Overview
Goodhue County is located in Minnesota with a population of approximately 48,000. The Goodhue County District Court (Probate Division) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Minnesota probate is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 524 (Uniform Probate Code). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of General Administration for intestate estates.
Small Estate Procedures: Minnesota offers an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property for estates where the value of the probate assets (personal property) does not exceed $75,000. This procedure can be used 30 days after death and does not require court supervision.
Fees: Minnesota law allows personal representatives and attorneys to charge "reasonable compensation" for their services. There is no statutory percentage fee schedule; fees are typically based on time spent and the complexity of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Goodhue County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Goodhue County District Court
Probate matters in Goodhue County are handled at the Goodhue County Justice Center.
Address: 454 West Sixth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066
Phone: (651) 267-4800 (Court Administration)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Division is part of the First Judicial District. The court administrator's office accepts filings and can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Justice Center and on surrounding streets. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property: If the probate estate (personal property only) is valued at $75,000 or less, you may be able to skip court by using a small estate affidavit after a 30-day waiting period.
- Transfer on Death Deeds: Real estate with a recorded Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) passes directly to the beneficiary.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (Form PRO201 or similar) with the Goodhue County District Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $325)
- Certificate of Representation (if represented by an attorney)
Minnesota courts require e-filing for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file in paper or use the electronic system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors at least 14 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a legal newspaper of general circulation in Goodhue County (such as the Republican Eagle) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all documents are in order, the judge or registrar will sign the order and issue Letters Testamentary (for wills) or Letters of General Administration (no will).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: Creditors have four months from the date of the Court Administrator's notice to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within six months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns (including MN estate tax if applicable).
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Discharge to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Goodhue County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Pro se (self-represented) petitioners are encouraged to use the Minnesota Guide & File system.
- Bond Requirements: A bond may be required unless the will waives it or all interested parties agree to waive it.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Goodhue County, such as the Republican Eagle or Cannon Falls Beacon, for two consecutive weeks.
- Remote Hearings: Check with the court administrator regarding current policies for remote vs. in-person hearings for probate matters.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Goodhue County)
- Probate Petition (Formal or Informal): approximately $325
- Motion Fee: approximately $100
- Certified Copies of Letters: approximately $14 per copy
- Will Deposit (Safekeeping): $27
- Publication Costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee applies to card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estate Affidavit: Can be used 30 days after death; no court time required.
- Informal Probate (Uncontested): 4-6 months minimum (due to the 4-month creditor period).
- Formal Probate / Complex Estates: 9-18 months or longer.
The 4-month creditor claim period begins after the court issues the notice, which significantly influences the minimum timeline.
Local Resources
Goodhue County Court Resources
- Court Website: Goodhue County District Court
- Probate Self-Help: MN Judicial Branch Probate Help
- MN Probate Forms: State Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Minnesota State Bar Association: mnbars.org
- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: (888) 575-2954 — smrls.org
- LawHelpMN: lawhelpmn.org
Publication
- Republican Eagle: (651) 388-8235 — republicaneagle.com
- Cannon Falls Beacon: (507) 263-3991 — cannonfallsbeacon.com