A common misconception is that a divorce attorney is only needed when there are disagreements between the spouses. But when there is a complete agreement on all divorce issues many couples think a divorce attorney is an unnecessary expense. Instead they get free forms from the...
It’s graduation time, which means your “baby” is all grown up and preparing to head out into the real world. But before your son or daughter packs up for summer vacation or even their first semester of college, I want you to think about what it means having a child who is an...
Across the country, folks often put off their estate planning for many reasons. Whether it’s facing your own mortality, or that of your parents, the prospect of needing a will or trust isn’t something that many of us want to think about. The reality, though, is that when we...
Many people desire to pass down their personal home for the benefit of their children after their death. Yet when you take a true accounting of the taxes and other costs your loved ones may face, it’s often becomes clear that your heirs stand to inherit much less than you...
When parties reach a negotiation impasse, I often hear one party say “Let’s just go to trial and have the Judge decide that.” Unfortunately the parties don’t often realize just how long they will be waiting. After a trial the judge has up to 90 days (3 months!) to make the...
Do you have a cherished cabin, vacation home, or other property which you wish to pass down to your loved ones someday? Surprisingly to many people, leaving a home to family members can create a number of unexpected consequences for those who don’t fully weigh their options and...
Going to court can be a stressful experience for anyone, but it can be especially trying for people dealing with the emotionally charged issues of divorce and child custody. It may help reduce the stress if you’re aware of what you can expect from the different types of events...
For many small business owners in Minnesota, typical business planning centers on where you are now and how to ensure growth in the future. What often goes overlooked, however, is how to properly protect your business after you are gone. Sure, you may have thought about who...
After a divorce is final and the custody arrangements are made, a child may find himself unhappy and wish to move in with the noncustodial parent. Of course, the noncustodial parent may be sympathetic to the child’s wishes and move for a change in custody. However, there are...
In a divorce, marital property is divided between the spouses. Marital property includes all things that have been accumulated during the marriage, including real estate, vehicles, savings accounts, and retirement assets. Retirement assets can often be overlooked. In order to...
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...
A frequent question I hear is “Will my spouse have to pay my attorney's fees?” My answer to this is “Don't count on it.” In Minnesota, attorney's fees can be awarded one of two ways: need-based or conduct-based. Need-based awarded mean that one party cannot afford the fees and...