By Mark Westpfahl
What Is a Legacy Sheet?
A Legacy Sheet is a single document that organizes everything a Minnesota personal representative needs to start estate administration. It's your roadmap through probate - from finding the will to identifying heirs and beneficiaries to cataloging probate assets and non-probate assets.
Think of it as your estate's "master key" that unlocks where everything is located.
What Does a Personal Representative Do in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the personal representative (also called executor) has clear duties:
- Locate and secure the will
- Inventory all estate assets
- Protect property from loss or damage
- Notify heirs and creditors
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- Distribute remaining assets
The Legacy Sheet makes every one of these steps easier.
What Documents Do You Need to Start Probate?
Core estate documents:
□ Original will and codicils
□ Trust documents
□ Power of attorney
□ Health care directive
□ Death certificate (10+ copies)
□ Letters testamentary
□ Beneficiary designation forms
□ Transfer-on-death deeds
What Should Be on an Estate Inventory?
Real estate & titled property:
□ Primary residence
□ Investment properties
□ Real estate owned by LLCs
□ Vehicles, boats, RVs, trailers
□ Safe deposit boxes
Financial accounts:
□ Bank accounts (checking, savings)
□ Investment & brokerage accounts
□ Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s)
□ Life insurance policies
□ Annuities