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.
Creating a will is a significant undertaking. This is essentially the document that will guide the courts and your family on how you want your final affairs to be handled when you pass away. A will does not just cover what happens to your “stuff” either. If you have minor children or pets, a will is also used to name guardians who can care for them when...
Creating a will in Minnesota is an important task that requires filling out several different forms and meeting certain requirements. But once you’ve done so successfully, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your family and loved ones will be left with the fruits of your labor in the event of your passing. Making the necessary...
There are many reasons why clients may choose to revoke a will. Things change; you may experience a change in your financial situation, your family dynamic, or you may even change your mind. Due to such changes, your will may no longer reflect an accurate snapshot of your life or your wishes. At this point, a Minnesota will lawyer may recommend revoking an...
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...
Going through a divorce can be painful, overwhelming, and stressful. It's the end of one chapter and the start of another in your life. Although it might be the right decision, you're forced to confront various issues. For example, you and your ex must agree to the terms of the divorce, such as child support, alimony, and property division. However,...
The national news has been filled with tragedy lately, including acts of senseless violence committed against random strangers. Families and communities across the nation are mourning the loss of their loved ones and doing what they can to help the survivors. While most people are wondering if such a tragic event could ever happen in their own towns,...
Estate planning can be difficult for anyone, but in some ways, the Personal Representative (also known as executor) of the estate ends up with the hardest job. It is important to talk with your Minnesota estate planning lawyer to determine if your chosen executor is right for the task. He or she can help clear up some of the confusion that is associated...
As 2020 draws to a close, it may be time to take a fresh look at your financial and legal documents to ensure that your affairs are in order and that you are ending the year on a solid foundation This is especially important if you’ve experienced any notable life or financial changes, such as the purchase or sale of real estate, the birth or adoption of a...
Estate planning for a married couple is often pretty straightforward: you leave all of your property and money to your spouse who also takes care of the minor children. But what happens if both parents pass away unexpectedly or if you’re a single parent creating an estate plan? Parents will usually say “then the children get everything,” but a Minnesota...
As a Minnesota estate planning lawyer, it’s easy to see why so many people put off writing their wills. After all, no one really wants to think about their own death, let alone prepare for it. In reality, though, preparing by creating a will is exactly what we should all be doing. There are plenty of reasons to consider, and any reputable wills and trusts...
Excluding someone from your will, particularly if it's your spouse or your child, can be complicated. In some states, it's not even allowed. Leaving out people who wouldn't automatically receive any of your estate is usually as simple as just not including them. However, if you do want to be specific about excluding someone to make sure they don't inherit...