Estate mediation offers a confidential and amicable way to address potential disputes or concerns in estate planning. By choosing this approach, parties are able to find common ground, save time, and often reduce expenses. Assuming you opt for mediation, how should you prepare for the first session? It’s a good idea to learn as much…
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Mistakes to Avoid with Your Health Care Directive
Creating a health care directive, sometimes referred to as a living will, is an essential step in estate planning that allows you to express your medical treatment preferences should you become unable to communicate them yourself. In Minnesota, a health care directive is a comprehensive document that allows you to both communicate your medical wishes…
Continue reading…A Look at the Probate Process and How to Avoid It
The probate process is a central part of planning how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death. Given its role in estate planning, why is there so much discussion on how to avoid it? While probate serves as a legal framework for asset distribution, the process involves a commitment of time, a…
Continue reading…Incapacity Planning—Who Needs It?
Incapacity planning is an essential but often overlooked component of comprehensive estate planning. It involves legal arrangements to ensure your wishes are carried out if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Having such plans in place not only provides peace of mind but also prevents potential legal battles and hardship for your loved…
Continue reading…Don’t Forget About Your Digital Assets!
What happens to your Facebook or Instagram account after you die? Estate planning is a crucial step in securing your financial and emotional legacy, yet many overlook a modern aspect of this process: digital assets. From social media accounts and email archives to digital currencies and online businesses, these virtual properties can hold both sentimental…
Continue reading…How to Choose the Right Guardian for Your Children
As a parent, providing for your children and making sure they are properly cared for will always be your priority. It can be difficult to think of a time when you might not be around to do this for yourself, but unfortunately, life is full of unpredictable twists and turns. Make sure your kids are…
Continue reading…Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families
Are you part of a blended family? A blended family can refer to a variety of different combinations. It can refer to extended family members who all live in the same home. More commonly, perhaps, a blended family refers to a family were one or both of the spouses have children from previous relationships. A…
Continue reading…Difficult Conversations, Part III: Guardianship for Minor Children
You are a young and growing family. Your young child is now 2 and you are starting to come out of the haze of having an infant. Now, you may have the wherewithal to tackle estate planning matters. Many of my clients come to me for the first time when their first child is about…
Continue reading…Difficult Conversations, Part II: Your Parent’s Estate
Your parents are off enjoying retirement and seem to have a handle on their personal matters. But, do you know what their plan is if anything happens to either of them? Have you asked them about their wishes if incapacitated or worse? Many parents, especially in Minnesota, are reluctant to discuss financial/personal matters with their…
Continue reading…Is Guardianship the Right Choice for My Loved One with Special Needs?
To be clear, having a disability does not necessarily necessitate the need for a guardian. This seems to be a common misconception and it is important to understand that not every person with special needs requires a guardian. After all, a guardianship is a legal process that results in certain important rights to decision-making being…
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