Do you have minor children? If so, have you considered choosing a legal guardian who you would want to raise your kids if you and/or their other parent suddenly passed away? While you may have a few thoughts in your mind about who would be best suited for the role (grandparents, aunts, uncles), … [Read more...] about Considerations When Choosing a Legal Guardian Who Could Raise Your Kids
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DNA Tests, Ancestry Accounts, and Planning for Unexpected Relatives in Your Minnesota Estate Plan
Modern technology has put research tools once only available to professionals in the hands of everyday people. With nothing more than access to the internet, we can trace our family trees back several centuries. We can now order DNA testing kits through the mail, allowing us to discover our genetic … [Read more...] about DNA Tests, Ancestry Accounts, and Planning for Unexpected Relatives in Your Minnesota Estate Plan
4 Steps to Avoid Stress at the End of Life
In general, Americans are very uncomfortable talking about end-of-life issues. It can be hard for people to think about (and plan for) their own death, let alone the death of their loved ones. I get it. Yet by not discussing these issues, you are leaving your future caregivers (most often your … [Read more...] about 4 Steps to Avoid Stress at the End of Life
5 Most Infamous Estate Planning Battles
When done properly, an estate plan affords peace of mind to those creating it and leaves behind a legacy for their loved ones. But, sometimes estate planning can go awry – and it’s usually due to eccentricities held by either the creators of the estate plan, the beneficiaries, or both. To give a … [Read more...] about 5 Most Infamous Estate Planning Battles
Enforcing Social Distancing for Elderly Relatives
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 for making sure others … [Read more...] about Enforcing Social Distancing for Elderly Relatives
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 gradually relaxed, it’s … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and COVID-19: Planning Ahead for a Long-Term Crisis
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 a great tool for … [Read more...] about How to Use a 529 Plan to Save for Education Expenses While Benefiting Your Estate
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 reached their own … [Read more...] about Changing Child Custody in Minnesota
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 picture look to make sure … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Through the Lens of An Estate Planning Attorney
