With nearly every region in the country living under some type of "stay at home" or "shelter in place" order during the current novel coronavirus pandemic, it can be frustrating trying to adhere to these new rules. It's even more challenging for those of us who are responsible...
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Estate Planning and COVID-19: Planning Ahead for a Long-Term Crisis
If you're concerned that you or a loved one could become seriously ill or even worse due to the novel coronavirus, you're not alone. As medical experts predict a more violent return of the virus in the fall or that new spikes could occur in states as social distancing is...
How to Use a 529 Plan to Save for Education Expenses While Benefiting Your Estate
If you’ve heard of a 529 Plan, you probably think of it as a means of education funding for your children or your grandchildren. These plans are sponsored by state agencies or educational institutions, and they’re available to people of all income brackets. While a 529 Plan is...
Changing Child Custody in Minnesota
Sometimes parents wish to change or modify custody orders. Unfortunately this is not an easy task. It is important to understand the impact of an initial order, the limits on timing, and the additional requirements for modifications. Initial Custody Order If parents have not...
COVID-19 Through the Lens of An Estate Planning Attorney
For more than a decade I have helped clients with their estate plans. Things are different now. Previously, a potential client reached out to me wanting to talk about wills or trusts. I would explain that an estate plan is so much more than just the will. It’s taking a big...
Issues to Consider with an Out-of-State Probate
It’s become more and more common now to see clients come in with estate planning or probate cases that involve multiple states. From clients with a family cabin across the border in Wisconsin or mineral rights to land in North Dakota to “snow birds” who spend the winters away...
How To Avoid Conflicts When Passing Down The Family Cabin
Leaving a cabin or vacation home outright to your loved ones can create more family conflict and problems than you might think. While the property may have been a peaceful haven for you and your spouse throughout the years, your children may not look at it the same way when it...
Estate Planning for Single People in Minnesota
Do single people need to worry about wills, trusts, and estate planning? Yes! Really, “yes” is the only answer that’s needed, but I will take a moment to offer some insight as to why single people need to worry about estate planning. When there is no plan First, it is...
Things to Consider When It Comes to Special Needs Planning in Minnesota
Families who have members with special needs have a variety of unique concerns. Whether you’re traveling to occupational therapy appointments, choosing the most effective medical devices, or contemplating whether to “mainstream” your special needs child, there are so many parts...
How to Choose a Guardian for Your Child Advice from a Minnesota Estate Planning Lawyer
One of the most important jobs of a Minnesota estate planning attorney is to help parents choose the right guardian for their children. This is the person (or people) designated by you to care for your minor children if you should die before they become adults. ...
Estate Planning for Your Minnesota Small Business
When it’s time to start your estate planning process (that time is right now, by the way), entrepreneurs need to remember to take their small businesses into consideration. Whether you own the entire business outright and work for yourself or you simply own a portion of...
Minnesota Estate Planning Bucket List
We’ve pretty much all heard about “bucket lists,” but that term can take on a little bit of a different meaning when you’re a Minnesota estate planning lawyer. We deal with the reality every day that life is fleeting, and it’s our goal to help clients to maximize what...







