Some may not know this, but did you know that a large part of a comprehensive, strong estate plan should include planning for incapacitation? While the prospect of ever being in a position where you are unable to communicate your own preferences on things such as health care or being unable to manage your own…
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Idaho Supreme Court Rules in Same-Sex Couple Parental Rights Case
Recently, the Supreme Court of Idaho issued an important decision in the case of Gatsby v. Gatsby which highlights the importance of properly executed legal agreements. The temptation to use general, template legal agreements that you can purchase or find online for free may be strong, but legal documents need to be properly drafted and…
Continue reading…Should I Handwrite My Will?
A Minnesota Estate Planning Lawyer Explains Why You Should NOT Handwrite Your Will We’ve all heard the stories. A dying person writes out a will on a car bumper. Is such a will valid in Minnesota? Generally, a handwritten will – called holographic – is not valid here. What is a Valid Will? Under Minnesota…
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What is an Advance Directive?
An advance directive is an important part of an estate plan although it is much less discussed than other legal tools. There tends to be a focus on wills and other instruments that are used to distribute a person’s assets and property and advance directives do not do this. Instead, advance directives are critical parts…
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What You Need to Know Before Drafting Your Will
If you have decided it is time to make an estate plan, a big congratulations are in order as you have taken an important step in protecting a future you want for yourself and your loved ones. There really is no better time than the present to put a comprehensive estate plan in place and…
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Did You Move This Summer? Remember to Update Your Estate Plan
While many talk of summer fun, including barbecues, vacations, and more, many of us took on the task of moving over the summer. While this does not necessarily make for a fun or carefree summer, it can still mark the start of a great adventure in a new location. To help set yourself up and…
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Why Estate Planning Can Be Important for Everyone, Regardless of Age or Wealth
Estate planning is important for everyone. This remains true no matter how old you are and no matter how much money you have, or do not have. It is important to clear up this misconception. Far too many people have avoided estate planning because they think it is only important for the old or the…
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What Happens If I Die Without a Will?
A will is a valuable legal tool. It is most known for its ability to provide directions as to how a person’s assets should be distributed upon his or her death, but it can be much more. In a will, you can name who you want to act as personal representative of your estate, a…
Continue reading…Common Missteps to Avoid When Creating Your Will
Have you made the decision to finally get an estate plan in place? This is a great and important first step to putting legal protections in place that will further and protect your goals for the future. As you set out on your estate planning journey, you will most likely develop a will, an important…
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Where Should You Keep Your Estate Planning Documents
So, you have put an estate plan in place. Good for you! You have taken a critical step into protecting a future you want for yourself and your family. A strong estate plan is filled with legal tools meant to protect your wishes and promote the goals you have for yourself and your loved ones….
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