What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Minnesota. I purchased an annuity for my neice in 1991, unbeknownst at the time, one does not think she would pass away at 5 yrs. of age. Made no beneficiary on her annuity. What would I need to do to get the money, as the annuity is set in stone. The checks are being written as of 2 yrs. ago. How do I go about being named Trustee of her estate to claim the annuity $$? Run a legal ad in the paper of her last known residence, file court papers? How much does this cost?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?