If (when) federal recognition of gay marriage is overturned, LGBTQ+ families will face new challenges in protecting loved ones and their assets. But there are ways to plan ahead and make sure your family is cared for, no matter what happens to marriage laws. Here’s what you need to know in simple terms: Why Estate…
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Protecting Heirs from Elder Financial Abuse: Preventive Estate Planning
What if the biggest threat to your family’s inheritance isn’t a legal dispute but financial abuse by someone they know and trust? Sadly, elder financial exploitation is far more common than most people realize, and it often goes unnoticed until serious damage has been done. At Unique Estate Law, we believe that estate planning isn’t…
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Understanding Minnesota’s Elective Share Law for Surviving Spouses
Did you know that in Minnesota, your spouse may still have a legal right to a portion of your estate, even if your will says otherwise? This right is known as the elective share, and it serves as a safeguard built into state law to protect surviving spouses from being disinherited. Whether you’re creating an…
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Estate Recovery and Medicaid Planning
Could your estate be at risk without you even knowing it? Many families are surprised to learn that Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Minnesota can lead to estate recovery, where the government seeks repayment from a person’s estate. That’s why planning ahead matters. At Unique Estate Law, we help you take steps now to protect your…
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Funeral and Memorial Planning as Part of Your Estate Plan
Who will make the decisions about your funeral if you don’t? Without clear instructions, your loved ones may be left guessing or even disagreeing during an already emotional time. Including funeral and memorial planning in your estate plan can ease that burden and ensure your wishes are respected. At Unique Estate Law, we work with…
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Legal Guardianship and Moving States
If you’re the legal guardian of a loved one and considering a move to or from Minnesota, it’s important to know that a guardianship doesn’t automatically carry over across state lines. Even though your responsibilities may stay the same, each state has its own court procedures and legal requirements. Are you planning a move and…
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Bought a New House? Consider Updating Your Estate Plan
You’ve unpacked the boxes, painted the walls, and maybe even planted flowers out front. But here’s something most people forget to do after buying a home: update their estate plan. What would happen to your new home if something unexpected occurred tomorrow? Buying a house is a big step—both emotionally and financially. That’s why it’s…
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How to Prepare for Probate and Estate Administration in Advance
If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your loved ones know what to do? Probate—a court-supervised process that ensures their final wishes are carried out and debts are settled—can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially without a plan in place. Taking the time to prepare now can help reduce confusion, minimize delays, and make things…
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How Advance Directives Relate to Guardianship
What if the unexpected happened tomorrow—would your loved ones know what to do? We don’t like to think about losing the ability to make our own decisions, but it’s something we all need to consider. Health emergencies and cognitive decline can change life in an instant. That’s where advance directives and guardianship come into play….
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What Evidence Is Needed in the Guardianship Process?
When someone you love is no longer able to make safe or informed decisions, you may find yourself asking: How do I prove they need help? It’s a question we hear often, and it’s an important one. Starting the guardianship process in Minnesota means preparing to show the court not only that a loved one…
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