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.
Families with a child on the autism spectrum often experience a stark change when that child reaches age 18, a transition sometimes referred to as the "autism cliff." Many of the supportive services relied on during childhood, such as specialized education programs, may shift or end altogether in adulthood. This can leave parents concerned about how to...
As a Minnesota estate lawyer, one of the most common misconceptions I hear from clients is that having a will means their loved ones can avoid probate. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Let's dive into why wills and probate go hand in hand, and what this means for your estate planning. Think of Your Will as a Letter to the CourtImagine your will as...
One of the most frequent questions I hear as a Minnesota trust lawyer is, "Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?" Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: "Am I making the right choice for my family's future?" Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your estate is just one small piece of a much larger...
As a Minnesota probate lawyer, I've witnessed firsthand how scammers exploit families during their most vulnerable moments. The days and weeks following a loved one's passing should be a time for healing and remembrance – not defending against fraud. Let me share some crucial insights to help protect your family during this sensitive time.The Debt...
As a Minnesota estate lawyer, I often meet grandparents who want to provide financial support for their grandchildren while ensuring their generosity doesn't inadvertently create complications. Whether you're thinking about college funding or creating a lasting financial legacy, strategic planning can help maximize your gift's impact.Understanding the...
All too often, trust lawyers will meet families who've been targeted by aggressive marketing from what's known as a "trust mill." These clients usually come to us worried, clutching generic trust documents that aren't worth the paper they're printed on. While the low prices might have been attractive initially, they quickly discovered that cheap,...
You've carefully built your retirement savings over decades, but did you know that once inherited, these accounts could be vulnerable to creditors? As a Minnesota estate lawyer, I've seen too many families surprised when inherited retirement accounts they thought were protected ended up exposed to legal claims. The Supreme Court Changed EverythingIn...
As a Minnesota probate attorney, one of the most common questions I hear from families is about student loan debt after death. With student loan debt in America reaching unprecedented levels, it's a crucial topic that affects many families during probate administration. Federal vs. Private Student Loans: A Critical DistinctionThe fate of student loans...
Why a Special Needs Trust is Crucial for Your Child's Personal Injury Settlement: Insights from a Minnesota Trust LawyerWhen a child with disabilities receives a personal injury settlement, parents often face a crucial decision: how to manage these funds without jeopardizing essential government benefits. Minnesota trust lawyers have helped many families...
As a will lawyer in Minnesota, I often receive urgent calls from families with loved ones in the hospital. They're concerned about getting legal documents in place quickly, especially if their loved one's condition might deteriorate. It's a delicate situation that requires immediate attention, but many wonder how to proceed when their family member can't...
If you own commercial property, you've likely spent years building and managing your real estate investments. As a Minnesota will and trust lawyer, I've guided many property owners through the complex process of including these valuable assets in their estate plans. The truth is, passing down commercial property requires much more careful consideration...
As a grandparent, you've probably spent countless hours doting on your grandchildren, showering them with love, and creating precious memories. But have you considered how you can continue to support and protect them long after you're gone? As a Minnesota estate planning lawyer, I've seen firsthand how grandparents can play a crucial role in securing their...