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.
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 adult children) in an impossible position. Many people are...
If you’ve heard of a 529 Plan, you probably think of it as a means of education funding for your children or your grandchildren. These plans are sponsored by state agencies or educational institutions, and they’re available to people of all income brackets. While a 529 Plan is a great tool for saving for college, you can also use it as part of your estate...
One of the most important jobs of a Minnesota estate planning attorney is to help parents choose the right guardian for their children. This is the person (or people) designated by you to care for your minor children if you should die before they become adults. Working with an estate attorney to choose a guardian gives you a say in the process,...
This question presents a fairly common issue posed to estate planning attorneys. The solution is also pretty easy to address in your will, trust and other estate planning documents, including any guardianship appointment for your minor children. First, it is important to note that you should not delay establishing an estate plan pending the birth of a new...
Becoming a new parent is a life changing experience, and caring for a child is an awesome responsibility as well as an amazing joy. Among the many things for new parents to do to provide for their children is to complete their own estate plan. This is the time to think about your child's future by asking an important question: who will care for your child...
If tomorrow your college student was involved in an unforeseen emergency, do you have the correct legal documents in place which would allow you to communicate with doctors or financial institutions on his or her behalf? For many parents, “estate planning” is not a term which seems to apply to their young, vibrant teen. We tend to envision older couples...
While the vast majority of adoptions involve adults adopting children, all states have laws that permit “adult adoption,” in which a person 18 or older is adopted by another adult as mutually agreed by the parties. Some states may restrict adult adoptions to cases where the person being adopted is of diminished capacity. If the person being adopted is...
Your children are in school, your spouse is out of state on business, and you get seriously injured in a car accident. What’s going to happen to your children? Do you have a plan to keep your family safe in the event something unexpected occurs during school hours? Many parents mistakenly believe that filling out the school’s emergency card is sufficient....
For parents considering estate planning, one of the most difficult decisions to make is choosing a guardian for their minor children. It is not easy to think about anyone else, no matter how loving, raising your child. But, as the famous quote goes: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” You cannot let a difficult decision prevent you from making a plan...
#1 Establish a Comprehensive Plan Most estate planning attorneys will say that no person should use a “do-it-yourself” will kit to establish their estate plan. If you have a child with special needs, it is extremely important to seek competent legal counsel from an estate planning lawyer with special needs planning experience before and during the process...
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 her on your own. For example, you will work with the special...
You just unloaded a chair made from bungee cords and a hot pink, fuzzy footstool from what seems like your millionth trip to Target. You have a highly-strung high school graduate rooting through a pile of Sharpie markers, notebooks, phone cases, and packages of Ramen noodles. You’re staring at the roommate notification that arrived today, crossing your...