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.
If you share a close bond with your nieces and nephews, ensuring they're included in your estate plan is natural. However, the laws of inheritance can complicate things, especially for younger beneficiaries. Let's unravel the factors to consider: How Inheritance Laws Work without a WillWhen you die without a will (known as dying "intestate"), state...
Being named a trustee is an important responsibility, but sometimes life throws unexpected situations your way. When a loved one is hospitalized and you have to step into the trustee role, you might feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead. Here's a guide on how to navigate your new responsibilities and ensure your loved one's best interests...
As a parent, you want nothing more than for your children to get along. But the reality is, sibling relationships can be complex and sometimes fraught with disagreements. When planning your estate, facing the prospect of your children arguing about your legacy is incredibly stressful. Rest assured, there are ways to structure your estate plan thoughtfully...
You've found your dream home and your offer's been accepted – this is an exciting time! As you approach closing, your agent, attorney, or title company will ask how you'd like to hold the title to the property. While individual ownership is common, placing your new house into a trust right from the start has compelling advantages. Why Transfer Your...
When creating an estate plan with the help of a Minnesota will attorney, you’ll be asked to choose the beneficiaries whom you want to inherit your money and property when you pass away. In most cases, our clients tell us that they want their life’s hard work to go toward the betterment of their children’s lives. Due to age differences, children will...
Two of the most uncomfortable topics for almost any family to discuss are money and death. As a result, conversations about estate planning often don't happen until it's too late. As a Minnesota probate lawyer, I realize that there is never an easy time to bring up such sensitive topics, but the sooner you “have the talk” about estate planning, the...
“What’s the worst thing that can happen if I get sick or pass away without an estate plan in place?” This is a common question our Minnesota will lawyer receives, especially from those in close-knit families who believe that their kids (or other loved ones) will peacefully sort everything out when they pass away without needing any...
Estate planning often brings about crucial conversations about the future. When family dynamics are marked by tension or conflict, discussing your estate planning wishes can become even more challenging. However, clear communication is key to ensuring your plans are understood and respected. A Minnesota estate planning lawyer can offer not only legal...
If you're in a position where it's time to make some decisions about caring for an aging parent or other relative, you may be feeling pretty overwhelmed with all of the available options. Ideally, your elderly parent had the opportunity to make their own wishes known with a Minnesota elder law attorney and set aside some funding for their own...
The loss of a loved one not only brings emotional challenges but also necessitates important revisions in your estate plan. If the individual who passed away was an integral part of your plan, either as a beneficiary or in a pivotal role like Power of Attorney, it's essential to reevaluate your arrangements. Consulting with a Minnesota estate lawyer can...
Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are often significant components of your financial portfolio. But do you know who will inherit these funds when you pass away? It's a crucial aspect of estate planning that deserves attention. Here, a Minnesota inheritance lawyer offers expert insight into how retirement accounts are handled after your...
Losing a loved one is always difficult, and the challenge can be compounded when they pass away in a different state. If you're facing this situation, it’s important to know that you may be able to manage many of their affairs from a distance. As your local Minnesota Estate Attorney, we're here to guide you through this process and connect you with the...