Probate & Trust Law Section Conference Manual ... - Minnesota CLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: The Incredible Shrinking Estate………………………………………… 1
Tip One: Use Attorney Fee Priority among Claims………………………………… 1
Tip Two:
Fiduciaries have Personal and Potential Exemplary Liability
for Misappropriation of Assets………………………………………………. 2
Tip Three: For Really Bad Fiduciaries,have County Attorney Prosecute
and Ask for Restitution…………………………………………………………. 3
Tip Four:
Tip Five:
Tip Six:
In a Case of a Delinquent PR, a Petition for Removal and
Successor PR can Qualify for Expenses and Attorney’s fees……… 4
If Homestead is the Major Asset, Ask Heirs to Waive
Homestead Exemption(But Very Carefully)…………………………... 4
Attorney Fees are Available for Personal Representative
Nominated in Present or Previous Will - Even If You Lose……….. 5
Tip Seven: Attorney’s Fees are Available for Challenging the Will –
But Only if You Win………………………………………………………………. 6
Tip Eight:
Tip Nine:
Tip Ten:
Attorney Fees are Available for Conducting Legal Proceeding
of Benefit to Estate………………………………………………………………… 7
Spouse or Descendant May Waive Claim to Other Exempt
Property for Attorney Fees…………………………………………………….. 8
Partition of Real Estate Provides Asset Availability and
Attorney Fees and Expenses…………………………………………………… 8
Tip 10.5: Attorney Lien Can Be Sought on Client’s Interest in the Estate….. 9
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