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.
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 of life support and medical treatments, such as...
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 be difficult decisions about who will serve as guardians...
“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 haunt you down the road. The proliferation of DIY websites...
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 two-parts: legal (decision-making for medical, religious, and...
“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 often rife with complications that, if not addressed...
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 your tax preparer is a necessary evil. What if you could...
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 enactment, much progress has been made, enabling people with...
How much does it cost to have an attorney do your Will? I see this question fairly often and while it seems like a very easy question, there is no easy answer. Keep in mind the legal field is notoriously bad about publicizing information on legal fees. Law firm websites rarely contain information on what or how they charge for websites. Even between...
Having an estate plan that does what it is meant to do requires a little maintenance. Conducting an estate plan audit at least once every three years can save you (and your family) a lot of stress and heartache. To conduct an audit, just follow these steps. If you have any questions, be sure to schedle an appointment with your estate planning attorney....
Some of the most common misconceptions I hear when it comes to the divorce process involve mediation. These misconceptions include the belief that a mediator can be used in place of a lawyer; that mediation is necessary to have a friendly divorce; and that mediation will always save you money. While mediation can be a great tool in the divorce process it...
There are multiple ways a person can experience a legal name change, including marriage, divorce, adoption, or a separate name change court proceeding. However it happens, once a legal name change has been granted there are several places that must be notified of the name change. First things first, you will need to request a certified copy (or two) of...
Just because the divorce is final does not mean the work is done. Here are some of the steps needed after a divorce: Documents: Obtain copies of your divorce decree. A plain copy may be provided by your lawyer or the court. Certified copies can be purchased from the courthouse. Sign and exchange any titles, deeds, or other documents as required by your...