planning, trust, and probate services since 1976. Handles both simple and complex estates and trusts, including transferring assets, minimizing taxes, litigating disputes, and business succession planning. Ranked by Chambers USA.
Location
225 South 6th Street, Suite 1600Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone
(612) 339-2500
Established
1976
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationGuardianshipConservatorshipTax Planning
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Hoene & Worrell
FirmFounded in 1978, this South St. Paul firm assists Twin Cities residents with probate, trust, guardianship, conservatorship, and estate planning matters. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Location
105 Hardman Court, Suite 494South St. Paul, MN 55075
Phone
(651) 222-2838
Established
1978
Probate AdministrationEstate LitigationTrust LitigationGuardianshipConservatorship
Free consultationVisit site
Sandahl & Damhof
FirmServes the Twin Cities metro from Bloomington with a practice focused on estate planning. Handles wills, trusts, probate and trust administration, health care directives, estate tax planning, and business succession. Gold Winner of the 2025 Minnesota's Best Reader's Choice Award for estate planning, and offers a free initial consultation.
Location
3500 American Blvd W, Suite 190Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone
(612) 448-3898
Estate PlanningWills TrustsTrust AdministrationTax PlanningGuardianshipConservatorshipElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
Tarrant & Liska, PLLC
FirmEstablished in 1982, this St. Paul firm specializes in estate planning, probate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and special/supplemental needs trusts. BBB A+ rated.
Location
1570 Concordia Ave, Suite 200St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone
(651) 699-5472
Established
1982
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsGuardianshipConservatorshipSpecial Needs Trust
Visit site
Firms from Neighboring Regions
Law Offices of Troy A. Scotting
Solo PracticeGeneral 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.
Location
95 Second Avenue S.E.Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone
(320) 234-6065
Service Area
9 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationFamily LawCriminal DefensePersonal Injury
Visit site
Hoffman & Associates, PLLC
FirmFounded in 2005, Hoffman & Associates maintains a multi-office presence across southern Minnesota. Serves Faribault, Northfield, Le Center, Waseca, Owatonna, Red Wing, and surrounding communities with estate planning and probate services.
Location
118 1st Ave NEFaribault, MN 55021
Phone
(507) 332-2229
Established
2005
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbate Administration
Visit site
Statewide Practices
Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A.
FirmFounded in 1893, Fryberger is one of the largest law firms in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities with 8 estate planning attorneys. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell with 11 attorneys on Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists and attorneys named to Best Lawyers in America. Licensed in MN, WI, ND, AZ, and CA. Serves clients across four office locations.
Location
302 W Superior St, Suite 700Duluth, MN 55802
Phone
(218) 722-0861
Established
1893
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust Administration
Visit site
Johnson/Turner
FirmOne of the largest estate planning firms in Minnesota with 15 office locations statewide. Offers trust-based and will-based estate plans, probate administration, and beneficiary representation with flat-fee pricing.
Location
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
(320) 299-4249
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Free consultationVisit site
Safe Harbor Estate Law, PLLC
FirmServes the Twin Cities metro from offices in St. Paul, Burnsville, and Wayzata. Focuses exclusively on estate planning and elder law, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, probate, and estate administration. Named a Law Firm 500 Honoree for seven consecutive years (2019-2025) and offers a free initial consultation.
Location
3240 Rice StSt. Paul, MN 55126
Phone
(612) 615-9535
Established
2013
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationElder LawWills TrustsHealthcare DirectivesGuardianshipSpecial Needs Trust
Free consultationVisit site
Scott + Hespen Law, PLLC
FirmEstablished in 2003, attorneys have helped individuals throughout Minnesota navigate the probate process for over 30 years. Specializes in estate planning, probate and trust administration, guardianships, and special needs trusts.
Location
2356 University Ave W, Suite 400St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone
(651) 968-1457
Established
2003
Service Area
Statewide
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsGuardianshipConservatorshipSpecial Needs Trust
Visit site
Vogel Law Firm
FirmOne of the oldest law firms in the region with over 140 years of legal practice. Named 2026 Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" Law Firm of the Year. 16 attorneys in Best Lawyers in America, 12 on Super Lawyers, and 12 on Rising Stars lists. Serves Minnesota and North Dakota from three office locations.
Location
215 30th St NMoorhead, MN 56560
Phone
(218) 236-6462
Established
1882
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationTax Planning
Visit site
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.
Legal Sources
- Minn. Stat. § 357.021, subd. 2(1); 2025 Minn. Laws c. 35, art. 1, § 20
- Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75
- Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- Minn. Stat. § 524.3-720 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- Minn. Stat. § 524.3-803
Data sourced from Minnesota statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the District Court in Carver County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($310). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Carver County, that means filing fees ($310 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
Yes. The District Court in Carver County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Minnesota self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Minnesota probate typically closes in 4–6 months; average estates run 6–9 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Carver County probate.
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