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.
When navigating the intricacies of Medical Assistance, particularly when planning for long-term care, you'll encounter terms that might be unfamiliar yet profoundly influential. One such term is "community spouse." As your local Minnesota elder law attorney, I'm here to demystify this concept and its implications for Medical Assistance eligibility and...
The holiday season is joyous for many. However, it can be overwhelming if you care for an older adult. People in their senior years often feel isolated from the outside world if they can't participate in certain festivities. Maybe they used to be active and loved playing with their kids and grandkids but no longer have the energy or physical abilities....
Creating an estate plan feels like something you check off a to-do list. Once the task is complete, you can move on and forget about it. However, that is not the mentality you should take when drafting your final wishes. An estate plan should reflect your current circumstances and should be periodically reviewed and amended as your life changes.How often...
Inheriting an asset can be a mixed blessing. While it might signify a meaningful bequest from a loved one, it also comes with its own tax implications. One of the most significant tax features to understand when inheriting property is the "step-up in basis". As a Minnesota estate planning attorney, I often encounter clients who are unaware or confused...
A recent survey counted over 18.2 million American Veterans over age 65. Many of these Veterans include those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Suppose you are caring for an elderly Veteran. In that case, you should know about the benefits and services available for the various health and...
Seniors and their families are left at a disadvantage as the costs of assisted living facilities continue to rise. While it may sometimes seem like there is no relief from these rising care costs, there may be a way for families to get a bit of relief in the form of tax deductions. Medical expenses, which typically include most long-term care expenses, are...
When there's a significant age difference between your children, estate planning can require extra attention to detail. You're not only considering their immediate needs but also forecasting the challenges each child may face at different life stages. As your Minnesota estate planning lawyer, I'm here to highlight the nuances you should consider in such...
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...