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 solid Minnesota estate planning strategy is one of the best ways to protect your home, assets, and loved ones. Documents like wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and revocable living trusts all play an important role. However, many homeowners are surprised to learn that signing estate planning documents is only the first step.If...
While the idea of a "prenup" is well-known, postnuptial agreements are often overlooked. These agreements, signed after marriage, can be a vital part of your Minnesota estate plan. They provide clarity and protection, particularly as your life and circumstances change.What is a Postnuptial Agreement?A postnuptial agreement is a legal contract between...
Starting the IVF process opens a world of excitement and hope for many couples. But amidst the anticipation, a sometimes uncomfortable reality emerges: what happens to the remaining embryos or genetic material if one or both parents die? A Deeply Personal DecisionThis is a deeply personal decision with strong opinions on all sides. The issue can even...
Going through a divorce is an emotionally charged, challenging process. Amid the whirlwind of legal proceedings, contacting an estate planning attorney might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be.A divorce, often referred to as dissolution of marriage, can stretch over several months, sometimes even years. During this period, it's vital to...
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,...
You’ve most likely seen articles and news segments about cryptocurrency. The most popular form is Bitcoin, but there are several others on the horizon. What is cryptocurrency? For the uninitiated, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, making it difficult to counterfeit. Cryptocurrencies are not issued by any...
Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions affecting seniors, resulting in an eventual loss of cognitive functions. While there is no cure for dementia or the two leading diseases that cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, there are treatments that can slow the effects and help make life more manageable. In order for these treatments...
Any type of co-parenting relationship can be complicated, especially when the relationship ends in divorce. Divorcing parents of a special needs child, even one that has reached adulthood, may have questions about their rights and obligations as guardians when it comes to making decisions for a child with disabilities. While laws may vary from state to...
In general, Americans are very uncomfortable talking about end-of-life issues. It can be hard for people to think about (and plan for) their own death, let alone the death of their loved ones. I get it. Yet by not discussing these issues, you are leaving your future caregivers (most often your adult children) in an impossible position. Many people are...
When done properly, an estate plan affords peace of mind to those creating it and leaves behind a legacy for their loved ones. But, sometimes estate planning can go awry – and it’s usually due to eccentricities held by either the creators of the estate plan, the beneficiaries, or both. To give a good idea of how such planning can go wrong, our Minnesota...
Sometimes parents wish to change or modify custody orders. Unfortunately this is not an easy task. It is important to understand the impact of an initial order, the limits on timing, and the additional requirements for modifications. Initial Custody Order If parents have not reached their own agreement on custody and parenting time, the court needs to make...
It’s become more and more common now to see clients come in with estate planning or probate cases that involve multiple states. From clients with a family cabin across the border in Wisconsin or mineral rights to land in North Dakota to “snow birds” who spend the winters away from Minnesota’s freezing cold, more and more people own property not in multiple...