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.
Estate plans are built around assumptions. The assumption that your spouse will be there. That your sibling will outlive you. That the person you named as your primary beneficiary fifteen years ago will still be alive to receive what you left them. Sometimes those assumptions don't hold. When a named heir predeceases you and your plan doesn't account for...
Most individuals are unfamiliar with the term "probate" until a loved one dies. At that point, they might be shocked to learn that they'll have to contact the local courts to begin the process of closing out their loved one's estate. This process can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with probate law. It may also come as a surprise to family...
After the death of a loved one, there is quite a bit of work to be done. Most of the financial work will be handled by the executor named by the deceased in their will or trust. These tasks can involve gathering and securing the deceased’s assets and household belongings, paying debts and taxes, filing court paperwork, and more. As you can imagine,...
When a loved one passes away, families often face the difficult responsibility of managing their estate. In many cases, this involves going through Probate, the legal process used to distribute a person’s assets after death.For families across Minnesota, working with an experienced probate lawyer can make this process significantly easier. A knowledgeable...
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...