Wayzata Estate Planning Attorney

A scenic river during Autumn in Wayzata, MN

Situated along the northern shore of Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata is known for its small-town character. When it comes to estate planning, residents of Wayzata have unique needs. That’s where Unique Estate Law comes in. Our firm provides comprehensive estate planning services to individuals, couples, and families here from all walks of life. 

Whether you only require a will-based plan or can benefit from establishing trusts, our experienced estate planning attorney can help. Founding attorney Chris Tymchuk is a highly sought-after trust and estate lawyer who serves her clients with dignity and compassion. You can depend on Chris to help you make informed decisions about your financial future. Contact our office for a consultation today. 

Estate Planning Attorney Serving Clients in Wayzata, Minnesota

At Unique Estate Law, we know that no two estates are the same and can help to tailor a plan to your unique needs. We regularly assist clients with creating a wide range of estate planning documents, including:

  • Will
  • Power of attorney
  • Advance Directive for Health Care
  • Revocable living trust
  • Irrevocable Trust
  • Living Will
  • Guardianship

A will is a foundational estate planning document that determines how your assets will be distributed after you die. In addition, a will allows you to appoint an executor to administer your estate and designate a guardian to care for your minor children. A well-conceived estate plan also includes incapacity planning documents. 

First, a durable power of attorney designates an agent to manage your personal and business affairs if you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated due to an illness or injury. Also, an advance directive for healthcare appoints a representative to make decisions about your medical care when you cannot communicate your preferences. 

These documents are a good start. But creating trusts allows clients with more complex assets to achieve a variety of estate planning objectives. You can trust Unique Estate law to understand your circumstances and explore all your asset protection options.

Wayzata Trusts Attorney

In addition to preparing wills, we assist clients with establishing various revocable and irrevocable trusts. A revocable living trust takes ownership of your property but allows you to continue managing it during your lifetime. Because you no longer own the assets, they pass to your beneficiaries without the need for probate. However, all trusts in Minnesota must go through an administrative phase to honor and carry out their terms. 

By contrast, an irrevocable trust cannot be amended, modified, or revoked. There are various types of irrevocable trusts intended for different purposes, including:

  • Minimizing estate taxes
  • Protecting the trust assets from creditors’  claims and lawsuits
  • Planning for incapacity (e.g. Medicaid trusts)
  • Providing for a loved one with special needs
  • Leaving a charitable legacy

By working with our experienced estate planning attorney, you can create a trust-based plan that achieves your objectives and gives you peace of mind. 

Guardianships

Many families come to us with questions about guardianships. This is a legal arrangement whereby a disabled adult or child, referred to as “the ward,” is placed under the supervision of a court-appointed guardian. That person is typically a family member or close friend. 

Generally, guardianships are necessary for minor children without a parental guardian or disabled adults who cannot make decisions about their person or property. Our experienced Wayzata guardianship attorney can assist with petitioning the court, represent you at the guardianship hearing, and advise you about your obligations as a guardian. 

Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples

Marital equality is recognized in Minnesota. However, same-sex couples face unique estate planning challenges, from ensuring their partners are protected to navigating complex child custody disputes involving non-biological children. It takes a progressive estate planning attorney to protect your rights and interests. Gay-owned and operated, Unique Estate Law is dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community in Wayzata. Let us help you find innovative solutions to your most personal and pressing challenges. 

Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer in Wayzata

We regularly guide clients through probate and estate administration proceedings. If you have been named the executor of a loved one’s estate, our knowledgeable probate attorney can assist you with fulfilling your duties, such as:

  • Petitioning the probate court to validate the will
  • Notifying the heirs named in the will 
  • Inventorying and appraising the estate assets
  • Settling estate debt with creditors
  • Filing the decedent’s final income tax returns
  • Distributing the estate assets to the beneficiaries
  • Closing the estate

Notably, an executor is a fiduciary, meaning that they must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and may be liable for mistakes or misconduct. If the decedent left no will, a family member must ask the court to be appointed as an estate administrator, whose duties are mostly the same as an executor. 

For these reasons, having proper legal representation throughout the probate and estate administration process is essential. Above all, Chris Tymchuck will offer you compassionate, efficient representation and dependable service during this difficult time.  

Contact Our Experienced Wayzata Estate Planning Attorney

At Unique Estate Law, we are well-known as dedicated advocates who care about our clients. When you become our client, you will have comfort with our experienced trust and estate attorneys at your side. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.