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.
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...
Estate planning can seem daunting with its complex terminology and numerous components. But don't worry, this guide from our Minnesota estate planning attorney is here to help you navigate the basics. What exactly is estate planning?Let's define the term to make it clearer. Estate planning refers to a process of arranging how you would like your...
If we had a dollar for every time someone asked this question when creating an estate plan…... well, you get the point. There’s a common belief that if you want to disinherit someone, say an adult child, that you should leave them $1 and nothing more in your will. The thought is that doing so serves to acknowledge the heir (so you can’t be...
One common misconception when it comes to estate planning is the belief that one must have significant assets to establish a comprehensive plan. As an estate lawyer in Minnesota, I'm here to tell you that this simply isn't the case. In fact, life insurance can play a crucial role in your estate planning, even if your existing assets are modest.How Life...
There are many benefits to creating a Revocable Living Trust as part of your estate plan, such as the ability to avoid probate and put a quick end to the estate administration process. However, creating a Revocable Living Trust will not automatically accomplish your goals. Instead, after the trust is created, you’ll need to start the process...
As a single parent, it is critically important to have a comprehensive estate plan that protects your child(ren). Obviously, being the sole or primary caregiver doesn't leave you with much time on your hands. However, putting some time aside to meet with an estate planning attorney can give you some peace of mind. By having an estate plan in place,...