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.
If you have a child with special needs, you may be tempted to assume that if something happens to you or your partner, your other children will take care of their sibling. However, it's important to take the time now to create a legal plan for your child so that they are always protected no matter what happens. This includes creating a Supplemental...
We live in an increasingly mobile society, resulting in many of us living far from our aging loved ones. Unfortunately, that means we might not have the kind of contact we did before – and may have a harder time noticing the signs of decline and dementia. While there isn’t much that can be done to treat dementia, identifying it early can help your loved...
Dealing with outstanding financial affairs after the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult. Our Minnesota probate attorney often hear from clients who would rather do anything else than think about money after their loved one’s passing. Unfortunately, death comes with expenses, and even a modest funeral and burial can cost many thousands...
For many retirees, dividing time between two beloved locations is the dream. Known as "snowbirds," these individuals enjoy northern US states in the summer before flocking to warmer climes come winter. While this lifestyle has many advantages, it can significantly impact the distribution of your assets when you pass away. For instance, your home state...
If you've ever questioned the difference between guardianships and powers of attorney for seniors, you're not alone. As a Minnesota elder lawyer, I often field questions about these two distinct yet related legal mechanisms. Here's an explanation to help you understand the nuances of each.Guardianships ExplainedGuardianships typically come into play when...
Going through a divorce is an emotionally charged, challenging process. Amid the whirlwind of legal proceedings, contacting an estate planning attorney might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be.A divorce, often referred to as dissolution of marriage, can stretch over several months, sometimes even years. During this period, it's vital to...
Inheriting assets is a mix of honor and responsibility. As Minnesota probate lawyer, I've seen many people unprepared for the implications of managing their inheritance. The inclination to treat an inheritance as "bonus" money is common, but there are many pragmatic ways to use these funds for future benefits.Integrating Inheritance into Your Financial...
Estate plans usually concern who will get what, like money, jewelry, the house, and family heirlooms after a person dies. Little thought, though, is given to what will happen to debts when they die; most importantly, the mortgage. Many people expect to pay off their mortgage long before they pass away, but the current financial landscape paints a much...
Probate in Minnesota is a process in which a court decides whether a will is valid or not. It’s also legally required in most cases for the management and distribution of a decedent’s assets with or without a will. This definition suggests that if you skip probate, there’s no way to legally transfer those assets. Yet, we still receive calls from local...
As a Minnesota will lawyer, one question I often receive is whether a person with a life estate can rent the property to others. A life estate is a type of legal arrangement in which an individual, known as a life tenant, is given the right to use a property for their lifetime. After the life tenant passes away, the property then passes to the...
As a Minnesota estate planning lawyer, I often receive questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Personal Representative (also known as executor) and Attorney-in-Fact (appointed in a Power of Attorney (POA)), especially in situations where a loved one is no longer living at home. A question I recently received encapsulates a common...
As an elder lawyer serving Minnesota, I often counsel families grappling with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. A common and particularly distressing symptom of dementia is sundowning, characterized by increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness during the late afternoon and evening. Understanding what happens during sundowning...