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...
I wrote the book on Minnesota probate.
Estate Planning
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...
Does your loved one’s digital will include questionable terms?
Recently, there has been a rise in electronic or digital wills. People choose to create or update their estate plan using the internet or software instead of working with an attorney in an office. These documents allow people who possibly can't leave their homes to...
Keep your estate plan from causing a family fight
Creating an estate plan is an essential part of planning your future, but many people do not even have a will. A recent study from Caring.com discovered that among every 10 Americans, only four have a will or a trust. Creating an estate plan can protect your wishes...
Estate planning to avoid fights in a blended family
There are many different factors that can complicate estate administration and planning. Complicated assets, legal ownership of a business and unusual family dynamics are all issues that could make planning your estate more difficult. Blended families are a common...