When someone dies in Minnesota, not every estate requires a full probate proceeding in District Court. If the deceased owned $75,000 or less in personal property, Minnesota's Small Estate Affidavit (Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201) lets you collect those assets with a notarized document — no court, no attorney, no filing fee.
The Three Requirements
- At least 30 days have passed since the date of death
- The total personal property subject to probate is $75,000 or less
- No probate proceeding has been filed or is pending for the estate
What Counts Toward the $75,000 Threshold?
Count: Personal property titled solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation or joint owner — bank accounts, vehicles, investment accounts, personal belongings.
Do NOT count:
- Accounts with a named beneficiary (POD, TOD, life insurance, IRAs) — pass automatically
- Joint tenancy property — passes to surviving owner
- Trust assets — controlled by the trustee
- Real estate — always excluded from the affidavit procedure
Minnesota is not a community property state, so all assets solely in the decedent's name count at their full value toward the $75,000 threshold.
Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Examples
| Asset | Value | Qualifies? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checking account (no beneficiary) | $35,000 | ✅ Yes | Personal property, decedent's name only |
| Vehicle (solo title) | $18,000 | ✅ Yes | Personal property; total so far = $53,000 |
| Savings account (no beneficiary) | $20,000 | ✅ Yes | Total = $73,000 — under $75,000 ✅ |
| Lake cabin (sole ownership) | $380,000 | ❌ No | Real estate — requires District Court probate |
| IRA with named beneficiary | $220,000 | ❌ N/A | Passes directly — not subject to probate |
How to Use the Affidavit — Step by Step
- Wait 30 days from the date of death
- Obtain the affidavit form from the Minnesota Courts at mncourts.gov or draft one meeting § 524.3-1201 requirements
- Complete the affidavit stating: the decedent's name and death date; that 30+ days have passed; total personal property is $75,000 or less; no probate is pending; your relationship and entitlement to the property; and a description of the specific assets claimed
- Sign before a notary public
- Attach a certified death certificate
- Present the affidavit directly to the asset holder (bank, MN DVS, broker)
- The asset holder must release the property — they are protected from liability under § 524.3-1202 when acting on a valid affidavit
Minnesota vs. Neighboring State Thresholds
| State | Threshold | Wait Period | Real Estate? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $75,000 | 30 days | No |
| Wisconsin | $50,000 | 30 days | No |
| Iowa | $25,000 | 40 days | No |
| North Dakota | $50,000 | 30 days | No |
| South Dakota | $50,000 | 30 days | No |
| Nebraska | $50,000 | 30 days | No |
| Colorado | $74,000 | 10 days | No |
What If the Estate Doesn't Qualify?
If the estate includes real estate in the decedent's sole name, or if personal property exceeds $75,000, you must open probate with the Minnesota District Court. Minnesota's Uniform Probate Code allows informal probate — no court hearing required for uncontested estates. See our Minnesota Informal Probate guide for the full process.