What really happens if you don’t create a will, trust, or other estate planning documents and essentially keep your head in the sand? Any Monticello estate attorney will tell you, the honest truth is that you make things much harder, more costly, and more time-consuming for your loved ones if … [Read more...] about Here’s What REALLY Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan in Place
Health Care Directives
Minnesota Estate Planning Lawyer: What Happens If an Unmarried Partner Becomes Disabled or Incapacitated but Doesn’t Die?
Planning for the death of an unmarried partner is critical, but so is planning for the possibility that one partner becomes sick, disabled, or incapacitated at some point during their lifetime. Under the laws of most states, an unmarried partner has zero rights to manage finances or make medical … [Read more...] about Minnesota Estate Planning Lawyer: What Happens If an Unmarried Partner Becomes Disabled or Incapacitated but Doesn’t Die?
What are the Warning Signs of Dementia?
Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions affecting seniors, resulting in an eventual loss of cognitive functions. While there is no cure for dementia or the two leading diseases that cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, there are treatments that can slow the effects and help … [Read more...] about What are the Warning Signs of Dementia?
5 Estate Planning Must-Haves
Minnesota estate planning lawyers are often asked by their clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question because an estate plan all depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for one … [Read more...] about 5 Estate Planning Must-Haves
Over 18? You need to think about estate planning.
Surviving this world as a young, single adult can prove hazardous to your health. Not only do insurance companies charge a premium for auto insurance, but you’re relegated to crummy apartments with non-responsive landlords, loud neighbors, and beer cans in the front yard. You’re struggling to … [Read more...] about Over 18? You need to think about estate planning.
4 Steps to Avoid Stress at the End of Life
In general, Americans are very uncomfortable talking about end-of-life issues. It can be hard for people to think about (and plan for) their own death, let alone the death of their loved ones. I get it. Yet by not discussing these issues, you are leaving your future caregivers (most often your … [Read more...] about 4 Steps to Avoid Stress at the End of Life
Estate Planning and COVID-19: Planning Ahead for a Long-Term Crisis
If you're concerned that you or a loved one could become seriously ill or even worse due to the novel coronavirus, you're not alone. As medical experts predict a more violent return of the virus in the fall or that new spikes could occur in states as social distancing is gradually relaxed, it’s … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and COVID-19: Planning Ahead for a Long-Term Crisis
COVID-19 Through the Lens of An Estate Planning Attorney
For more than a decade I have helped clients with their estate plans. Things are different now. Previously, a potential client reached out to me wanting to talk about wills or trusts. I would explain that an estate plan is so much more than just the will. It’s taking a big picture look to make sure … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Through the Lens of An Estate Planning Attorney
Estate Planning for Single People in Minnesota
Do single people need to worry about wills, trusts, and estate planning? Yes! Really, “yes” is the only answer that’s needed, but I will take a moment to offer some insight as to why single people need to worry about estate planning. When there is no plan First, it is important to … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Single People in Minnesota