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.
For those who have served in the military, estate planning takes on unique considerations. Veterans have earned specific benefits and honors due to their service, and it's essential that these are incorporated into an estate and long-term care plan. Here are some key points veterans should consider:1. Safeguarding Your DD214Your DD214, or Certificate of...
Estate planning is a crucial topic, but it's often cloaked in sensitivity, especially when older loved ones feel that their finances are private matters. Knowing how to navigate this conversation respectfully and effectively is crucial. Why It MattersHaving a will and comprehensive estate plan ensures that your loved one's wishes are carried out,...
An essential part of estate planning is designating beneficiaries for your life insurance policy, 401(k), and other financial accounts. A beneficiary is a person who receives someone's assets upon their death.There is no "correct choice" when choosing the beneficiaries who will inherit from you. It’s a personal decision. What must be handled “properly”...
Creating an estate plan feels like something you check off a to-do list. Once the task is complete, you can move on and forget about it. However, that is not the mentality you should take when drafting your final wishes. An estate plan should reflect your current circumstances and should be periodically reviewed and amended as your life changes.How often...
Inheriting an asset can be a mixed blessing. While it might signify a meaningful bequest from a loved one, it also comes with its own tax implications. One of the most significant tax features to understand when inheriting property is the "step-up in basis". As a Minnesota estate planning attorney, I often encounter clients who are unaware or confused...
When there's a significant age difference between your children, estate planning can require extra attention to detail. You're not only considering their immediate needs but also forecasting the challenges each child may face at different life stages. As your Minnesota estate planning lawyer, I'm here to highlight the nuances you should consider in such...
If you have a child with special needs, you may be tempted to assume that if something happens to you or your partner, your other children will take care of their sibling. However, it's important to take the time now to create a legal plan for your child so that they are always protected no matter what happens. This includes creating a Supplemental...
For many retirees, dividing time between two beloved locations is the dream. Known as "snowbirds," these individuals enjoy northern US states in the summer before flocking to warmer climes come winter. While this lifestyle has many advantages, it can significantly impact the distribution of your assets when you pass away. For instance, your home state...
Inheriting assets is a mix of honor and responsibility. As Minnesota probate lawyer, I've seen many people unprepared for the implications of managing their inheritance. The inclination to treat an inheritance as "bonus" money is common, but there are many pragmatic ways to use these funds for future benefits.Integrating Inheritance into Your Financial...
Estate plans usually concern who will get what, like money, jewelry, the house, and family heirlooms after a person dies. Little thought, though, is given to what will happen to debts when they die; most importantly, the mortgage. Many people expect to pay off their mortgage long before they pass away, but the current financial landscape paints a much...
As a Minnesota will lawyer, one question I often receive is whether a person with a life estate can rent the property to others. A life estate is a type of legal arrangement in which an individual, known as a life tenant, is given the right to use a property for their lifetime. After the life tenant passes away, the property then passes to the...
As a Minnesota estate planning lawyer, I often receive questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Personal Representative (also known as executor) and Attorney-in-Fact (appointed in a Power of Attorney (POA)), especially in situations where a loved one is no longer living at home. A question I recently received encapsulates a common...