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 small business is a part of your identity, not to mention your livelihood. Minnesota business and estate planning lawyers look to protect both aspects of this should you die or become incapacitated. Advanced planning is one of the smartest things that you can do to ensure that your small business meets the goals you have for it, whether you are at the...
One of the most important things in preparing your estate plan is naming the appropriate person to act as your Personal Representative (or Executor). Some people feel there is a “right” person to name, by virtue of relationship, birth order, or proximity – these reasons can lead to disastrous results if the wrong person is selected. A complete estate plan...
As an estate planning and family law attorney I cannot urge people enough to make sure their wishes are documented and, more importantly, their families are protected and prepared. A valid Health Care Directive is a critically important document that is so easy to get. It can truly make a world of difference for your family during what is an already...
For parents with disabled children, whether minor or adult, it’s a good idea to take the extra step of meeting with a Minnesota special needs planning attorney. This gives you the opportunity to set up the best possible scenario for your child if you are no longer able to provide care for him or her on your own. For example, you will work with the special...
You just unloaded a chair made from bungee cords and a hot pink, fuzzy footstool from what seems like your millionth trip to Target. You have a highly-strung high school graduate rooting through a pile of Sharpie markers, notebooks, phone cases, and packages of Ramen noodles. You’re staring at the roommate notification that arrived today, crossing your...
You’ve heard the buzz about having a contact labeled “ICE” in your phone, just in case of that car crash where someone needs to be contacted, pronto. What about further identification for medical personnel? Sure, they have your driver’s license…did you ever change that address when you moved? And they could probably find your auto insurance in the glove...
Getting married is an exciting life event. But in today’s society with a rise in blended families, later in life marriages, and high divorce rates, more couples are choosing to protect their futures with a prenuptial (antenuptial) agreement. A prenuptial (before the marriage) agreement can determine spousal rights to property in the event of death or...
It’s graduation time, which means your “baby” is all grown up and preparing to head out into the real world. But before your son or daughter packs up for summer vacation or even their first semester of college, I want you to think about what it means having a child who is an “adult” in the eyes of the law. From a legal standpoint, I can tell you that it...
Across the country, folks often put off their estate planning for many reasons. Whether it’s facing your own mortality, or that of your parents, the prospect of needing a will or trust isn’t something that many of us want to think about. The reality, though, is that when we continue to put off the estate planning process, things only tend to get more...
Many people desire to pass down their personal home for the benefit of their children after their death. Yet when you take a true accounting of the taxes and other costs your loved ones may face, it’s often becomes clear that your heirs stand to inherit much less than you probably hoped. That’s why many of estate planning clients in are interested to know...
Do you have a cherished cabin, vacation home, or other property which you wish to pass down to your loved ones someday? Surprisingly to many people, leaving a home to family members can create a number of unexpected consequences for those who don’t fully weigh their options and plan far enough ahead. The vacation home may be very valuable, in terms of...
For many small business owners in Minnesota, typical business planning centers on where you are now and how to ensure growth in the future. What often goes overlooked, however, is how to properly protect your business after you are gone. Sure, you may have thought about who will take over in the event of retirement, but have you thought about what would...