Wills vs. Trusts in Minnesota: Which One Do You Need?
Steven Budke
May 15, 2026
Leverson Budke provides focused legal representation across three practice areas in Minnesota: DWI defense, criminal defense, and estate planning.
Nicholas Leverson leads our DWI and criminal defense practice, defending clients charged with DWI (all four degrees, from misdemeanor to felony), domestic assault, drug charges, and federal offenses. Nick is a Minnesota State Bar Assembly Delegate and has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer and Ten Best DWI Lawyer by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.
Steven Budke leads our estate planning practice and handles criminal defense matters, helping Minnesota families with wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and elder law. Steve is an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a past recipient of the Adjunct Professor of the Year award.
We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 — because criminal charges don’t wait until business hours, and estate planning shouldn’t wait either.
Getting a DWI in Minnesota is a charge that comes with serious consequences. If charged, it’s vital to quickly contact a knowledgeable DWI lawyer who can help you handle time-sensitive matters and present your best defense.
If you’re charged with a crime, you need experts on your side that can defend you against the prosecutors and the many resources and strategies they’ll use. No matter the crime, this isn’t something you should handle without a Minnesota attorney.
It may be possible to have your criminal record sealed from public view, which can allow you to regain lost rights. Expungement is not simple, but our attorneys can let you know if you qualify and what steps to take.
Drug convictions can come with jail time, fines, and if deemed a felony, may impact your ability to vote, own a firearm, or obtain employment. Always contact an experienced attorney before taking a plea.
Domestic assault charges in Minnesota are complex and can have severe and long lasting effects – especially if your case isn’t handled properly. Our lawyers can guide you through these complicated charges and assist you in deciding on a plea.
Restoring gun rights involves both state and federal laws, and the timing of your attempt at restoration is very important. Contact a Twin Cities attorney before taking any actions, and never possess a firearm until your rights are restored.
Minnesota’s estate tax exemption is $3 million per person — far below the $15 million federal threshold. Without proper planning, a married couple can lose one spouse’s entire exemption because Minnesota doesn’t allow portability. Our estate planning practice, led by Steven Budke, helps families protect their assets from estate taxes, avoid the $5,000-$15,000 cost of probate, and ensure their wishes are legally documented.
If you’re planning for the future, seek trusted guidance from a professional. An experienced Minnesota estate planning attorney can help protect your family, assets, and wishes when creating a will, trust, or long-term care plan.
Healthcare directives ensure your medical wishes are honored if you can’t speak. They ease stress for loved ones and provide guidance in difficult moments. An experienced Minnesota attorney can help create documents that reflect your values.
Protecting your assets takes more than good intentions. Strategic legal planning helps reduce risk, preserve wealth, and secure your future. An experienced Minnesota attorney can guide you in protecting your interests and your family.
A strong business succession plan protects your company, prepares for transitions, and reduces uncertainty. With experienced legal guidance, you can create a strategy that supports continuity, stability, and your long-term vision.
Charitable planning lets you support meaningful causes while building a legacy that reflects your values. With the right legal strategy, an experienced Minnesota attorney can help align your giving with your broader estate plan.
Special needs planning protects a loved one’s future while preserving essential benefits. Thoughtful legal planning provides long-term security and peace of mind. An experienced Minnesota attorney can help create a plan tailored to your family’s needs.
Elder law addresses legal and financial issues tied to aging, including long-term care and incapacity planning. Thoughtful planning helps protect your rights, independence, and provides clarity for you and your family.
Wills and trusts help protect assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored. A well-crafted plan avoids complications and brings peace of mind. An experienced Minnesota attorney can guide you.
A power of attorney lets a trusted person handle your financial or legal matters if needed. It’s vital during illness or incapacity. An experienced Minnesota attorney can ensure it’s clear, effective, and tailored to you.
Probate and estate matters can be complex, especially during difficult times. The right legal guidance can help manage estate administration, resolve disputes, and navigate court procedures with greater clarity, confidence, and efficiency.
At Leverson Budke, clients receive dedicated legal support in criminal defense and estate planning through an approach that is personal, strategic, and focused on individual needs. Whether protecting your rights in a criminal matter or preparing for the future with a thoughtful estate plan, you can expect guidance that is practical, dependable, and tailored to your circumstances. Every case and every plan begins with a careful understanding of your goals, concerns, and priorities, followed by a strategy built to match your situation. From the first conversation to the final outcome, the focus remains on clear communication, close attention to detail, and trusted support at every stage. The goal is to protect your interests, deliver effective solutions, and help you move forward with confidence, backed by a team ready to stand by your side when it matters most.
We practice DWI defense (all four degrees), criminal defense (domestic assault, drug charges, federal offenses, expungement, gun rights restoration), and estate planning (wills, trusts, probate, power of attorney, healthcare directives, elder law).
Yes. We offer free initial consultations for all practice areas and are available 24/7. Call (651) 829-3572 or schedule online.
Our office is at 3435 Washington Dr #100, Eagan, MN 55122. We serve clients throughout the Twin Cities metro area including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Burnsville, Apple Valley, and surrounding communities.
Fees depend on the severity of the charge: $1,500-$5,000 for misdemeanors, $3,000-$7,500 for gross misdemeanors, and $5,000-$15,000+ for felonies. We charge flat fees so you know the total cost upfront.
A basic will package costs $800-$2,000 for an individual. A trust-based plan (trust + will + POA + healthcare directive) costs $2,500-$7,000 for a couple.
We primarily serve the Twin Cities metro area across Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka Counties. Contact us to discuss cases in other Minnesota counties.