Overview
Redwood County is located in Minnesota with a population of approximately 15,254. The Redwood 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 (formal probate with will: Form PRO1202, formal probate without will: Form PRO1102, informal probate with will: Form PRO802, informal probate without will: Form PRO702) 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.
For small estates with personal property valued at $75,000 or less, Minnesota offers a Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit (Small Estate Affidavit, Form PRO202) procedure. There is a 30-day waiting period after death before this affidavit can be used.
Minnesota does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on the services provided, time spent, and complexity of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Redwood 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
Redwood County District Court
Probate matters in Redwood County are handled at the Redwood County Courthouse.
Address: 250 S. Jefferson St., Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: (507) 616-4800 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The court is located in the Redwood County Courthouse. The Court Administrator's office handles probate filings and scheduling.
Parking and Access
Free surface lot and on-street parking are available near the courthouse. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the Redwood County Courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate's personal property is valued at $75,000 or less, you may use an affidavit (Form PRO202) to collect assets 30 days after death.
- Determination of Descent: Used when more than three years have passed since death and no probate was commenced.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file the appropriate petition with the Redwood County District Court:
- Formal Probate with Will: Form PRO1202
- Formal Probate without Will: Form PRO1102
- Informal Probate with Will: Form PRO802
- Informal Probate without Will: Form PRO702
Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Application or Petition for Probate
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $324)
- Certificate of Representation (if represented by an attorney)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants in Minnesota.
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 Redwood County (e.g., Redwood Gazette) 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 — creditors have 4 months from the date of notice to file claims
- 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
Local Requirements
Redwood County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for pro se filers.
- Remote Hearings: Many probate hearings may be held remotely via Zoom. Check with the Court Administrator for current policies.
- Self-Help Workstation: A public access workstation is available at the courthouse for printing forms and accessing court records.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Redwood County for two consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Court Administrator for the most up-to-date local rules and scheduling procedures.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Redwood County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $324
- Will Deposit: approximately $27
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $14 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $200-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Motion filing fee: approximately $100
Minnesota law requires attorney and personal representative fees to be reasonable based on the work performed.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (service fees apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years+
Timelines are affected by the mandatory 4-month creditor claim period and court scheduling availability.
Local Resources
Redwood County Court Resources
- Court Website: mncourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: MN Judicial Branch Probate Help
- Minnesota Probate Forms: State Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Minnesota State Bar Association: (800) 882-6722 — Attorney referral service
- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: (888) 575-2954 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- MN Find a Lawyer: mnbars.org/findalawyer
Publication
- Redwood Gazette: (507) 637-2929 — Official legal newspaper