A Minnesota Order for Release of Funds in Protected Account is a court order issued by a Minnesota court that allows for the release of funds from a protected account. This type of order is typically issued when a person has died and a beneficiary is entitled to receive funds from the decedent's estate. These funds may be held in a bank account, insurance policy, or other protected asset. There are two types of Minnesota Order for Release of Funds in Protected Account: a Small Estate Affidavit and a Court Order for Release of Funds. A Small Estate Affidavit is used when the decedent's estate does not exceed a certain dollar amount, and the beneficiary is able to submit an affidavit to the court to receive the funds. A Court Order for Release of Funds is used when the amount exceeds the Small Estate Affidavit limit, and the court must issue an order to the bank or other holding institution to release the funds to the beneficiary.