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...
Probate
Mistakes to avoid as the executor of a will
At some point in your life, there’s a chance that a loved one could name you as the executor of their will. While they’re living, this doesn’t sound like that big of a deal. However, upon their passing, you’ll find yourself dealing with a variety of responsibilities....

What is a “Wrongful Death” Claim?
When a Loved One has died because of a negligent or intentional act of someone else, the survivors of the Loved one may have a claim for a money recovery against the person or persons who caused the death. We say "persons" because more than one individual may have...
My Stepdaughter Is Stealing My Inheritance
Blended Families Are Quite Common It's very common to see blended families here in Minnesota today. When I say blended family, I mean a family with children from different relationships. Because there are so many blended families, people should know that estate...
Grandpa Was A Hoarder
Dealing With A Disorganized Estate When a Loved One passes away, it can be a challenging time for many families. Let me tell you about a Minnesota family. A couple I will call Mark and Michelle live in Shakopee. Michelle's father Samuel was an old farmer who still had...
My Stepson Is Stealing My Inheritance
Blended Families Dealing With Probate Blended families are very common in Minnesota today. Since there are so many families with stepparents and stepchildren, it is important to understand that estate planning must be adapted to protect blended families. A Story About...
A Creditor Placed A Judgment Against Dad Before He Passed Away
The Probate Process In Minnesota The Minnesota Probate process provides an orderly process to receive, evaluate, and accept (or reject) credit card or other debt claimed against the decedent. There are a number of exemptions that the executor and their attorney should...
Bill Peterson Inducted As Attorney In North Dakota
Bill Peterson, a Bloomington lawyer, was recently inducted as an attorney in North Dakota. Bill Peterson and Chief Justice Gerald W. Vande Walle Mr. Peterson completed the extensive application and background check processes that are required of a lawyer applicant....
(Probate Issues 2 of 5) Isn’t the Probate Attorney The Lawyer For The Whole Family?
A Very Common Misconception A common misconception that many Minnesota families have during a probate proceeding is to assume that the lawyer hired by the executor is there to represent all family members. This is not so. The Executor Hires The Attorney For Just...
(Probate Issues 1 of 5) Will the Probate Court Investigate Improper Actions of the Executor?
Will The Court Look Into It? When the executor of the estate delays on administration or does things which some of the heirs think is wrong, can the heirs call or write the court to have the court look into it? As a general matter, under Minnesota Law the court...