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.
One of the most important aspects of estate planning is the overall effect it will have on an individual or couple’s children. Whether these are minor children who will need a guardian or adult children who are already on their own, the need for financial planning exists. A good estate planning attorney in Central Minnesota can help you determine what...
Surviving this world as a young, single adult can prove hazardous to your health. Not only do insurance companies charge a premium for auto insurance, but you’re relegated to crummy apartments with non-responsive landlords, loud neighbors, and beer cans in the front yard. You’re struggling to balance school, work, and the multiple demands of authority...
Do single people need to worry about wills, trusts, and estate planning? Yes! Really, “yes” is the only answer that’s needed, but I will take a moment to offer some insight as to why single people need to worry about estate planning. When there is no plan First, it is important to understand what happens if there is no plan. If you fail to plan the laws...
When you are a child, your parents serve as your decision makers. They have ultimate say in where you go to school, what extracurricular activities you partake in and where, and how, you should be treated in the event of a medical emergency. While most parents continue to play a huge role in their children’s lives long after they reach adulthood, they lose...
Imagine if writing a last will and testament were a pre-requisite to graduating from high school. The graduate walks across the stage, hands the completed will to the principal, and gets the diploma in return. Now that might seem a little extreme, but the truth of the matter is all adults should complete some basic estate planning. Think you don’t need an...
While the main objective of estate planning is to help individuals protect their assets and provide for loved ones, there are other important considerations, such as planning for incapacity. In short, it is crucial to plan for the type of medical care people wish to receive if a serious accident or illness makes them unable to make or communicate these...
If tomorrow your college student was involved in an unforeseen emergency, do you have the correct legal documents in place which would allow you to communicate with doctors or financial institutions on his or her behalf? For many parents, “estate planning” is not a term which seems to apply to their young, vibrant teen. We tend to envision older couples...
Many people are confused by these important estate planning documents. It’s important to understand the functions of each and ensure you are fully protected by incorporating both of these documents into your overall estate plan. A “living will,” is a legal document setting forth your wishes for end-of-life medical care, in the event you are unable to...
Healthcare directives can be vitally important, as recent cases, like that of Terry Schiavo, clearly brought to light. These important documents can mean the difference between your health care wishes being carried out or family members fighting over whether a loved one should be placed in a nursing home or removed from life support. Healthcare directives...
Many people are confused by advance directives for health care. They are unsure what type of directives are available, and whether or not they need need directives at all, especially if they are young. There are several types of advance directives. One is a living will, which communicates what type of life support and medical treatments, such as...
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...
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...