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David K Porter

Probate Attorney at Minneapolis, MN

4.9   21 reviews

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About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Probate
    25%
    This takes up most of my days, as you can tell from my email address. Other lawyers call me when a probate involves real estate.

  2. Estate planning
    20%
    Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, Transfer On Death Deeds, Nursing Home Expense Planning - there are lots of tools. Like anything else, it's all in how you use them.

  3. Real estate
    20%
    Certified as a Real Estate Specialist Toughest test I ever took. This one gets the nicest frame.

  4. Wills and living wills
    15%
    Standard package applies for most of us - a Will, Health Care Directive, and Power of Attorney. Careful attention to designation of beneficiaries is critical.

  5. Elder law
    14%
    Assisting people with the changes that come as we get older. Planning for the future and beyond.

  6. Trusts
    5%
    The most misunderstood, over-sold, over-hyped, and over-priced product in the legal marketplace today. With very limited exceptions, they do NOT protect assets from creditors or nursing home expenses.

  7. Power of attorney
    1%
    "The poor man's guardianship," these are useful if you have someone you completely trust. Be careful when doing one, and don't trust Wells Fargo to understand Minnesota Law.

 More than 30 years experience as a reliable, useful, and affordable lawyer with a neighborhood practice in south Minneapolis.  I help people preserve their assets and pass them on to their loved ones efficiently and economically.  Planning can help avoid family disputes, taxes, and nursing home expenses a lot better than ignoring them. 

There are cheaper ways to avoid probate than paying thousands for a canned living trust.  I think too many people get taken on those things, because they don't really protect or conceal your assets from nursing home expenses or creditors except in very limited and unusual circumstances.  Supplemental and Special Needs Trusts for people with certified disabilities can do this.  The Spend-Down requirements are different for certain Veterans.  This is a complicated area, but I have developed and earned a solid reputation for providing reliable legal services at reasonable rates in this area.

I also have a bar association certification as a real estate specialist, but those skills are just another tool for figuring out how to accomplish what you need.

Bank officers, real estate agents, and title closers call me when dealing with issues involving probate and real estate procedures.  The classic example is when someone shows up at the closing and says, "I can sign because Mom's Will says I am the Personal Representative (executor)." The problem is, a Will is a lot like  pitch in baseball - it isn't a ball or a strike until the umpire calls it.  This situation can usually still be rescued with a Special Administration, but it's a lot cheaper to get started in the first weeks after someone dies and determine what is actually needed and how to get there.

I look forward to helping you.  Just call me at.

 

 

Photos and videos

If I can help, I will.  If not, let's see if we can find someone who can.
Licensed for 46 years
State MN
Status Authorized to Practice
Acquired 1976
Updated 01/24/2023

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1990. See details

Contact David

Similar lawyers nearby

David K. Porter, Attorney at Law
5208 Bloomington Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55417-1820 08

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  21 customer reviews
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Posted by Aubrey | July 7, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very good!
He is a very sweet guy & helped me out in the spare of time I had and gave his honest time! Seriously recommend
Posted by Rod and Nancy | March 19, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Helpful guidance from David Porter
My husband and I visited with David Porter regarding Medicare/Medicaid coverage in light of land ownership in Texas and Wisconsin. He was very helpful in answering our questions and giving us the resources needed. Since our initial consultation he has continued to alert us to further information and possible considerations.
Posted by Jennifer | January 26, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Recommended!
David is a commensurate professional and always does his best to help his colleagues, both professionally and personally. I am always impressed with David's depth and breadth of knowledge, and would recommend him to anyone looking for a great attorney.
Posted by Marc | January 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Financial Advisor
I am a financial advisor in the Twin Cities. I feel Estate Planing is a very important part of a financial plan, but I am not an attorney. I have referred several of my clients to David Porter and they have had very good eperiences with David. I highly recommend his sevices.
Posted by Jan | January 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A true professional
3 decades ago Mr. Porter handled my (uncontested) divorce with sensitivity and professionalism. All was agreed to without question, and Mr. Porters non-combative demeanor made for a smooth finalization of that marriage. A difficult time for me, but made easier by Mr. Porter's help in preparation and in court.
Posted by Jon | December 17, 2014
The attorney to hire
My family was having very serious problems regarding an elderly mother who was being abused financially by a family member. We were very lucky to have found David Porter. He listened, he understood our issues & he responded immediately . The situation was resolved and we owe David our gratitude. Additional, his fees were very fair. Highly recommended.
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Posted by Colleen | October 8, 2012
Highly Recommend
I'm the oldest of 8 children, and one of my siblings was taking financial advantage of my elderly parents. I contacted David Porter for advice on how to deal with the situation. He came up with the idea of drawing up an Irrevocable Trust, naming me trustee. My Father died 3 years ago, and I was able to negotiate all that needed to be done financially by simply providing a copy of the Trust to Social Security, Banks, Credit Unions, etc. The money was readily available without having to go through my Mother, who was 94 at that time. Since then, I've been able to handle all her financial matters with absolutely no hassle. My soon to be 98 year old Mother is now in a beautiful extended care facility which she would not have been able to afford had my errant brother continued to take advantage of her "generosity!" Within the last week, I referred one of my sisters to David. Her husband recently underwent a kidney transplant, and they needed advice on how best to deal with their estate planning, and what they needed to do immediately. My sister called me the next day to tell me how much she appreciated the referral. David was knowledgeable, kind, and caring. He clearly explained their options, and gave them a direction to go at this time. They have been through so much these past few months, and the information David provided relieved a great amount of stress and anxiety during this difficult time. I would highly recommend Mr. Porter.
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Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2011
Real Estate Attorney
I have worked with David Porter over the last 15 years in the sale of real estate. He is very knowledgeable and detailed orientated.
Posted by Kathryn | July 26, 2011
Professional and Friendly
We felt that David was really looking out for us. He had our best interest as a priority and kept us well informed.
Posted by sue | July 22, 2011
A trusted friend; both personally and professionally
David has provided superior service to us several times - Will Writing and updating, Health Care Directive and our last Real Estate purchase.
Posted by Nancy | July 21, 2011
Simply the best divorce lawyer I could have hoped for
When faced with an unexpected marital break, I was lucky enough to find David Porter. He was a rock, explained everything and worked with me to develop a strategy I could live with. My ex tried all sorts of things up to and post-divorce, but David matched him at every step. A huge relief, all around. Perhaps David is known for his excellent estate skills more than as a divorce lawyer, but I found him to be professional, professionally creative and professionally responsive. As well as a very bright man who was always interesting to speak with. I couldn't have made it through without him and his counsel. And that's a fact.
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Posted by Nathan | July 20, 2011
Mother Passed
David handled my Mother estate after she passed, I was the executor of her estate and the information and training I receive helped me though a difficult situation. I received excellent support in the desposition of my mother assets including the House which was the biggest task since I did not live in the area and had to travel from Calif. He set me up with a list of responsible contractors for help in geting the house in order to sell, real estate professionals that sold my house on the first week it was listed. The CPA that I picked from his list provided me the support I needed. I kept a log with receipts and at the end she used my log book to complete a final summary that I presented to my brothers showing how the funds were spent prior to the asset distribution. The CPA handle all of the taxes for the estate and advised me in handling desposition of Bonds and Stocks associated with the estate. I was very thank ful for all involved.
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Posted by Chris | July 18, 2011
Fellow attorney refers clients to David Porter
It is with both professional respect and high personal regard that I optimistically recommend David Porter as an estate planning attorney. I have referred many clients to him over the years and everyone gives him rave reviews.
Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2011
David Porter Review
I was in a probate and real estate situation that quickly turned complex and difficult. I called upon David Porter and he acted quickly and with competently to put things in order. There were some odd facts to this case and Dave knew what to do and came up with creative and effective solutions. He communicates very promptly and is empathetic to the emotions people are experiencing in a probate case. I am so grateful that I hired him and would recommend him without qualification.
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Posted by Jerry | July 18, 2011
An excellent personal attorney
I have known Dave for over 30 years. I have used him in a variety of business and personal matters. He is knowledgeable, responsive and thorough. What I also appreciate about Dave is that he will tell you when he does not feel qualified to handle a particular issue and will refer you to other counsel. That is unusual for many who will often take on something better handled by another person. I would have no reservation recommending Dave to a friend or family member.
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Posted by Joanne | July 17, 2011
Review of David Porter
Daid Porter handled my legal needs with timeliness, empathy,professional decorum with a great sense of humor and with thorough knowledge of his field
Posted by Doug | July 17, 2011
Trustworthy, Efficient, Effective
Dave Porter wrote the wills for both of my parents about 20 years ago. My dad died in 2008 and my mom in 2009. Dave was very sympathetic and supportive, beyond just being a lawyer, when my parents died. He truly cares and takes interest in interpersonal relationships. I was the "personal rep" for the estate. As such I met with Dave to begin the probate process. I was impressed by how he navigated the system so knowedgeably and efficiently. Right from his office he acquired a government tax ID for the estate. Amazing! In one simple meeting he set the wheels in motion for all the various governmental requirements. The probate process was efficient and effective!! Dave Porter is totally trustworthy and I will recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by Tom | July 17, 2011
Not a client but a character endorsement
. I have been the Community Education Coordinator for the Southwest area of Minneapolis for the past 37 years, and have known David for over three decades. I have a high regard for his integrity and commitment to working professionaly and fairly with people. His involvement in our community programas and his commitment to the well-being of the children and residents of this area has been commendable and consistent. I know that he is an excellent attorney and you can depend on him, as evidenced by his other cleint reviews, to meet your legals needs with what you would need and expect from an outstanding attorney.
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Posted by Bob | July 17, 2011
Colleague and client
The first time Mr. Porter provided legal services to me was over 30 years ago. That was a property matter and he handled it perfectly. Since then I have become a lawyer and relied on Mr. Porter to provide guidance to me both personally and on professional matters. I have the utmost confidence in both his abilities and his dedication to his clients. Mr. Porter is also a positive influence on the community. Everyone who lives in South Minneapolis knows who he is and I doubt anyone would hesitate to use him as their lawyer. I know David has been disciplined in the past but he handled that matter with dignity and paved the way for other lawyers to receive fair treatment when the going gets rough as it can for anyone. I would not hesitate to hire Mr. Porter for any matter within his field of expertise. I also would not hesitate to ask him advice on a personal matter. He's both a great lawyer and a great guy.
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Posted by Chad | June 20, 2011
Review of David K. Porter
I've been working with Mr. Porter now since December 27, 2010. My brother passed away suddenly and didn't leave a will. Dave impressed me from the beginning with his kindness, extensive knowledge, and no bull attitude. For the last six months he had to deal with several insurance companies, heirs of the estate, mounds of paperwork, and even had to search county records over 20 years back for my brother's divorce decree. No matter what the challenge he always did it with a smile, a kind word, and utmost professionalism. Dave's been around. His stories are fascinating and his laugh is contagious. His fee was very very reasonable considering the countless hours he put in on this estate. The estate has finally been settled and everyone is happy. I'm so very fortunate to of had Dave at my side through all this. I don't just consider him my attorney, I consider him my friend. I highly recommend Dave Porter to anyone.
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AVVO RATING 8.7 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1990.

Suspension issued in MN, 1990
updated on 01/25/2019

This means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

David's comment: “After successful treatment for depression almost 30 years ago, I was reinstated. Have since helped other lawyers experiencing this disease, which is the most common one affecting our profession. Have recently succeeded in losing almost all of the weight gained since getting my license. (The other most common of lawyers' afflictions - along with already knowing every lawyer joke ever told...)”

Work Experience

  • Letter Carrier
  • United States Postal Service
  • 1973 - 1976
  • Delivery Driver
  • Budweiser Distributor, Mankato Minnesota
  • 1971 - 1971
  • Community Organizer
  • Seward Co-op
  • 1971 - 1972

Education

  • Hamline University School of Law - now "Mitchell Hamline Law School"
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1976
  • University of Minnesota
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1970
  • John Marshall High School, Rochester Minnesota
  • Yes
  • 1965
  • Macalester College
  • 1965-1967
  • N/A
View all education

Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Elder Law Section
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Real Estate Section
  • Certified Real Estate Specialist
  • 2010 - Present
  • Seward Co-op
  • Founding Member
  • 1971 - 1972

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Certification as Real Estate Specialist
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • 2010
  • Mediator of the Year
  • Minneapolis Mediation Program
  • 1999
  • Mediator of the Year
  • Minneapolis Mediation Program
  • 1998
  • Mediator of the Year
  • Minneapolis Mediation Program
  • 1997
  • Mediator of the Year
  • Minneapolis Mediation Program
  • 1996
  • Mediator of the Year
  • Minneapolis Mediation Program
  • 1995
View all awards

Publications

  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • The Reinstatement Process in Minnesota
  • 1996
  • Bench & Bar of Minnesota
  • The Need for a Lawyer Assistance Program in Minnesota
  • 1995

Speaking Engagements

  • Church Basement Series
  • Estate and Medical Assistance Planning
  • 2018
  • Annual Solosmall Conference
  • Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Issues for Lawyers
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (2)
Endorse David
Estate planning Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Porter is able to draw on his many years experience and apply it to Wills and Estates questions for me and my clients and provide incisive advice. He is a creative problem solver. Though I handle simple wills myself, I will bring Mr. Porter in on more complex Estate Planning matters."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Porter is a very experienced and knowledgeable attorney."
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Porter since the 1980s. He has a reputation in the legal community of being a force to reckon with when it comes to representing his client's interests. When I was a struggling solo attorney, Mr. Porter always took the time to answer questions for me. I have referred numerous clients to him and they have all had glowing reports. Mr. Porter knows what he is doing, helps clients with small and with huge issues, at affordable prices, and does so with great heart and integrity. I continue to rely on Mr. Porter to educate me on areas of the law I don't understand, and I continue to refer my clients, neighbors, family and friends to him. He has never let me or my referrals down. I highly endorse him."
Probate Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Over the past five years I have seen his work in numerous contested and uncontested matters. He is creative in his approach, knowledgeable in the law and in human behavior. He is steadfastly committed to the interests of his client as well as professionalism in everything he does. He is helpful to other lawyers while unyielding in pursuit of his clients' interests."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David Porter is an excellent lawyer and an all-around great guy. As a new attorney, I have turned to David for mentorship and have always found him to be knowledgeable, extremely likeable and charitable with his time. I endorse David Porter."
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Minneapolis Probate Lawyer David K Porter
David K Porter
Probate Attorney
Minneapolis, MN
Licensed for 46 years
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1990. See details