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.
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...
There are many benefits to creating a Revocable Living Trust as part of your estate plan, such as the ability to avoid probate and put a quick end to the estate administration process. However, creating a Revocable Living Trust will not automatically accomplish your goals. Instead, after the trust is created, you’ll need to start the process...
If you're worried about the possibility that you or a loved one could become ill, injured, or worse, you're not alone. No matter what we do we can't control everything and sometimes things happen. While none of us can predict the future, getting your affairs in order now can provide peace of mind and a sense of control. Here are the basic steps...
As a Minnesota will lawyer, I've seen firsthand how substance abuse can impact families, leaving parents heartbroken and unsure of how to protect their loved ones while preserving their legacy. In my experience, many parents want to leave an equal inheritance to all their children, but when one child is struggling with addiction, it can significantly...
As part of the estate planning process, Minnesota trust attorneys will always encourage clients to have open conversations with the person they intend to appoint as their Successor Trustee to ensure that they actually want the job if called upon. There are many responsibilities that a Trustee may be asked to handle (dealing with heirs, paying bills,...
When creating a trust with a Minnesota trust lawyer, it is important to understand the specific roles involved. The grantor is the person who establishes a trust. The designated beneficiary is the person who receives the assets held in trust when the grantor dies. Probate is unnecessary because trust property passes outside the last will and testament or...
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...
In the early part of 2022, many young families spent a lot of time watching Disney’s award-winning animated film Encanto. Repeatedly. While the movie is obviously a great source of entertainment for kids, estate planning attorneys have also noticed that it contains a lot of valuable lessons that can help people prepare for their family’s future. Treat Each...
It is no secret that being a single parent is challenging. In addition to the day-to-day struggles of raising children on your own, you may also have concerns about what the future might hold for your kids if anything were to happen to you. While estate planning for single parents is similar to estate planning for two-parent families, there are certain...
Losing a loved one is an emotional and life-changing experience. You might be tasked with the responsibility of settling the estate while also grieving your loss. It can be a challenging time in anyone's life. However, it becomes complicated when you must go through probate for out-of-state property. Many people move to various states throughout their...
Because your life changes, so must your estate plan. As a Monticello estate planning lawyer, I recommend that everyone reviews their estate plan every 3 to 5 years because life events that you might not even think about could impact how your estate plan works. While this periodic review is important, there are certain life events that should trigger...
Many seniors often have difficulty managing their finances at a certain point, and it comes down to their adult children to assist with these matters. It’s important to know what you’re getting into when you begin assisting an elderly parent with their financial affairs, especially if legal intervention is required. To start, you’ll need to examine your...