When people do not create a plan for their assets, surviving family members must address estate settlement issues. Interested parties go through a legal process known as probate to resolve problems, such as handling the will, paying the deceased's debts and appraising...
Minnesota Probate and Estate Planning Blog
Dealing with disputes with a stepparent after a parent’s death
Dealing with the death of a parent can be extremely traumatic. Whether your parent died unexpectedly or due to a long illness, grieving can take a long time, and you may be unable to work or do simple activities for some time. It is important to give yourself the time...
3 ways family members could steal from an estate and each other
When someone dies, grief is not the only emotion that overtakes the family. Many people will also experience intense greed when they start to consider their loved one's resources. A loss on its own can be a traumatic experience for a family. The death of a close...
What evidence can help you prove undue influence on a last will?
Family members are often intimately familiar with the last wishes of their loved ones. You may have talked about their legacy or even been present when they met with an estate and probate attorney. Your loved one may have even had you select certain property to...
Should you create a power of attorney?
Maybe because of the state’s long and harsh winters, Minnesotans are some of the more resilient and resourceful citizens of the U.S. After all, getting through the cold months requires some planning and thought. You can and probably should apply that same resourceful...
How the IRS triggered yet another dispute over Prince’s estate
Proper estate planning allows for successful estate administration. When someone doesn't think ahead, their executors are left scrambling to determine their wishes and follow them. The more assets that someone has, the more crucial proper estate planning is. Bigger...
Have you considered your medical wishes for your estate plan?
Putting together a comprehensive estate plan can mean needing to consider issues that you would otherwise prefer to avoid. Planning for your death means that you have to reflect on your own mortality and on what will happen to the people you love if you aren't there...
3 tips for avoiding estate disputes due to divorce or remarriage
While the American divorce rate is on the decline, separation remains common among U.S. couples. The American Psychological Association estimates that between 40 and 50% of marriages nationwide ultimately end in divorce. Naturally, many parents eventually remarry and...
Do you need a living will?
Protecting your wishes can be as easy as creating a living will. A living will is a document that helps you state what your wishes are if you become seriously ill or impaired. Most people know what their wishes are if they’re hurt and able to speak for themselves, but...
Common estate problems that arise for blended families
When a person has a second or third marriage, he or she must carefully craft an estate plan to avoid arguments that may arise about inheritance. The situation becomes even more complicated when someone has children from several different relationships. Review the...