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.
A Guide from a Monticello Special Needs LawyerPlanning for the future of a child or adult with disabilities can feel overwhelming. Between medical care, education planning, government benefits, and long-term financial support, families often face complex decisions. In Monticello and throughout Minnesota, parents and grandparents frequently seek guidance...
We often picture healthcare decisions as something that only comes up in a hospital setting, but the truth is, these choices deserve your attention long before a crisis arises. As a Minnesota estate planning attorney, I've seen how advance planning can make a world of difference for both individuals and their families during challenging times. The...
Whether you’re a single senior who lives alone or one who lives with a partner, establishing a new estate plan or modifying an existing one is essential. You might wish to leave assets to your partner that they could not get through intestate succession, or maybe you have children you want to leave your assets to. Perhaps there are organizations you want...
When most people think about estate planning tools such as power of attorney, they imagine that they are solely for people who already have children, who have significant assets, or who are nearing the end of their lives. However, you may be surprised to know that many Minnesota estate planning lawyers also recommend that college students have powers of...
Estate planning covers more than death and taxes; for many people, it’s about maintaining their “voice” and clearly outlining their wishes in the event of incapacity or disability in Minnesota. Far too many people assume that their loved ones know their wishes and are prepared to honor them if a medical crisis strikes. Unfortunately, tragic accidents or...
When a medical professional recommends hospice care for you or a loved one, it can be an overwhelming moment. Suddenly, the fact that the end of life is near becomes much more of a reality than it has ever been. While this can be the cause of a lot of mixed emotions, it is important to recognize that this is probably the most compassionate and dignified...
Eco-friendly burials, or “green funerals,” have been garnering a lot of attention lately. More and more people are requesting these types of burials because they have a more limited impact on the environment, they are simpler, and they are often more cost-effective. However, because there are a lot of different factors to consider, many people feel...
As a Minnesota estate attorney, I am often asked, “When should I sign my Do Not Resuscitate order?” This is one question that many elder law attorneys hear from their clients when going through the estate planning process. The short answer: when you’re at a hospital and not in the attorney’s office. A DNR is not actually one of the documents that make up a...
The national news has been filled with tragedy lately, including acts of senseless violence committed against random strangers. Families and communities across the nation are mourning the loss of their loved ones and doing what they can to help the survivors. While most people are wondering if such a tragic event could ever happen in their own towns,...
As 2020 draws to a close, it may be time to take a fresh look at your financial and legal documents to ensure that your affairs are in order and that you are ending the year on a solid foundation This is especially important if you’ve experienced any notable life or financial changes, such as the purchase or sale of real estate, the birth or adoption of a...
During the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, your mom or dad will likely need help managing his or her financial and personal affairs. If your parent already has a Power of Attorney or living will in place, a new diagnosis of dementia should cause you to take a fresh look at those documents, especially if they do not reflect your parent’s current...
What really happens if you don’t create a will, trust, or other estate planning documents and essentially keep your head in the sand? Any Monticello estate attorney will tell you, the honest truth is that you make things much harder, more costly, and more time-consuming for your loved ones if something happens to you. You might lose flexibility and lose...