08/31/2026
The Do's and Don'ts of Minnesota Wills
Thinking about drafting a will? 📝⚖️
While anyone can write their own will, Minnesota law has strict statutory requirements to make sure it’s legally valid in court. To execute a proper will, you must be at least 18 years old, a Minnesota resident, and mentally competent, and the document must be signed with witnesses and a notary present.
Before you get started, keep these quick Do’s and Don’ts in mind! 👇
DO Include:
✅ A Personal Representative: Name a reliable sibling, relative, or friend to handle probate and transfer assets.
✅ Guardianship Nominations: Specify who should raise your minor children.
✅ Clear Beneficiaries: State exactly who gets what (a contents clause is great for preventing inheritance disputes!).
DON’T Include:
❌ Burial Instructions: Wills are often read days or weeks after funeral services occur. Keep funeral wishes in a separate document that family can access immediately.
❌ Long Explanations: Avoid writing long rants about leaving someone out. A simple statement like "I know to whom I am leaving my assets" is legally sufficient.
💡 Pro Tip: Got married or divorced recently? Major life changes affect your legal rights under Minnesota law. Always review and update your estate plan when your marital status changes, and safely discard old wills to avoid court confusion!
Reach out to Amy Kuronen Law today. We’ll guide you step-by-step so you can feel 100% confident your assets and loved ones are protected.
Offering services to those in Lakeview, Richfield, and the surrounding areas.
Instead of asking "Do I need a Will?", learn more about wills and the steps for when you are ready to prepare yours.