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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Minnesota

What Are My Duties as Executor in Minnesota?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Minnesota is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Minnesota starts at approximately $310.Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75,000 / 30-day wait / personal property only), § 524.3-803 & § 524.3-801 (4-mo creditor claims; publication once weekly for two weeks), § 524.3-603 (bond), § 524.3-719 (executor compensation), § 524.3-720 (attorney fees), § 524.3-301 (informal probate), § 357.021 subd. 2(1) ($310 filing fee)Verified May 31, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Minnesota requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75,000 / 30-day wait / personal property only), § 524.3-803 & § 524.3-801 (4-mo creditor claims; publication once weekly for two weeks), § 524.3-603 (bond), § 524.3-719 (executor compensation), § 524.3-720 (attorney fees), § 524.3-301 (informal probate), § 357.021 subd. 2(1) ($310 filing fee)Verified May 31, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Minnesota allows estates valued at $75,000 or less to use a Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property.Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75,000 / 30-day wait / personal property only), § 524.3-803 & § 524.3-801 (4-mo creditor claims; publication once weekly for two weeks), § 524.3-603 (bond), § 524.3-719 (executor compensation), § 524.3-720 (attorney fees), § 524.3-301 (informal probate), § 357.021 subd. 2(1) ($310 filing fee)Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 30 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Minnesota allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Minnesota executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Minnesota include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Minnesota probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Minnesota

The first step as executor in Minnesota is filing the will and petition for probate with the court. Filing fees start at $310Minn. Stat. § 357.021, subd. 2(1); 2025 Minn. Laws c. 35, art. 1, § 20Verified May 31, 2026. Once appointed, the court issues letters testamentary (or letters of administration if there is no will), which authorize the executor to act on behalf of the estate.

Minnesota requires 4 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-803Verified May 31, 2026 for creditors to file claims. During this period, the executor inventories assets, pays valid debts, and manages estate property. Estates under $75,000Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201Verified May 31, 2026 may qualify for streamlined procedures that reduce both time and expense.

Executor compensation in Minnesota typically ranges from 2%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value. Courts evaluate fees based on estate complexity and time spent. The Minnesota executor fee calculator provides a detailed estimate.

The probate timeline in Minnesota starts at 4 monthsMinn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75Verified May 31, 2026 for straightforward estates. A revocable living trust avoids this timeline altogether — assets transfer to beneficiaries without court involvement. For estates in probate, the Minnesota creditor claims guide outlines key deadlines.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • Minn. Stat. § 357.021, subd. 2(1); 2025 Minn. Laws c. 35, art. 1, § 20
  • Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201
  • Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 (small estate $75
  • Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • Minn. Stat. § 524.3-803

Data sourced from Minnesota statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Minnesota Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Minnesota probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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