We all know we're going to die someday, so when people think about making an estate plan, they often think about it in the context of final arrangements for what we leave behind. However, having an estate plan is also crucial in another situation, and one we don't...
In Estate Planning, Fair Is Not Always the Same Thing as Equal
When your children were young, you did your best to treat them fairly. You let them know you loved them equally and avoided giving preferential treatment to one of them. Not only did this help your kids feel equally loved and valued growing up, it also taught them...
Parties face long legal battles without clear estate planning
After a loved one dies, there can be a surprising amount of details to address. And this can quickly become overwhelming, particularly when a person did not leave a valid, clear and comprehensive estate plan behind. Under these circumstances, beneficiaries could be in...
Could Britney Spears’ Case Lead To Conservatorship Reform?
The role of conservators was thrust into the international spotlight when pop star Britney Spears testified in a California court in June that her father is guilty of conservatorship abuse. Jamie Spears was appointed conservator for his daughter in 2008. Britney says...
Planning for Life After the Pandemic
With Covid-19 vaccination rates climbing and mask mandates being lifted across Minnesota, life is starting to look a little more like it did before the pandemic. And while things are not exactly the same, we have a better idea of what the future might hold. With that...
Dishonesty, Disloyalty and Other Problems in Estate Administration
Losing a loved one is painful; having to navigate a complicated and contentious legal battle in the wake of that loss can make the situation even worse. Unfortunately, this is precisely what Minnesota families face when dishonest or disloyal parties play a role in...
Why Unmarried Partners Should Care about Estate Planning
According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 7% of surveyed adults were living with an unmarried partner, up from 3% in 1995.[1] However, despite more people entering into long-term committed relationships without getting married, many state and...
How to Talk to Mom and Dad about Creating an Estate Plan
Conversations about death and dying are, let's face it, not the most fun thing to talk about. Who wants to be reminded of their inevitable demise? Broaching the subject with one's parents can be particularly difficult because in addition to the general morbidity of...
3 Things You Need To Know About Real Estate and Estate Planning
An estate plan manages your financial and property assets upon your death. Creating an estate plan is the best way to protect you and your beneficiaries' best interests. Here are the top three things you need to know about including your home and vacation properties...
3 Issues Millennials Are Tackling in Their Estate Plans
Every adult should take a personal approach to estate planning because one's specific age, morals, wealth, family size, and special interests can all determine the type of estate plan one should have. In fact, a recent study that examined 20,000 millennials who had...
