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.
Divorce can be difficult, but you don’t need to be unprepared. Being prepared can help you handle the emotions, understand the legal process, and get through the divorce as stress-free as possible. Below are some steps to take towards a “nice” divorce: Find a Support Network Divorce can be a very challenging and emotional time. Be good to yourself and find...
While not everyone needs a will, most people could benefit from a will. You could use a will if: You would not want your property divided according to your state’s intestacy laws You would want to leave something to a person not recognized by your state’s intestacy laws (a non-marital partner, a stepchild, a best friend) You or your spouse have children...
Sometimes the term “estate plan” can be overwhelming. Or people think, “I don’t have very much, I don’t need an estate plan” Estate planning is just the concept planning for the care of our children, our families, and our assets in the event of our incapacity or death. You don’t need to have a million dollar estate to need an estate plan. My most common...
The term “estate planning” has a tendency to send many people in a panic -too complex, full of legal lingo and complicated tax concepts. In his article Estate Planning Without Anxiety Peter Keating with SmartMoney Magazine does a good job of explaining the basic concepts. There are four simple steps you should be aware of when working on your estate plan:...
1. What areas of law do you practice? Does the attorney limit their practice to one or two areas, or do they take the “Jack of all trades” approach? There are many different areas of law; if an attorney practices a little bit of everything, does he or she have the depth of knowledge necessary for your case? 2. How many open cases do you typically have...
Just like all of you non-lawyers hear the horror stories of over-priced attorneys and expensive litigation (i.e. “I know someone who spent $50,000 on his divorce. All that for nothing!”), lawyers get to hear all of the horror stories of clients who think they can do it without a lawyer, and then suffer the consequences. Just in recent months I have heard...
Minnesota estate planning lawyers regularly battle the misconception that estate planning is something that only wealthy people need to do. They may hear about “trust funds” and “estate taxes” and falsely believe these things only apply to the super-rich. Unfortunately, these folks often end up costing their heirs considerable time and money because they...
Wedding planning can be so much fun in Minnesota. There’s the dress, the photographer, the caterer, and the flowers. One area which can get overlooked, however, is the prenuptial agreement. Sure, it might not seem like as much fun as tasting cakes and picking your first dance song, but it is something that needs to be considered in the midst of...
Starting out in life can be an exciting time. Fresh out of college and starting a new job. Recently married and looking for a new house. A brand new baby. It’s these things that make you feel that you’re invincible. Many young couples and families do not make estate planning a priority in their lives – “it’s too early,” being a common response. The thought...
Introducing Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. Online Providing unbundled family law and estate planning services online. I am excited to announce the opening of Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. Online - the new virtual arm of the firm where I will be able to provide unbundled family law and estate planning services online. Unbundled (or limited scope) legal services...
I'm excited to announce the opening of Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. At Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. we are your family’s trusted legal advisers. Your family is your most valuable asset, and with Lewis Kannegieter Law, you can be assured that we feel the same way. We provide a caring and compassionate atmosphere for our Minnesota family law and estate...