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…
Continue reading…
How to Protect Your Retirement Account with Estate Planning
Retirement accounts often make up a large portion of your savings. After years of contributing and planning for the future, you want to be sure those funds are protected. But here’s a question worth asking: what actually happens to your retirement account if something happens to you? Many people assume their account will automatically transfer…
Continue reading…
Managing Digital Assets in Estate Administration
In today’s world, so much of what we value lives online—photos, messages, financial records, and even money. But what would happen if no one could access your email, cloud storage, or digital accounts after you’re gone? As our digital lives grow, so does the need to account for them in estate planning. From social media…
Continue reading…
How Can a Guardianship Be Terminated?
When someone is placed under guardianship, it’s usually because a court decided they needed help making important life decisions. But what happens when that person’s condition improves or the situation changes? Does the guardianship have to continue? The short answer is no—not always. In Minnesota, there’s a clear process to end a guardianship when it’s…
Continue reading…
Everything You Need to Know About Spendthrift Trusts
What if you could protect your hard-earned assets while still providing for a loved one? Not everyone is prepared to handle a large inheritance, and financial risks like debt, lawsuits, or reckless spending can quickly drain an estate. A spendthrift trust offers a way to ensure your money is used wisely. Instead of giving full…
Continue reading…
What Happens to a House in Probate?
Losing a loved one is difficult, and dealing with their estate can add stress to an already overwhelming time. If they owned a home, you may be wondering what happens to the property and how long the process of transferring it will take. Who is responsible for managing the property, and what steps need to…
Continue reading…
Are There Any Assets That Are Excluded During Probate?
What happens to your assets when you pass away? Many people assume everything must go through probate, but that’s not always the case. Some assets transfer directly to beneficiaries, avoiding court delays and extra costs. Knowing which assets bypass probate can help you protect your estate and make things easier for your loved ones. Without…
Continue reading…
Obtaining Guardianship Rights as the Grandparent
Have you found yourself stepping in to care for your grandchild because their parents are unable to? It’s a situation more grandparents face than you might think, and while love and commitment come naturally, legal authority doesn’t. Without guardianship, making decisions about your grandchild’s education, healthcare, or daily needs can become difficult, if not impossible….
Continue reading…
What Is Probate Court?
Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with legal matters afterward can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever wondered who handles a person’s estate after they pass away, the answer is often probate court. This court oversees the process of paying debts, distributing assets, and ensuring everything is handled properly. Some estates move through…
Continue reading…
Important Financial Documents You Should Have for Your Estate Plan
Have you ever thought about what would happen to your finances if you were suddenly unable to manage them? Life is unpredictable, and without the right financial documents in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary delays and stress. From bank accounts to tax records, keeping clear and organized financial paperwork can make all the…
Continue reading…