Considering how you hold title to your real and personal property, as well as any beneficiary designations you have created, is a key piece to Total Estate Planning. The title and your designated beneficiaries will control how your real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles and … [Read more...] about Coordinating Property Ownership in Your Estate Plan
Minnesota Estate Administration
Veterans’ Non-Service Connected Pension Benefits
The Veterans’ Administration’s non-service connected pension program can help supplement the income of elderly or disabled veterans. The VA deems any veteran age 65 or older to be permanently and totally disabled. This “disabled” classification entitles senior citizens who are veterans, or their … [Read more...] about Veterans’ Non-Service Connected Pension Benefits
Working with a Minnesota Probate Attorney to Understand the Steps of the Process
Even if someone has a will in place, it’s still likely that his or her estate should be overseen by a good probate or estate attorney in Minnesota. These professionals understand the incredibly complex process that goes along with closing out someone’s estate after he or she has passed away. Those … [Read more...] about Working with a Minnesota Probate Attorney to Understand the Steps of the Process
Protecting the Family Cabin
Many people own a family vacation home--a lakeside cabin, a beachfront condo--a place where parents, children and grandchildren can gather for vacations, holidays and a bit of relaxation. It is important that the treasured family vacation home be considered as part of a thorough estate plan. In many … [Read more...] about Protecting the Family Cabin
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
7 Things You Must Know About Estate Plan, Probate, and Estate Administration in Minnesota
Probate is not scary. There is a common misconception (often used to sell more expensive trust-based plans) that probate is scary and expensive. Probate can be a routine process and in some cases probate may be easier and cheaper than other options. A will does not prevent probate. A will on its … [Read more...] about 7 Things You Must Know About Estate Plan, Probate, and Estate Administration in Minnesota
Selecting the Right Person Makes a Difference: Personal Representatives, Executors, and other Agents
One of the most important things in preparing your estate plan is naming the appropriate person to act as your Personal Representative (or Executor). Some people feel there is a “right” person to name, by virtue of relationship, birth order, or proximity – these reasons can lead to disastrous … [Read more...] about Selecting the Right Person Makes a Difference: Personal Representatives, Executors, and other Agents
Why You Should Consider Working with a Minnesota Special Needs Planning Attorney
For parents with disabled children, whether minor or adult, it’s a good idea to take the extra step of meeting with a Minnesota special needs planning attorney. This gives you the opportunity to set up the best possible scenario for your child if you are no longer able to provide care for him or … [Read more...] about Why You Should Consider Working with a Minnesota Special Needs Planning Attorney
How To Get Through Probate Faster and With Less Hassles In Minnesota
Minnesota attorneys are well aware of the hassles and headaches which families face when a loved one’s estate goes into probate. The process can drag out, eating up not just time but also resources that would have otherwise gone to beneficiaries. Appointed personal representatives find themselves … [Read more...] about How To Get Through Probate Faster and With Less Hassles In Minnesota
