Stearns County
Probate Court
In Minnesota, estates are probated in the District Court (Probate Division). This page gathers where to file in Stearns County, the state rules that apply, and where every detail comes from.
located via OpenStreetMap
Where to file in Stearns County
- Handled by
- District Court (Probate Division)In Minnesota, probate jurisdiction is exercised by the District Court in each of the 87 counties (10 Judicial Districts) under the Minnesota Uniform Probate Code.
- County building
- Stearns County Courthouse 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, MN 55303 Main line: (320) 656-6328 OpenStreetMap · view the map entry
- Phone
- (320) 656-6328OpenStreetMap
- Opening hours
- Not published in an open source. Check the court or county website before you go.
- County website
- co.stearns.mn.usWikidata
- State courts & e-filing
- mncourts.govCase search: Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) Public Access
How probate runs in Stearns County
Six stages, with the Minnesota rules that set the pace.
- 01
Secure the original will
Find the original signed will and order certified death certificates. Minnesota deadline: Must file with court administrator promptly; 3-year limitation to probate.
- 02
Pick the right track
If the probate estate is under $75,000, a small-estate procedure (Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201) may avoid full administration.
- 03
Petition the court
File the petition with the District Court (Probate Division) for Stearns County. The court appoints the executor or administrator and issues letters.
- 04
Inventory the estate
Open an estate bank account (the IRS issues the EIN), list assets at date-of-death values and file the inventory if the court requires it.
- 05
Notify creditors
Publish or send notice to creditors. Window: 4 months after the date of first publication of notice to creditors.
- 06
Account and distribute
Pay debts, taxes and fees (Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719), file the final account if required, distribute to heirs and ask to close the estate.
Where to get help.
We don't sell leads or take referral fees. Eligibility, availability and fees depend on the provider; confirm them directly.
- 01 Minnesota courts — self-help & formsOfficial judiciary website: forms, filing rules and e-filing.
- 02 Legal aid directory — LawHelp.orgNonprofit directory of free and low-cost legal aid by state, including probate and estates.
- 03 Find a probate lawyer — American Bar AssociationState-by-state links to bar lawyer-referral services and pro bono programs.
Minnesota rules that apply here
Probate law is state law — these apply in all 87 Minnesota counties.
- Small estates
- $75,000 (personal property only)Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201 · wait 30 days
- Filing the will
- Must file with court administrator promptly; 3-year limitation to probate
- Creditor claims
- 4 months after the date of first publication of notice to creditorsMinn. Stat. §§ 524.3-801, 524.3-803
- Executor fees
- Reasonable compensation determined by court based on time, complexity, and results (Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719)Minn. Stat. § 524.3-719 · estimate the fee
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized without witnesses. Minnesota does NOT recognize holographic wills unless executed in another state that permits them.
- Estate tax
- Yes — exemption $3 million.Minnesota imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $3 million with graduated rates from 13% to 16%.
- Inheritance tax
- No.No inheritance tax in Minnesota.
- Typical duration
- 6 to 12 monthsA lawyer is not required by statute, though most formal estates use one.
Rules re-checked Sept 2026 against: revisor.mn.gov (statute)