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.
Many people assume that when they need help later in life, a spouse, child, or close friend will step in. But that assumption is becoming increasingly risky. Today, more than 16 million Americans over age 65 live alone, and most have no formal plan for long-term care or decision-making support as they age. Longer lifespans, higher divorce rates, and...
Caring for an aging parent is one of the most meaningful acts of love an adult child can offer. However, it can also be one of the most overwhelming responsibilities you will ever take on. Most families step into caregiving suddenly after a fall, a stroke, a new dementia diagnosis, or simply because a parent can no longer safely live alone. When this shift...
Blending two families together takes a lot of love and patience, and most couples assume that love will carry everyone through after one of them is gone. We understand why. It feels almost cold to imagine your spouse and your children ending up on opposite sides. Yet this is one of the most common heartaches we see, and a little estate planning in...
As a Monticello estate attorney, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents is surprisingly consistent: "How can I make sure my son-in-law or daughter-in-law doesn't walk away with my child's inheritance if they get divorced?"It's a delicate subject. While we all hope our children's marriages last forever, divorce statistics make this a...
Are you in your twenties or thirties? You’ve probably heard about the importance of Wills and Trusts by now, but you may feel like you’re still too young or just don’t have enough assets to warrant any estate planning yet. As a Minnesota will lawyer, I can tell you that it’s a huge mistake thinking that estate planning is just for older or wealthier...
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...
Your named beneficiaries will likely have to go through probate to receive your real property after your death if it is only in your name and not held in trust. Although transferring property into trust can ensure your family does not have to wait for a judge to validate your will before distributing your assets, it might not make sense for your situation....
A small business is a part of your identity, not to mention your livelihood. Business planning lawyers in Minnesota look to protect both aspects of this should you die or become incapacitated. Advanced planning is one of the smartest things that you can do to ensure that your small business meets the goals you have for it, whether you are at...
Just as everywhere else in the country, folks in Minnesota often put off their estate planning for many reasons. Whether it’s facing your own mortality, or that of your parents, the prospect of needing a will or trust isn’t something that many of us want to think about. The reality, though, is that when we continue to put off the estate...
A Special Needs Trust (also called a Supplemental Needs Trust) is a legal document that holds assets for a person with disabilities, while also providing legal authority for a trustee to manage money and make financial decisions on behalf of the individual with special needs. The Special Needs Trust also helps to ensure there are enough financial resources...
Creating a comprehensive estate plan can protect your interests and your family’s future. When you work hard to earn a living and obtain assets, it’s natural to want to pass them down to your children or dependents when you pass away. Unfortunately, many people don't understand how to keep their business and property intact when the unexpected happens....
Minnesota elder lawyers know that caring for an older adult from a distance can be a challenge. It can be overwhelming to think about your loved one living in a different state or even a foreign country, especially if their physical or mental impairments prevent them from taking care of themselves. The good news is that there are still ways to help manage...