A divorce officially starts with the service of the Summons and Petition. The Summons is a very short document (2-3 pages) which notifies the other party (the Respondent) that a divorce lawsuit has been started. The Summons identifies any real estate owned by the party, provides notice of parent … [Read more...] about How a Minnesota Divorce Starts: The Process and the Approach
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Trusts in Your Estate Plan
While many people consider a “simple will” an important part of taking care of their family after their death, they forget to consider including a versatile option: Trusts. Trusts come into being through a person’s will or a separate legal document establishing that trust. A person who creates a … [Read more...] about Trusts in Your Estate Plan
What Does It Mean to ‘Fund’ A Special Needs Trust In Minnesota?
Parents and caregivers of special needs children in Minnesota understand the importance of planning ahead to ensure the future care of their loved one. For most families, this includes working with a special needs lawyer to create trusts and other legal documents which provide for the continuing … [Read more...] about What Does It Mean to ‘Fund’ A Special Needs Trust In Minnesota?
How to Find a Lawyer
Once you have decided you need a lawyer, the next question is how do you find a lawyer? There are many different ways to find a lawyer, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ways to find a lawyer: Referrals from Friends and Family By asking friends and … [Read more...] about How to Find a Lawyer
I just want a cheap and easy divorce!
A common theme among many going through a divorce is the desire to have a “nice” divorce in the most cost-effective way possible. There are many different opinions on how to accomplish this. Today I will explain five options and give some pros/cons for each. I will start off with two general … [Read more...] about I just want a cheap and easy divorce!
Do Your Family A Favor
The best thing you can ever give someone you love is peace of mind. Stress and uncertainty can take a toll on all of us, the comfort and reassurance that comes from a well thought out plan can go a long way of relieving the burden. Update Your Will. Hire an attorney who will really take the … [Read more...] about Do Your Family A Favor
Understanding the difference between the emotional divorce and the legal divorce
In the divorce seminars I teach and in my initial consultations with clients, I often talk about the difference between the emotional divorce and the legal divorce. I am an attorney, it is my job to help with the legal divorce; to help my clients get through the court process and settle issues … [Read more...] about Understanding the difference between the emotional divorce and the legal divorce
Planning Advice For Single Adults Without Children In Minnesota
For many adults in Minnesota, the thought of estate planning conjures up visions of grandma and grandpa putting together a will or a trust to pass down their home or cherished heirlooms to family members. It’s all about providing for our offspring, right? Not necessarily. Even if you are single … [Read more...] about Planning Advice For Single Adults Without Children In Minnesota
Understanding Legal Fees
One of the most important things to understand when working with a lawyer (and one of the major deterrents in hiring a lawyer) is legal fees. Before hiring a lawyer it is important to understand the fee structure that is used, how much money is required upfront (also known as the retainer), what is … [Read more...] about Understanding Legal Fees
