I wrote the book on Minnesota probate.
During his lifetime, the late and great Prince of Minnesota had amassed what many expect to be a very significant estate. According to Forbes.com, estimates suggest Prince's net worth is over $300 million. Prince smartly took measures protecting his ownership rights...
When Mom or Dad is in failing health, the adult children may think it is a good idea to put one or more of them on the parent's account and make it a joint account. The idea is that the child can deposit the parent's income, pay their bills and divide up the account...
Estate planning is sometimes a difficult topic to think about. It makes us not only take an inventory of the fruits of our life's labors, but to also consider our own mortality. In conjunction with the asset protection and inheritance aspects of testamentary planning,...
If you are getting a divorce from your spouse, you have a lot of planning to do. You will need to name your own beneficiaries, organize your divided assets, and set up your individual property. It is vital that you meet with a qualified attorney to discuss the...
Estate planning is an arduous task for anyone, celebrities included. As a society, celebrities are held to a much higher standard. They have substantial incomes and lead extravagant lifestyles that most people could only dream of. So it's only natural to assume their...
If you choose your spouse as beneficiary and later get divorced, could he or she receive the proceeds from your life insurance policy? "Yes" said the U.S. Court of Appeals recently in a case involving a Minnesota insurance policy. Mark Sveen bought a life insurance...
When a Loved One has died, family members often are absorbed by grief and don't want to think about dealing with the real estate, bank accounts and other assets of the deceased Loved One. A century ago that might be a perfectly good course. Today, that could be a bad...
When we were young, our parents sat us down and talked about important subjects including family, school, friendships-and sometimes sex. Now the roles are reversed and we need to talk to our parents about their major issues of life and death. A most important book is...
With the coming of spring, the family's thoughts often drift to the family cabin "Up North". Remember those sunny days relaxing at the lakeshore at your family cabin? The kids are playing in the sand or splashing in the lake. As the sun sets, you bring out the...
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...