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...
I wrote the book on Minnesota probate.
Year: 2019
HOW 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...
Estate 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...
IS 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...
The 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...
An outdated estate plan leads to chaos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...
What 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"...
Can I Leave My Timeshare To My Kids?
Remember that fabulous vacation your family had to Florida, Mexico or some other vacation paradise far from Minnesota winters? While you were there, a charming salesman persuaded you to buy a timeshare in a condominium. (Of course, all timeshare salespersons are...
How Should Your Estate Plan Treat the Family’s Black Sheep?
Let's face it. Many families have a Black Sheep that has caused serious problems for the family and himself or herself. When it comes to working on your estate plan, you may do so with the goal of leaving as much of what you worked your whole life to obtain behind for...
Two famous cases show the deeply emotional side of probate
Someone who has prepared a will may gather the family together to explain the provisions and what each heir can expect to receive. Other times, the heirs have no idea what the decedent put in his or her will, and an inheritance or lack thereof may come as an unwelcome...