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
Trusts
You Plan for Date Night – But Not for Your Kids Future?!
Picture this – you get an opportunity to spend some alone time with your spouse. What do you do to prepare for date night? You carefully select a babysitter. Then, you write detailed instructions; when to feed the baby, how often to change diapers, what snacks are allowed…and you leave a myriad of … [Read more...] about You Plan for Date Night – But Not for Your Kids Future?!
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
How To Avoid Conflicts When Passing Down The Family Cabin
Leaving a cabin or vacation home outright to your loved ones can create more family conflict and problems than you might think. While the property may have been a peaceful haven for you and your spouse throughout the years, your children may not look at it the same way when it becomes theirs to … [Read more...] about How To Avoid Conflicts When Passing Down The Family Cabin
Things to Consider When It Comes to Special Needs Planning in Minnesota
Families who have members with special needs have a variety of unique concerns. Whether you’re traveling to occupational therapy appointments, choosing the most effective medical devices, or contemplating whether to “mainstream” your special needs child, there are so many parts and pieces to keep in … [Read more...] about Things to Consider When It Comes to Special Needs Planning in Minnesota
How Do You Treat Children Fairly When It Comes to Estate Planning?
Central Minnesota wills and trusts lawyers see just about every circumstance which results from a parent’s death. Some siblings handle the wills and trusts administration gracefully and with dignity, while others turn to squabbling and pettiness. When we work with our clients, they are often very … [Read more...] about How Do You Treat Children Fairly When It Comes to Estate Planning?
Testamentary v. Inter Vivos Trusts
The world of estate planning can be complex. If you have just started your research or are in the process of setting up your estate plan, you’ve likely encountered discussions of wills and trusts. While most people have a very basic understanding of a last will and testament, trusts are often … [Read more...] about Testamentary v. Inter Vivos Trusts
How to Leave to Stepchildren
Today, blended families have become increasingly common, and many individuals have stepchildren. In situations where stepchildren have not been legally adopted, however, they do not have a legal right to an inheritance from a stepparent. For those who wish to leave stepchildren part of their estate, … [Read more...] about How to Leave to Stepchildren
A Primer on Irrevocable Trusts
Many individuals are aware that a Will is one way to plan for the distribution of their assets after death. However, a comprehensive estate plan also considers other objectives such as asset protection. For this reason, it is essential to consider utilizing an Irrevocable Trust. This estate … [Read more...] about A Primer on Irrevocable Trusts