While many people may discuss rising divorce rates, it may be a lesser-known fact that remarriages are also on the rise. Finding someone to share a new chapter of your life with can be a big change and an exciting one at that. As with many other big life changes, you should consider the impact…
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How to Challenge the Legal Validity of a Will
After the death of a loved one, emotions can run high. When you add in the expectations people may have for an inheritance, things can become quickly heated. You discover the decedent changed his will a few days prior to death. The new will conflicts with what the decedent told you. Due to the suspiciousness…
Continue reading…How Do You Become a Guardian
How do you start a guardianship? You come home for the holidays and see your Dad in person for the first time since last year. You notice he is forgetful, and you fear for his safety since he lives alone. A friend tells you to become his guardian? What does it mean to become a…
Continue reading…What Is a Guardianship?
A Minnesota Guardianship Attorney Explains What Guardianship Means Under Minnesota law, a Guardianship is a process by which a Court appoints someone to act as the surrogate decision-maker for an incapacitated person. Why is Guardianship needed? A guardianship may be needed for two different scenarios. Care of a minor child if there is no longer a person…
Continue reading…When Should You Do an Estate Plan?
A Minneapolis Estate Planning Lawyer Explains When to Do an Estate Plan One of the most common questions I receive as an estate planning lawyer when you should start thinking about estate planning. While earlier is always better, we know that everyone’s life circumstances are a little bit different, and your estate planning needs are…
Continue reading…Does an Estate Executor Get Paid?
Minnesota Probate Attorney Explains Compensation for a Personal Representative (Executor) You’re having dinner with your brother when he suddenly says. “I need to ask you a favor. Will you be the executor for me if I die.” Naturally, you respond with “Don’t be silly. You’re not going to die” to which he responds “Sis. I’m…
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How Can You Plan for Incapacity?
While estate planning is so often associated with death, it also has a lot to do with incapacity planning. We understand that neither of these topics are things that people really jump at the chance to discuss, but they remain important topics to confront and plan for. In fact, incapacity planning can bring you a…
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What Is the Difference Between a Living Will and a Will?
If you looked into estate planning, as everyone should, you may have become quickly confused with the legal rhetoric of it all. Will, living will, trusts, health care surrogate, advance directives—it can all start blending. Today, we will help unravel some of these critical legal tools that play a central role in estate planning. In…
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Do I Need a Living Will?
While wills seem to get the bulk of the attention when people talk about establishing an estate plan, living wills are also a critical component of a strong estate plan. A living will is very different from a will, which is primarily used to designate how assets should be distributed upon a person’s death. A…
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Estate Planning Considerations for Those with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s and their loved ones also face unique challenges in the future. It is a more common disease than some may think. The National Institute on Aging estimates that Alzheimer’s Disease impacts over 5.5 million Americans. The degenerative brain disease causes cognitive impairment that worsens over time. The nature of Alzheimer’s must be accounted for…
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