Estate Planning & Probate in Hennepin County, Minnesota
Most Hennepin County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Start with your situation below; both paths use Hennepin County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the District Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Hennepin County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Hennepin County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Hennepin County→The Probate Process in Hennepin 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 Hennepin County, probate runs through the District Court at 300 South 6th Street, C-400, Minneapolis. The court sits in the Fourth Judicial District.
Full Hennepin Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Hennepin County · Fourth Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder/Registrar of Titles
Hennepin County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$46 flat, regardless of page count; a 2-page TOD deed records for $46; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 6, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the District Court
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 651-435-6535 for details.
Exhibits must be submitted via the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES), effective January 1, 2025. The Self-Help Center relocated to room A-20 in the Government Center; Family Court is consolidated at the Government Center.
Minnesota Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Hennepin County.
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