Estate planning, elder law, family transitions, business planning – the legal issues that affect your family are always evolving. Jennifer writes regularly to keep you informed, educated, and empowered. Browse the latest articles below, or search by topic to find what you’re looking for.
It can be difficult to plan for the future, especially for a time when you’re not able to make certain decisions for yourself. The idea can be tough to swallow, even if you’ve experienced it with older relatives and know of the possibilities. However, planning ahead is the key to staying in control and making life as easy as possible for your loved ones in...
When most people think about estate planning, they picture signing a will or maybe setting up a trust. But here's what many don't realize: your estate plan isn't a single document. Instead, it's how all your decisions, accounts, and legal instructions work together as one coordinated system. Think of your financial life as a network of connected pieces:...
One of the biggest misconceptions in estate planning is believing that your spouse, children, or closest relatives will automatically inherit your assets. In reality, asset distribution is governed by legal structures like title designations, beneficiary forms, and state intestacy laws, not by assumptions or family expectations. Understanding how your...
Walking into your first estate planning consultation can feel overwhelming. You might wonder what information you'll need to provide or what topics will be covered. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and make the most of this important meeting. Here are the key questions your Minnesota estate planning attorney will likely ask to create...
Recent news about Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy's passing has highlighted a crucial but often overlooked aspect of estate planning—the timing of death between spouses, especially in blended families. As a Minnesota estate planning lawyer, I've seen how this timing can significantly impact inheritance outcomes and potentially create complications for...
If you're a new doctor building your practice or a seasoned physician branching out on your own, it's time to give serious thought to asset protection planning. Did you know that doctors are among the top professionals targeted in lawsuits? It's not a matter of "if" but "when" you might face a claim.We often hear some common misconceptions from doctors...
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to put off estate planning. But as a Minnesota estate lawyer, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to have your affairs in order, especially when it comes to healthcare decisions and financial management.Two key roles in your estate plan are your healthcare agent and your power of attorney. They're...
Hospice care offers comfort and support during a serious illness, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatment. While it’s often associated with end-of-life situations, a hospice stay can last for months or even years. This highlights the importance of a flexible estate plan that addresses not only what happens after you pass but also the...
If we had a dollar for every time someone asked this question when creating an estate plan…... well, you get the point. There’s a common belief that if you want to disinherit someone, say an adult child, that you should leave them $1 and nothing more in your will. The thought is that doing so serves to acknowledge the heir (so you can’t be...
Your named beneficiaries will likely have to go through probate to receive your real property after your death if it is only in your name and not held in trust. Although transferring property into trust can ensure your family does not have to wait for a judge to validate your will before distributing your assets, it might not make sense for your situation....
The Baby Boomer generation is growing older and beginning to incur the financial costs and strains of aging. Many are caring for their own elderly parents while beginning to recognize long-term care challenges of their own. Boomers are also starting to learn first-hand that long-term care is expensive, and the resources they may have been counting on...
One of the most frequently asked questions elder lawyers receive is, “When should westart planning for long-term care?” The short answer is, “Long before you need it!”When it comes to your home, your health, and your finances, you want to be in the driver’s seat. That is why it is so important to plan now for any future care you may need. Even if you have...