Seniors and their families are left at a disadvantage as the costs of assisted living facilities continue to rise. While it may sometimes seem like there is no relief from these rising care costs, there may be a way for families to get a bit of relief in the form of tax...
When there's a significant age difference between your children, estate planning can require extra attention to detail. You're not only considering their immediate needs but also forecasting the challenges each child may face at different life stages. As your Minnesota estate...
If you have a child with special needs, you may be tempted to assume that if something happens to you or your partner, your other children will take care of their sibling. However, it's important to take the time now to create a legal plan for your child so that they are...
We live in an increasingly mobile society, resulting in many of us living far from our aging loved ones. Unfortunately, that means we might not have the kind of contact we did before – and may have a harder time noticing the signs of decline and dementia. While there isn’t much...
Dealing with outstanding financial affairs after the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult. Our Minnesota probate attorney often hear from clients who would rather do anything else than think about money after their loved one’s passing. Unfortunately, death...
For many retirees, dividing time between two beloved locations is the dream. Known as "snowbirds," these individuals enjoy northern US states in the summer before flocking to warmer climes come winter. While this lifestyle has many advantages, it can significantly impact...
If you've ever questioned the difference between guardianships and powers of attorney for seniors, you're not alone. As a Minnesota elder lawyer, I often field questions about these two distinct yet related legal mechanisms. Here's an explanation to help you understand the...
Going through a divorce is an emotionally charged, challenging process. Amid the whirlwind of legal proceedings, contacting an estate planning attorney might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be.A divorce, often referred to as dissolution of marriage, can...
Inheriting assets is a mix of honor and responsibility. As Minnesota probate lawyer, I've seen many people unprepared for the implications of managing their inheritance. The inclination to treat an inheritance as "bonus" money is common, but there are many pragmatic ways to use...
Estate plans usually concern who will get what, like money, jewelry, the house, and family heirlooms after a person dies. Little thought, though, is given to what will happen to debts when they die; most importantly, the mortgage. Many people expect to pay off their...
Probate in Minnesota is a process in which a court decides whether a will is valid or not. It’s also legally required in most cases for the management and distribution of a decedent’s assets with or without a will. This definition suggests that if you skip probate, there’s no...
As a Minnesota will lawyer, one question I often receive is whether a person with a life estate can rent the property to others. A life estate is a type of legal arrangement in which an individual, known as a life tenant, is given the right to use a property for their lifetime....