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.
Estate planning is an essential process for anyone looking to secure their assets and protect their loved ones. One often overlooked aspect of estate planning is the prenuptial agreement, which is an invaluable tool for protecting individual assets and ensuring a smooth distribution of assets in the event of a divorce or separation. In this blog post, we...
Have you recently completed your estate plan with a Monticello will and trust lawyer? Congratulations! The hardest part is done. While you work to tie up any loose ends or “fund” your trust if necessary, now is also the time to give serious thought as to where you will store your original documents. Remember, if the documents you worked so hard to...
Are you worried about the safety of an older loved one on the road? If so, you are not alone. Countless families face this issue every year, and it can be devastating for both the senior and their loved ones to deal with. The senior is often forced to confront the reality of losing their independence, while the adult child may need to cope with conflicting...
As an elder lawyer in Minnesota with considerable experience, certain questions are asked over and over again. One area that sometimes requires explanation is the difference between guardianships and powers of attorney.Guardianships for EldersGuardianships come into play when an adult experiences some sort of issue that leads to a mental...
Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions affecting seniors, resulting in an eventual loss of cognitive functions. While there is no cure for dementia or the two leading diseases that cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, there are treatments that can slow the effects and help make life more manageable. In order for these treatments...
As a Monticello trust lawyer, I can confidently say that small businesses are the backbone of this country. They employ more than half of the domestic workforce and contribute greatly to the economy. But, did you know that 9 out of every 10 small businesses are family-owned, and more surprisingly, that most of those do not make it past the third generation...
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people tattooing their medical wishes on their bodies, including "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) directives. While it might seem like a creative and potentially effective way to express one's wishes, relying on a tattoo as a legally binding document is risky and could lead to confusion and misinterpretation. As...
Working with a trust and estates attorney in Monticello is an excellent way to prepare for the future and to protect the assets you want to pass on to your loved ones after you’re gone. A qualified <insert city> lawyer will be able to offer you valuable advice, not only on setting up a will or trust, but also on creating other...
Estate planning often revolves around leaving assets to family members, but what if you want to leave your estate to someone who isn't related to you? Many people have close friends, caretakers, or even charitable organizations that hold a special place in their hearts. In this blog post, our Minnesota will and trust attorneys will explore the essential...
As a Minnesota will lawyer, I've seen firsthand how substance abuse can impact families, leaving parents heartbroken and unsure of how to protect their loved ones while preserving their legacy. In my experience, many parents want to leave an equal inheritance to all their children, but when one child is struggling with addiction, it can significantly...
There’s a lot of bad information on the internet that directs parents of children with special needs to completely disinherit their child in order to maintain his or her eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and housing assistance. While such a blunt move would accomplish the goal of preserving government...
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...