"Estate administration" refers to the procedure which must be followed when the estate of a person who has recently died is being distributed, either according to his or her wishes as laid out in a will, or the laws regulating the distribution of the assets of a person who dies without a will.

If the decedent has made a will in Arden Hills, Minnesota, the process will play out according to the instructions specified in the will.

Usually, wills assign an executor who is responsible for overseeing the administration of the estate, and seeing that its provisions are carried out, to the extent possible.

The executor is usually the person who stands to inherit the most money or property from the will, since this individualn will have the greatest incentive to see the probate and administration process to completion.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If an Arden Hills, Minnesota will does not name an executor, or no will exists or can be found, it's up to the local court to determine who should be the executor.

This is typically the person who will benefit the most if the will is executed. If there is no will (a situation known as "intestacy"), Minnesota has a system of laws distributing the decedent's property to his or her closest living relative. In such a case, the closest living relative has the most to gain from an orderly administration of the estate, so they will typically be appointed.

If no executor is named in the will, anyone with a share in the will can apply to the court in Arden Hills, Minnesota to be the executor of the estate, if they wish.

Whoever is assigned to serve as executor, it is their job to act as the representative of the estate. Among other jobs, they have to account for the decedent's debts and assets, and inform any beneficiaries who might be unaware of the situation.

Can a Arden Hills, Minnesota Estate Administration Attorney Help?

Some people are surprised when they find out they've been named the executor of a relative's estate. The responsibilities can seem daunting, but with the help of a reputable Arden Hills, Minnesota attorney, the process almost always goes pretty smoothly.