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.
As a Minnesota estate lawyer, one of the most common misconceptions I hear from clients is that having a will means their loved ones can avoid probate. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Let's dive into why wills and probate go hand in hand, and what this means for your estate planning. Think of Your Will as a Letter to the CourtImagine your will as...
As a Minnesota probate attorney, one of the most common questions I hear from families is about student loan debt after death. With student loan debt in America reaching unprecedented levels, it's a crucial topic that affects many families during probate administration. Federal vs. Private Student Loans: A Critical DistinctionThe fate of student loans...
Losing a loved one is always difficult, and the challenge can be compounded when they pass away in a different state. If you're facing this situation, it’s important to know that you may be able to manage many of their affairs from a distance. As your local Minnesota Estate Attorney, we're here to guide you through this process and connect you with the...
Even those who don’t fully understand the probate process are pretty clear about the fact that they want to avoid it. As a Minnesota probate lawyer, I see so many cases where probate could have been shortened or avoided altogether if only people had more information. Probate is a legal process that takes place when an individual dies. If he or...
A Series I bond is a non-marketable interest-bearing U.S. government savings bond. It's a low-risk investment that earns a variable inflation rate adjusted every May and November and an interest rate fixed for the bond's life. The non-marketable feature means you can't sell or buy it in a secondary market. Determining the Interest Rate of a Series I...
A Personal Representative, or Executor, of an estate is simply the person who is designated to carry out the wishes set forth in the decedent's will. This person also has the responsibility of finishing up the decedent's final affairs, such as paying outstanding bills and taxes. A Personal Representative is usually named by the decedent in his or her will,...
The probate process can seem daunting, especially when navigating the myriad of assets left behind by a loved one. While many assets pass through probate, some bypass this legal process altogether. Understanding this distinction is crucial for beneficiaries and personal representatives. Let's explore these exclusions together. Key Assets Excluded from...
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 comes with expenses, and even a modest funeral and burial can cost many thousands...
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 way to legally transfer those assets. Yet, we still receive calls from local...
The executor of an estate plays a crucial role in managing and distributing a person's assets after they pass away. But what happens when the executor is making mistakes or failing in their duties of estate administration in Minnesota? It's a delicate and stressful situation, but one that can be addressed legally and ethically. Here's a guide from our...
Federal estate tax law includes a provision called portability. This provision only applies to married couples. It allows the surviving spouse to use any part of their deceased spouse’s unused estate and gift tax exemption. Including portability in an estate plan protects the surviving spouse from significant estate tax bills if the deceased spouse’s...
Even if someone has a will in place, it’s still quite likely that his or her estate will need to be overseen by a good probate attorney in Minnesota. These professionals understand the incredibly complex process that goes along with closing out someone’s estate after he or she has passed away. Those who have worked with an estate planning lawyer...