Stephen L. Nelson Attorney & Counselor at Law

Probate and Trust Administration

Probate and Trust Administration Attorney

Experienced Representation in St. Paul and the Surrounding Communities

If you have been named as executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate of a loved one, you want an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the probate process and successfully settle the estate. The probate process can be complex, requiring access to specific types of resources and a comprehensive knowledge of laws, taxes (estate and income) and processes unfamiliar to most people. The administration of a trust can involve similar issues.

At the law offices of Stephen L. Nelson, Attorney and Counselor at Law, we have over 35 years of experience assisting individuals with the administration of trusts and the satisfaction of all requirements to probate an estate. We know from experience that there is a lot more to probate than just filling out forms. We understand that every situation is unique and tailor our work to meet the individual needs of each client. Contact our offices to arrange a confidential consultation.

Probate Administration

When you hire us to help you take the estate of a loved one through the probate process, we will:

• Help you locate and find decedent's assets and safe deposit box, if any 
• Help you locate all possible assets including employment benefits, insurance policies and union benefits
• Obtain valuations of property, when necessary
• Work with you to complete an inventory of all of the assets of the estate
• Assist you in dealing with all final debts, estate taxes and income taxes
• Provide you with the proper information and guidance to accurately account for all of the expenses of probate
• Oversee the orderly distribution of the estate in accordance with the terms of the will or state law

We customarily work with individuals from the beginning of the probate process, but can also step in to existing probate administration matters if problems arise. Our goal is to minimize the tax impact on everyone.

Trust Administration

If you are a trustee or beneficiary of a trust, you also need experienced legal counsel to advise you as to administration of the trust assets and protect the beneficiary's interests. Often, it can be difficult to determine what property is held by a trust and what property is not. We can assist you or give guidance in determining what happened to assets that were previously held in the trust and now appear to be missing. After the death of a creator of a trust, the trust becomes a new tax entity which requires a tax id number, and you will need to prepare and file a fiduciary income tax return.

At our office, we can answer all your questions regarding the administration of a trust and make certain the terms of the trust have been complied with.

To schedule a confidential meeting with an experienced business lawyer in St. Paul and the surrounding area, contact us or call us at (651) 315-8108. We have been at the same location, just north of University on Snelling Avenue, for over 50 years.

Attorney Nelson is AV-rated under Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System.*

Stephen L. Nelson
Attorney and Counselor at Law
665 North Snelling Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
Toll Free: (888) 312-9189
Telephone: (651) 315-8108
Fax: (651) 642-2619
Map & Directions

At the law offices of Stephen L. Nelson, Attorney and Counselor at Law, we represent individuals throughout St. Paul and the surrounding communities in Minnesota, including Roseville, Arden Hills, New Brighton, Shoreview, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Oakdale, St. Anthony, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Woodbury, West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Eagan, Mendota Heights, Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mounds View, Blaine, St. Anthony and Fridley; and throughout Ramsey County, Washington County, Dakota County, Anoka County, Hennepin County, Scott County and Carver County.