Overview
Murray County is located in Minnesota with a population of approximately 8,179. The Murray County District Court 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 to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. For informal probate, use Form PRO702 (without a will) or Form PRO802 (with a will). The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of General Administration for intestate estates.
Minnesota offers a simplified process for small estates. If the value of the probate estate (personal property) does not exceed $75,000, successors may use an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Form PRO202) after a 30-day waiting period, avoiding formal court proceedings.
Minnesota law allows for reasonable compensation for personal representatives and attorneys. There is no statutory percentage fee; fees must be reasonable based on the time and complexity of the work.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Murray 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
Murray County District Court
Probate matters in Murray County are handled at the Murray County Courts Building.
Address: 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172
Phone: (507) 873-7001 (Court Administration)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The District Court is part of the Fifth Judicial District. The Court Administrator's office accepts filings and can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Courts Building. All visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property valued at $75,000 or less, you may be able to use Form PRO202 (Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property) 30 days after death.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate with a recorded TOD deed or vehicles with TOD beneficiaries transfer automatically.
- 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 Informal Probate with the Murray County District Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate (Form PRO702 without a will, or Form PRO802 with a will)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $322)
- 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 e-filing system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Murray County (such as the Murray County Wheel-Herald) for two consecutive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of General Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors — Minnesota allows creditors 4 months to file claims after notice is published
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 6 months
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge (Unsupervised Personal Statement to Close Estate)
Local Requirements
Murray County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for pro se litigants.
- Bond requirements: The court may require a bond unless the will waives it or all heirs waive the requirement.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Murray County, such as the Murray County Wheel-Herald or Murray County News, for two consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Court Administrator for the most current local rules regarding scheduling and remote hearing options.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Murray County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $322
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $14 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $300-$400 depending on the newspaper
- Will Deposit: approximately $27 (for safekeeping before death)
Minnesota does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable."
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees apply for cards).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Minnesota is 4 months from the date of publication.
Local Resources
Murray County Court Resources
- Court Website: mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Murray.aspx
- Probate Self-Help: mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Probate-Wills-and-Estates.aspx
- Minnesota Probate Forms: mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx?c=31
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Minnesota State Bar Association: 800-292-4152 — mnbar.org
- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: 888-575-2954 — Free legal aid for eligible low-income residents
- LawHelpMN: lawhelpmn.org
Publication
- Murray County Wheel-Herald: 507-836-8726 — Official legal publication
- Murray County News: 507-836-8929 — Local newspaper