Free Tools and Information
for Saint James, MN Consumers

Minnesota Inheritance Law & Probate Procedure

• Minnesota PROBATE COURT FINDER:
  
  • Probate Court for Watonwan County: Key information about your local probate court (Probate Court in Minnesota) for Watonwan County.
• How Probate Works in Minnesota: How to handle the probate of an inheritance at Watonwan County's probate court.
  • Here are links to:
    • Minnesota Probate Forms and the
    • Minnesota State Probate Court Website.
• Small Estates Procedures in Minnesota: Learn how to use Minnesota's Small Estate procedures that can save you time and money.

  • In Minnesota, you can use an Affidavit if the entire probate estate is less than $75,000, including the contents of any safe deposit box, less liens and encumbrances. (This excludes the value of all joint tenancy property and other assets that pass by beneficiary designation, such as life insurance and transfer on death accounts.) There is a 30-day waiting period.

    Minn. Stat. 5243-1201.

    The court can order an estate closed without further proceedings if it determines that no property is subject to creditor's claims (because it has already been set aside as exempt or for the spouse and children).

    Minn. Stat. 5243-1203.

     

• Minnesota Estate Taxes:

  • The state of Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on property owned in Massachusetts. If you are inheriting property from the state of Massachusetts, it may be subject to estate tax if the overall value of the estate is more than $3,000,000.

• Avoiding Probate in Minnesota. Find out what property bypasses probate death and goes directly to beneficiaries. such as:
  • Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs)

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Bankruptcy & Debt

• MEANS TEST CALCULATOR
  • for Watonwan County, Minnesota (applies the state and county income and expense standards into your means test calculation. Updated with the latest median income and expense standards for May 15, 2024)
• Minnesota BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTION FINDER: Search detailed listings of bankruptcy exemptions under Minnesota law and Federal law, for use in filing out Schedule C, when you file for bankruptcy. 
  • Federal Exemptions available in Minnesota?:  

    • Yes. Federal exemptions are available.

  • Minnesota Homestead Exemption

    • Home and land on which it is situated to $510,000; if homestead is used for agricultural purposes, $1,275,000; cannot exceed 1/2 acre in city, 160 acres elsewhere (husband & wife may not double)

  • Minnesota Vehicle Exemption

    • $10,000 (up to $100,000 if vehicle has been modified for disability) (adjusted for inflation July 1, 2024, then amended August 1, 2024)

• Minnesota BANKRUPTCY COURT ESSENTIAL INFO: Get information about using your local bankruptcy court.
• FREE BANKRUPTCY FORMS:
  We'll tell you which bankruptcy forms you need and where to find them.

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Democracy In Minnesota, Watonwan County, Saint James 

• Elected Representatives: Find out the websites and phone numbers of those representing you at the Federal, State, County, and City levels of government.
• How to Vote: Learn how to register and where and when to vote in Saint James, MN.
  • Key Links:
    • Check Your Minnesota Voter Registration Status: https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/voterstatuscheck/index
• Gerrymandering in Minnesota: Has your state been gerrymandered? Find out how to end gerrymandering and have voters pick politicians, not vice versa.
• Tracking Issues: Organizations that track legislation you care about 

 

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits

• Benefit Amounts in Minnesota: Learn how unemployment works, how much you'll get, and for how long.
  • Minimum: 
    • $31 per week
  • Maximum: 
    • $820 per week
  • Duration: 

    • In Minnesota, you can receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks under state law. 

• Eligibility: >Whether you qualify for unemployment.
• How to Apply: How to apply for unemployment in Minnesota.
  • Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Unemployment Insurance Program 
    • 877-898-9090
• Unemployment Office Near Me? How to find your local unemployment office.
• COVID-19 Benefits: We tracked the rise and fall of COVID-19 unemployment benefit payments.

• Minnesota Wage & Hour Law

  • Minnesota Minimum Wage:  

    • The minimum wage in Minnesota is $10.85 an hour; for employers with annual sales volume of less than $500,000, the state minimum wage is $8.85 an hour. Because both of these rates are higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25, employees in Minnesota must be paid at least $10.85 or $8.85 an hour, depending on their employer's sales. 

  • Overtime Pay: Every state has rules about weekly maximum hours and overtime. Learn about the overtime laws in Minnesota and whether they apply to you.
  • Wage Claims: If you're being unlawfully underpaid, you need to learn how to file a "Wage Claim" in Minnesota. 
  • Tips : Every state has special pay rates for tipped workers. Find out the rules for tipped workers in Minnesota.

    • The tipped minimum wage in Minnesota is the same as the regular minimum wage: $10.85 an hour. Tips don't count against the employer's obligation to pay the minimum wage. 

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Find a Lawyer in Saint James, MN

• Our Lawyers by Zipcode section allows users to find a local lawyer using the best online resources, including on topics we don't cover.
• DUI, Criminal Defense
• Auto Accidents & Personal Injury
• Immigration
• Legal Aid
  • LawHelpMN.org 

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