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

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“contribute[d] solely to the benefit of the interested person.” 770<br />

N.W.2d at 198 [Emphasis added].<br />

TIP NINE: SPOUSE OR DESCENDANT MAY WAIVE<br />

CLAIM TO OTHER EXEMPT PROPERTY FOR<br />

ATTORNEY FEES<br />

A. Minn. Stat. § 524.2-403 provides exempt property to the surviving<br />

spouse and minor children including $10,000 of selected assets and<br />

an automobile regardless of value.<br />

B. There appears no impediment to the surviving spouse waiving his<br />

or her exemption on this property in the same way as the spouse<br />

could waive a homestead exemption discussed previously as to the<br />

waiver of the homestead exemption.<br />

C. This is an area that could be controversial and any practitioner who<br />

considers it should do so with full disclosure and perhaps<br />

independent counsel for the spouse.<br />

TIP TEN: PARTITION OF REAL ESTATE PROVIDES ASSET<br />

AVAILABILITY AND ATTORNEY FEES AND EXPENSES<br />

A. <strong>Probate</strong> Court has jurisdiction to partition real estate or other<br />

property – Minn. Stat. § 524.3-911.<br />

1. Partition petition may be brought by personal representative,<br />

heir or devisee.<br />

2. Minn. Stat. § 524.3-911 incorporates <strong>Minnesota</strong>’s<br />

traditional partition act. Minn. Stat. chapter 558.<br />

8

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