Chanhassen, home to Paisley Park Studios and several other attractions, sits on the southwest edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs. With a mix of residential neighborhoods and rural landscapes, Chanhassen is also home to individuals and families from all walks of life with diverse estate planning needs. That’s where Unique Estate Law LLC comes in.
Our firm helps clients in Chanhassen and around Minnesota plan their financial futures with well-conceived estate plans. We are unique because the firm is gay-owned and operated and proudly services same-sex couples, the LGBTQ community, and everyone else regardless of their background or financial status.
When you work with us, we will provide compassionate, effective representation and exceptional personal service. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and other estate planning tools, we are the experienced choice. Contact us today to get started with a uniquely qualified estate planning attorney.
Why You Need A Chanhassen Estate Planning Lawyer
Many people think estate planning is only for the wealthy or families with children, but everyone has an estate and, therefore, needs a plan. Estate planning is about more than deciding who gets what after you’re gone; it is also about planning for your financial future and preparing for the unexpected.
At Unique Estate Law, we regularly advise clients on all aspects of estate planning, such as:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Planning for children
- LGBTQ+ estate planning
- Incapacity planning
- Special needs planning
- Guardianships & guardianship mediation
- Probate/estate administration
We do more than prepare estate planning documents. We will help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family and tailor your plan to your unique needs and objectives. We know that no two estates are the same and will provide you with personalized attention.
Getting Started With A Will
A will is the cornerstone of your estate plan because it determines how your assets will be managed and distributed after you pass. Also, a will allows you to name an executor to administer your estate and designate a guardian to care for your minor children if you are the sole parent. Without a will, the court will intervene to make these and other decisions that may not agree with your wishes.
In short, every adult needs a will. It is also necessary to create incapacity planning documents, including:
- Durable power of attorney appoints a trusted person to conduct your personal and business affairs (e.g. paying bills and housing expenses, managing bank accounts, property, and investments) if you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated.
- Advanced Directive for Healthcare designates a healthcare representative to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event of an incapacitating injury or illness.
We will help you put these essential documents in place and explore all your options for protecting your assets, providing for your loved ones, and preserving your legacy.
Chanhassen Trusts Attorney
Trusts are not only for the wealthy and can serve a variety of purposes, such as protecting your assets, providing for a loved one with special needs, and incapacity planning. Let our attorneys help you consider your options, including:
Revocable Living Trust
As the name implies, a revocable living trust takes ownership of your property while allowing you to continue managing it during your lifetime. The main purpose of a living trust is to avoid probate, which becomes unnecessary since you no longer own the assets. This estate planning tool can also help with incapacity planning because it designates a successor trustee to manage your assets if you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated.
Irrevocable Trust
Unlike a living trust, an irrevocable trust cannot be modified, altered, or revoked. Irrevocable trusts also avoid probate, protect your estate from creditors’ claims, minimize estate taxes, and achieve objectives such as providing for a loved one with special needs or leaving a charitable legacy.
When it comes to creating trusts, residents of Chanhassen come to Unique Estate Law for a singular client experience.
Chanhassen Probate Lawyer
Being named the executor of a loved one’s estate is an honor but it is also a challenge. As an executor, you are considered a fiduciary and must work in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
You can depend on our experienced probate lawyer to help you faithfully carry out your duties, including:
- Notifying the named beneficiaries and heirs of the decedent’s passing
- Inventorying and appraising the estate assets
- Paying the decedent’s debts to creditors
- Filing the decedent’s final income taxes
- Paying federal estate taxes, if applicable
- Distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries
- Closing the estate
We can also advise you if a loved one has passed without a will and help petition the probate court to appoint an estate administrator, who has similar duties to that of an executor. Under these circumstances, the estate will be administered according to the intestacy laws of Minnesota. Regardless of your circumstances, having an experienced attorney guide you through the probate and estate administration process is a wise choice.
Why Choose Us?
When you come to Unique Estate Law, you will find a welcoming environment in which you fully participate in decision-making and planning your estate. We have a wealth of knowledge about the applicable trust and estate laws and will put those laws to work for you.
We are not only highly experienced estate planning attorneys but also compassionate people who care about our clients. You can trust us to provide you with the informed representation you need and the personalized attention you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Chanhassen, Minnesota Estate Planning Attorney
Whether you only need a will-based plan or can benefit from creating trusts, turn to Unique Estate Law for trustworthy advice and guidance. Don’t wait to plan your estate. Contact us today to set up a consultation.