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.
Every family has its own approach when it comes to talking about financial and legal information. Minnesota wills and trusts lawyers see everything from very open and transparent situations to those where discussions of money are considered taboo. In reality, families which are at the estate planning phase should be having at least some...
Receiving an inheritance is both an honor and a responsibility, and estate planning attorneys constantly see individuals who are just not ready to take that on appropriately. Unlike items of sentimental value, such as jewelry or family heirlooms, a financial inheritance was likely meant to be used toward your own monetary goals. The temptation...
If you are contemplating divorce there are many things to think about. A divorce can impact all areas of your life and you don't want to go in to the process blind. Here are just a few things to consider. Sheer Change for All Involved Humans are built to seek a comfort zone. This doesn’t necessarily mean a positive comfort zone, just simply any situation...
Elder lawyers in Minnesota work not just with our older clients, but also with their caregivers. In many cases, this means adult children who have or will be given power of attorney, not to mention those who just step up to help when something is needed. There are some legal issues that may arise caused by people who see the elderly as targets...
Divorce is never easy. It is hard to think about ending your marriage. Unfortunately, there are times when it is unavoidable. As we move into the new year, we all start to reexamine our lives. If you've been unhappy in your marriage it may be time to consider, “is the new year time for divorce?” Is Your Marriage Impacting Other Areas of Your Life We often...
Central Minnesota wills and trusts lawyers see just about every circumstance which results from a parent’s death. Some siblings handle the wills and trusts administration gracefully and with dignity, while others turn to squabbling and pettiness. When we work with our clients, they are often very concerned about how to treat their children equally when...
There are several reasons that a will may prove invalid. It is important for testators to be aware of these pitfalls in order to avoid them. Improper Execution The requirements vary from state to state, but most states require a valid will to be witnessed by two people not named in the will. Some jurisdictions require the document to be notarized as well....
While the topic of death is not one that people want to think about, the truth is that it’s important to plan for what will happen once you die. For many families, the holiday season is the only time they come together all year. This can be a good time to talk to your family about estate planning wishes so you can ensure you are on the same page with what...
Many people keep their important documents at home where they are easily accessible. It’s not at all uncommon to find people with a filing cabinet or even a shoe box containing passports, account statements, deeds, tax returns, birth certificates and social security cards. Wills are often added to these files once the estate planning process is completed....
The world of estate planning can be complex. If you have just started your research or are in the process of setting up your estate plan, you’ve likely encountered discussions of wills and trusts. While most people have a very basic understanding of a last will and testament, trusts are often foreign concepts. Two of the most common types of trusts used in...
It is open enrollment season and one of the benefits your employer is offering is legal insurance. Should you sign up for it? The answer to that question, like many other legal questions, is – it depends. Before making your decision, here are some questions to ask. What exactly is covered? All legal insurance plans will hype up the benefits they offer, but...
When a person dies with a Will in place, a Personal Representative or Executor is named as the responsible individual for winding down the decedent's affairs. In situations in which a Will has not been prepared, the probate court will appoint someone to that role. Whether you have been named or appointed, the role comes with certain responsibilities...