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.
As an experienced Minnesota will and trust lawyer, I'm often asked whether residents can legally write their own wills without an attorney. The short answer is yes—Minnesota law does allow individuals to create their own wills. However, the more important question isn't whether you can, but whether you should.The Legal Requirements for a Valid Will...
As a Minnesota estate planning attorney, I've seen firsthand how even carefully drafted wills can have significant oversights. While most people remember to address major assets like homes and financial accounts, certain important provisions are frequently overlooked. These forgotten elements can create unnecessary stress, conflict, and expenses for your...
"Should I leave my children's inheritance to charity?" It's a question that many parents grapple with, especially when considering the needs of their children and their personal philanthropic goals. It's not just about the money—it's about the message you want to leave behind and the impact you want to have. Weighing Your DecisionWhen you're thinking...
The loss of a loved one is always a challenging time. Amidst the emotional turmoil, there are several practical tasks that must be undertaken. One of the foremost among these is obtaining the deceased's death certificate. Why Do You Need a Death Certificate?A death certificate serves multiple purposes:Legal Proof: It's the official document that...
When it comes to estate planning, ensuring that your will is legally valid is paramount. One of the key components of a valid will is having witnesses present during its signing. But why is this step so crucial? Our Minnesota estate lawyer delves into the importance of having witnesses for your will below.Legal ValidationThe primary reason for having...
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 single parent, it is critically important to have a comprehensive estate plan that protects your child(ren). Obviously, being the sole or primary caregiver doesn't leave you with much time on your hands. However, putting some time aside to meet with an estate planning attorney can give you some peace of mind. By having an estate plan in place,...
As we age, companionship and shared responsibilities become more valuable. Many seniors are choosing cohabitation over solitude for mutual support and to cut costs. However, this arrangement brings about some legal nuances that need addressing. Here, our Minnesota will attorney delve into the necessary legal steps for unmarried seniors living...
When it comes to estate planning, many people wonder if they can simply write their wishes down in an email and have it be considered a legal Last Will and Testament. While it's true that technology has made it easier than ever to communicate our wishes and desires, an email is not typically sufficient to create a legally binding will. In order for a...
While the Last Will and Testament is an important estate planning tool, Minnesota trust and estates lawyers want clients to be aware that there are certain things it won’t accomplish. To start, a Last Will and Testament will only come into effect after you’ve passed away, which means that it cannot be used to handle any of your financial or medical affairs...
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...