Adopting a child is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. Once the court finalizes the adoption, your child is your child, legally and in every way that matters. Updating your estate plan should be one of the first steps you take afterward, because adoption and estate planning go hand in hand. Many families are relieved to learn that...
Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. Blog
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.
Minnesota Will Lawyer Explains Leaving an Inheritance to a Friend
Leaving an Inheritance to a Friend: What a Minnesota Will Lawyer Wants You to KnowWhen most people think about estate planning, they imagine leaving their property to a spouse, children, or other close relatives. However, many Minnesota residents want to leave part—or even all—of their estate to a trusted friend who has become like family.The good news is...
Updating Property Deeds After Minnesota Estate Planning: What Monticello Homeowners Need to Know
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...
What is a Postnuptial Agreement? Protecting Your Assets and Your Legacy in Minnesota
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...
Planning for Embryos: How to Ensure Your Wishes are Legally Honored in Your Minnesota Estate Plan
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...
Filing for Divorce in Minnesota? Why Updating Your Estate Plan is Crucial
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...
Minnesota Will and Trust Lawyer Discusses the Most Important Estate Planning “To Dos” After a Divorce
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,...
When It Comes to Cryptocurrency, Estate Planning Is a Must!
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...
What are the Warning Signs of Dementia?
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...
How to Handle Decision Making for an Adult Child With Special Needs When the Parents Are Divorced
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...
4 Steps to Avoid Stress at the End of Life
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...
5 Most Infamous Estate Planning Battles
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...









