Minnesota Probate and Estate Planning Blog
THE STRANGE JOURNEY OF FRANZ KAFKA’S RECENTLY RECOVERED MANUSCRIPTS
The Last Will and Testament of a friend of Franz Kafka, recently proved decisive in the release of previously unpublished works of the 20th century literary master.Franz Kafka was the author of such masterpieces as The Trial, The Castle, and The Metamorphosis.When...
read moreTom Petty’s estate signals the importance of precise language
In creating an estate plan, many hope to preserve their own wishes, avoid future feuds between loved ones and more. However, even those with meticulously planned estates throughout Minnesota may fail to avoid a future dispute without clear, precise language.Late...
read moreKeeping a family business in the family
It is many business owner's or founder's wish to pass the company along to their children. It often becomes even a more critical issue when a company has been in the family for multiple generations. In decades past, the transition of ownership was simply something...
read moreMan caught after faking his death
There have been many sensational news stories and countless movies over the years involving people faking their own death. There is the classic premise to avoid capture by fellow thieves or law enforcement. However, a man who once called Plymouth, Minnesota, home did...
read moreHOW TO CHOOSE AND EXECUTOR: ADVICE FROM TEDDY ROOSEVELT
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, had a colorful career of occupations before he became president in 1901.One of his experiences was as a rancher overseeing hundreds of cattle in North Dakota.Of course, to do that he had many wranglers...
read moreEstate planning for blended families
The U.S. divorce rate has gone down in recent years, but it is still over 40%. This means that many of us have parents on a second (or third) marriage, some of which lasted longer than the first one with children. So as couples get their affairs in order, it is likely...
read moreIS ARETHA FRANKLIN’S HANDWRITTEN “WILL” VALID?
Aretha Franklin, the legendary "Queen of Soul" died last August leaving an estate with an estimated value of $80 million. At first her lawyer said she died without a Will. But in May of this year, a search of her home in suburban Detroit yielded twelve pages of...
read moreThe do-it-yourself disorderly disaster
Corporate owners in many occupations proudly display the fruits of their business acumen. The auto dealership owner drives a Ford Shelby. The dentist dazzles his friends with a bright, white smile. The jeweler's wife wears a 6-carat flawless diamond wedding...
read moreAn outdated estate plan leads to chaos
Legendary musician Barry White left behind more than just a legacy of iconic music. His estate planning blunder became a cautionary tale to others in his position. The lesson is clear: Do not wait too long to make changes to your will, especially if your health is...
read moreWhat are Letters Testamentary?
"Letters Testamentary" is a Minnesota court order appointing a person as personal representative or executor of the Will of a deceased person. The terminology "Letters" comes from Old English legal usage that meant a writ or order issued by a judge. "Testamentary"...
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