8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
IN-PERSON CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
Welcome & Announcements
– Susan L. Link, Course Chair

9:05 – 9:55 a.m.
Beginning the Probate Process Part 1 – What Is Probate and How Does the Process Get Started?
An overview of the statutes governing estate settlement and the probate process. Learn about alternative methods of transferring assets. Meet the players in a probate proceeding. Practical tips to remember during the initial phone call: “What should I be thinking about when a family member calls to let me know a client has died?”
– Daniel R. Donovan

9:55 – 10:30 a.m.
Beginning the Probate Process Part 2 – What Do the Statutes Say About How to Proceed?
Familiarize yourself with the statutes that govern probate proceedings in Minnesota. Learn the critical information you need to know before your first meeting with a client, including relevant statutory guidelines, how to determine whether property constitutes a probate asset, and how to identify the heirs and personal representative.
– Andrea S. Breckner

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
BREAK

10:45 – 11:35 a.m.
Key Issues in Formal Probate
When should you use a formal probate proceeding? What forms do you need to file to commence a formal proceeding? Step-by-step guidance to ensure that you are prepared to initiate the formal proceeding, including sample forms to illustrate each step.
– Rachel M. Dahl & Susan J. Link

11:35 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Handling an Informal Probate: A Practical Approach
This session will provide practical pointers from a Probate Registrar on how to handle an informal probate proceeding. You will also learn how to avoid common deficiencies in your documents, which can postpone the successful completion of the proceeding. 
– Laura J. Stevens

12:20 – 12:35 p.m.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

12:35 – 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Handling Creditors’ Claims Against the Estate
Learn what constitutes a “claim” in Minnesota, how to give proper notice of probate to potential creditors, and how to manage payment of legitimate claims. Discover how to protect the estate from claims that are barred or improperly submitted.
– William R. Asp

2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
How to Manage Real Estate Transfers in Estate Administration
Estates commonly include real property, and you need to know the specific rules and procedures associated with transferring this type of asset. Find out how to ensure that you’ve properly addressed the most critical components of the conveyance; how to spot and address pre-conveyance issues; and how to complete the conveyance efficiently. We will also discuss some unique real estate situations, and how to address them through the probate process.
– J. Steven Nys

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
BREAK

3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Last Steps: The Final Account and Closing and Distributing the Estate
This session will identify for you specific considerations that you must be aware of when closing and distributing the estate. You will learn the process by which different types of assets must be distributed. You will also receive helpful guidance on choosing the appropriate method of closing an estate, and the procedures required by each method.
– Laura E. Halferty

4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

LIVE IN-PERSON
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAY
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

$275 MSBA members / $275 paralegals / $325 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• Season Pass Discount
• New Lawyer Discount

Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.

Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.