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.
How much does it cost to have an attorney do your Will? I see this question fairly often and while it seems like a very easy question, there is no easy answer. Keep in mind the legal field is notoriously bad about publicizing information on legal fees. Law firm websites rarely contain information on what or how they charge for websites. Even between...
Having an estate plan that does what it is meant to do requires a little maintenance. Conducting an estate plan audit at least once every three years can save you (and your family) a lot of stress and heartache. To conduct an audit, just follow these steps. If you have any questions, be sure to schedle an appointment with your estate planning attorney....
Probate is not scary. There is a common misconception (often used to sell more expensive trust-based plans) that probate is scary and expensive. Probate can be a routine process and in some cases probate may be easier and cheaper than other options. A will does not prevent probate. A will on its own does not transfer property. The will must be submitted to...
When a couple is planning their wedding nobody wants to think about divorce. But as a divorce attorney I commonly hear clients say "Why is X happening in the divorce? I wish I would have known that before." I can't help but wonder if we would have happier marriages, and easier divorces, if couples could take a session on Minnesota divorce along with...
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...