Q. Are there resources for writing my own will?
A. Yes. The Law Library and Dakota County Public Library have books on estate planning, including creating wills, living trusts and other estate planning documents. Some titles are:
- AARP Crash Course in Estate Planning: The Essential Guide to Wills, Trusts, and Your Personal Legacy, call # 346.052 P17
- Plan Your Estate (2004), call# 346.052 C61
- Estate Planning Basics: What You Need to Know and Nothing More! (2005), electronic book available here. Click on the link there and follow the directions for setting up an e-book account.
- 8 Ways to Avoid Probate (2006), call # 346.052 Ei4
Q. I need information on the probate process.
A. The Law Library has books on the probate process in Minnesota:
The Probate Process from Start to Finish in Minnesota, call # R346.052 C36 (reference book; does not circulate).
Probate and Planning booklet, available online or in the library, call # 343.053 P94. It has short sections on: Wills, Probate, Living trusts, Conservatorship, Power of attorney, Health care directive, planning a funeral, Sample forms and Glossary of terms.
Both branches have a copy of Minnesota Estate Administration Deskbook. Hastings has the 3rd ed. #KFM 5547.M5; Apple Valley has the 2d ed. #R346.052 M66. Includes forms.
You can also find some probate forms on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. See Uniform Conveyancing Blanks - Probate.