Stepparent adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States. Once the adoption is finalized, the stepparent assumes full financial and legal responsibility for his or her spouse’s child and the non-custodial parent’s rights and responsibilities are terminated. Stepparent … [Read more...] about Stepparent Adoptions
Blog
Important Steps to Plan for the Future of a Special Needs Child
#1 Establish a Comprehensive Plan Most estate planning attorneys will say that no person should use a “do-it-yourself” will kit to establish their estate plan. If you have a child with special needs, it is extremely important to seek competent legal counsel from an estate planning lawyer with … [Read more...] about Important Steps to Plan for the Future of a Special Needs Child
Do I Really Need Advance Directives for Health Care?
Many people are confused by advance directives for health care. They are unsure what type of directives are available, and whether or not they need need directives at all, especially if they are young. There are several types of advance directives. One is a living will, which communicates what type … [Read more...] about Do I Really Need Advance Directives for Health Care?
Remarried? Protect Your Children With Proper Planning
If you are married for the first time and are working on your estate plan, the decisions about where the assets go are usually easy. Most parents in that situation want their entire estate to go to the surviving spouse, and upon the death of the surviving spouse, equally to their children. There may … [Read more...] about Remarried? Protect Your Children With Proper Planning
Know the Risks of “D-I-Y” Divorce
“Do it yourself” divorce is fraught with risks – even if your case is “simple” and both parties agree on all issues regarding division of property, support, and child custody and visitation. As many have learned the hard way, it is all too easy to make critical missteps today that will come back to … [Read more...] about Know the Risks of “D-I-Y” Divorce
7 Things You Must Know About Child Custody, Support, and Parenting Time in Minnesota
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to child custody, support, and parenting time. While it is impossible to cover everything you need to know, here are 7 things you must know about child custody, support, and parenting time in Minnesota. 50/50 Custody does not exist. Custody is … [Read more...] about 7 Things You Must Know About Child Custody, Support, and Parenting Time in Minnesota
Beware of “Simple” Estate Plans
“I just need a simple will.” It’s a phrase estate planning attorneys hear practically every other day. From the client’s perspective, there’s no reason to do anything complicated, especially if it might lead to higher legal fees. Unfortunately, what may appear to be a “simple” estate is all too … [Read more...] about Beware of “Simple” Estate Plans
Death and Taxes. Give yourself an April 15th deadline
Just as you begin to relax after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it hits you. It’s tax time! For most people tax time brings up images of boxes of random receipts and hours of searching for documents. Trying to get ready to do your tax return or organize for that yearly meeting with … [Read more...] about Death and Taxes. Give yourself an April 15th deadline
Protecting the Rights of Parents with Disabilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, recognized the civil rights of a large class of citizens with physical and mental disabilities by making it illegal to discriminate against them in employment, transportation or public services and accommodations. Since its … [Read more...] about Protecting the Rights of Parents with Disabilities
