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.
When navigating the intricacies of Medical Assistance, particularly when planning for long-term care, you'll encounter terms that might be unfamiliar yet profoundly influential. One such term is "community spouse." As your local Minnesota elder law attorney, I'm here to demystify this concept and its implications for Medical Assistance eligibility and...
The holiday season is joyous for many. However, it can be overwhelming if you care for an older adult. People in their senior years often feel isolated from the outside world if they can't participate in certain festivities. Maybe they used to be active and loved playing with their kids and grandkids but no longer have the energy or physical abilities....
A recent survey counted over 18.2 million American Veterans over age 65. Many of these Veterans include those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Suppose you are caring for an elderly Veteran. In that case, you should know about the benefits and services available for the various health and...
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 deductions. Medical expenses, which typically include most long-term care expenses, 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 that can be done to treat dementia, identifying it early can help your loved...
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 nuances of each.Guardianships ExplainedGuardianships typically come into play when...
As an elder lawyer serving Minnesota, I often counsel families grappling with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. A common and particularly distressing symptom of dementia is sundowning, characterized by increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness during the late afternoon and evening. Understanding what happens during sundowning...
Are you a senior who is contemplating adding an adult child to your bank account to help manage your finances? It may seem like an easy solution for getting assistance with bill payments, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before taking action. Our Minnesota elder law attorney is here to guide you through this decision. The Benefits of Adding...
Are you worried about the safety of an older loved one on the road? If so, you are not alone. Countless families face this issue every year, and it can be devastating for both the senior and their loved ones to deal with. The senior is often forced to confront the reality of losing their independence, while the adult child may need to cope with conflicting...
As an elder lawyer in Minnesota with considerable experience, certain questions are asked over and over again. One area that sometimes requires explanation is the difference between guardianships and powers of attorney.Guardianships for EldersGuardianships come into play when an adult experiences some sort of issue that leads to a mental...
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 make life more manageable. In order for these treatments...
Working with a trust and estates attorney in Monticello is an excellent way to prepare for the future and to protect the assets you want to pass on to your loved ones after you’re gone. A qualified <insert city> lawyer will be able to offer you valuable advice, not only on setting up a will or trust, but also on creating other...