Creating an online will in Minnesota: What you need to know

Creating a will in Minnesota is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. And thanks to modern tools, making your online will in Minnesota has never been easier—or more accessible.

While a will is something you create during your lifetime, it only becomes legally effective after your passing. That’s why it’s so important to get it right—because you won’t be there to clarify anything later. With the right plan in place, your loved ones will have clear guidance and less stress during a difficult time.

Below, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about wills in Minnesota, including recent legislation, legal requirements, and how to confidently complete your will online.

How much does it cost to make a will in Minnesota?

The cost of a Minnesota will depend on how you choose to create it. Working with a lawyer can cost several hundred—or even thousands—of dollars. But creating your will online with Trust & Will starts at just:

• $199 for individuals

• $299 for couples

• Optional membership that includes digital safe storage and unlimited updates

Our Will Plan includes step-by-step guidance, attorney-designed templates, and Minnesota-specific legal compliance. It’s a budget-conscious, comprehensive solution—designed so you can create and maintain your will with ease and peace of mind.

Are online wills valid in Minnesota?

Yes—but with an important distinction.

Minnesota does recognize online wills, meaning you can use a platform like Trust & Will to create your estate plan. However, to make it legally valid, you’ll need to:

• Print your will

• Sign it in front of two qualified witnesses

• Store the signed, hard copy securely

Even though Minnesota has recently passed legislation allowing fully digital wills (known as eWills), Trust & Will does not currently support digital execution. You can still use our platform to create your Minnesota will online—but it must be executed (signed and witnessed) offline to be valid.

eWills in Minnesota: What changed?

As of August 1, 2023, Minnesota adopted the Uniform Electronic Wills Act, making it one of the first states to recognize fully electronic wills—including digital signing, remote witnessing, and online storage.

While this is a huge leap forward for estate planning, it’s important to note: Trust & Will does not currently support fully digital eWills in Minnesota. Our customers must still print, sign, and store a physical copy of their will for it to be legally enforceable.

We’re closely monitoring changes in eWill legislation and technology—and hope to expand our product capabilities in the future.

What is required for a will to be valid in Minnesota?

To ensure your will is legally valid, it must meet the following Minnesota will requirements:

• Be in writing (typed, not oral or video)

• Signed by the testator (you)

• Signed in the presence of two competent witnesses, who are:

  • At least 18 years old

  • Of sound mind

  • Not beneficiaries of the will

Additionally, handwritten or holographic wills are generally not accepted in Minnesota. That’s why using an online will template—typed, structured, and legally vetted—is a great way to get started.

How do you file an online will in Minnesota?

Once the testator has passed, the executor is responsible for filing the will with the appropriate Minnesota court. Even if your will was created online, it must be printed and properly signed to be valid.

To help your executor avoid delays, make sure your signed will is:

• Stored securely

• Accessible to your executor

• Signed and witnessed per Minnesota law

Do you need a lawyer for a will in Minnesota?

No, you do not need a lawyer to create a legally valid Minnesota will. If your estate is straightforward, using an online estate planning service can be a smart, affordable solution.

Trust & Will offers:

• Attorney-designed documents

• Built-in compliance with Minnesota law

• Member support and step-by-step guidance

If you ever need additional help, we’re here to support you—without the hourly fees.

Does a will need to be notarized in Minnesota?

Notarization is not required to make your Minnesota will valid. However, it’s strongly recommended to help confirm the authenticity of your document.

Minnesota law does require:

• The testator (you) to sign the will

• Two qualified witnesses to be present during signing

For added peace of mind, you can include a self-proving affidavit (signed and notarized), which can help avoid witness testimony during probate.

Are wills public record in Minnesota?

Wills in Minnesota become public only after the testator has passed away and the will is filed with the court. Once filed, the document becomes part of the probate record and is accessible to the public.

This is one reason some people choose to include sensitive information—like financial details or burial wishes—in separate documents like a Revocable Living Trust or Letter of Instruction.

Who inherits when there is no will in Minnesota?

If someone dies without a valid will, Minnesota’s intestate succession laws determine how their assets are distributed. Here are a few examples:

• Children only (no spouse): Children inherit everything

• Spouse + shared descendants: Spouse inherits everything

• Spouse + descendants from another relationship: Spouse inherits part; descendants inherit the rest

• Parents (no spouse or children): Parents inherit everything

• Siblings (no spouse, children, or parents): Siblings inherit everything

Without a will, the court—not you—makes these decisions. Creating a legally valid Minnesota will ensures your wishes are honored.

How do you write an online will in Minnesota?

At Trust & Will, we make it simple to write your online will in Minnesota with confidence.

Here’s how it works:

1. Answer simple, guided questions about your assets and wishes

2. Download or ship your Minnesota-specific documents

3. Print, sign, and witness your will as required by law

At Trust & Will, we keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement  options today!

Is there a question here we didn’t answer? Browse more topics in our learn center, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page,  or chat with our member support!

Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.