A Minnesota Adoption Attorney Discusses the Need to Legalize Your Relationship With Your Child With the looming inevitability of another conservative administration, I’ve been getting a lot of questions (panicked calls) on how the changing administration may affect LGBT clients. This is the second in a series of posts to cover the legal challenges ahead…
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What Trump Means for the LGBT Community, Part 3: Get Your Documents In Order
Minnesota Lawyer Discusses Estate Planning for Married Couples in the Era of Trump. The day after the 2024 election, our firm received numerous calls from the LGBTQ+ community who are rightly concerned about future attacks on same-sex marriage. With the strong possibility of future efforts to overturn or challenge established precedents like Obergefell v. Hodges—the…
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Navigating Probate Hearings: Common Questions to Expect
A probate hearing can be intimidating if you’re uncertain about the process. What kind of questions will the court ask, and how should you prepare for them? Whether you’re managing an estate or are a concerned beneficiary, knowing what to expect can make the experience less stressful. From confirming the validity of a will to…
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When Should I Amend My Existing Trust?
Life is full of changes, and as your circumstances evolve, your trust may need to evolve, too. Have you recently experienced a significant life event, like a marriage, the birth of a child, or a shift in your financial situation? These moments often prompt the need to revisit and update your existing trust. When was…
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How Technology Has Affected and Streamlined Estate Planning
Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and estate planning is no exception. Have you considered how digital advancements have made creating, managing, and securing your estate plan easier? From electronic wills to virtual consultations and cloud storage, the tools available today offer convenience and peace of mind that were hard to imagine…
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When Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Have you ever wondered if your estate plan is up-to-date? Life is full of changes, from marriages and births to new financial milestones. These events can significantly impact your existing plans. It’s easy to overlook updating your estate documents, but ensuring they reflect your current situation is crucial. Are you confident that your estate plan…
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The First Things to Do When Inheriting an Estate in Minnesota
Have you recently received an inheritance and are unsure what to do next? Managing a new financial windfall can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are involved. Whether it’s cash, property, or investments, making informed decisions is crucial to securing your financial future. How do you balance immediate needs with long-term planning? Here, we’ll explore the…
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Necessities to Include in Your Guardianship Petition
Are you preparing to file a guardianship petition in Minnesota and feeling unsure about where to start? Understanding what to include in your petition is vital for a successful submission. From detailing the needs of the person requiring assistance to outlining the qualifications of the proposed guardian, each section plays an important role. We’ll break…
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How Long Does Probate Take in Minnesota?
Probate is the process in which a deceased person’s assets are gathered, debts are paid, and assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Basically, it is the court-overseen process of wrapping up a person’s affairs. Probate can be a lengthy process. In fact, the time it takes for probate to complete is a major reason many people…
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What Happens If Your Heir Doesn’t Want What You Are Giving?
There was a time, in the not-too-distant past, when inheriting something was a benefit and nothing but good news. But, with the crash of ’07 and the subsequent plummeting of real estate values, that’s no longer true. Probate lawyers such as myself are increasingly answering the question: What if I don’t want it? For instance,…
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