Marital assets need to go through property division during a divorce. But not everything that a couple owns qualifies as a marital asset. Some may count as separate assets, meaning one spouse owns them independently and they do not need to go through property...
When two or more people share ownership of real property, they also share a responsibility for their real estate holdings. They may both need to contribute toward insurance and tax costs, as well as any mortgage payments. They may also have an arrangement for sharing...
Now that the school year is over, it’s time for parents to shift to summer plans. This isn’t always easy, partly because everyone becomes so accustomed to having a school schedule firmly in place. Even if your child is already enjoying their summer, there are a few...
Many people still have outstanding debt when they pass away. Some people pass away unexpectedly, and they may still have major debts like business loans or mortgage loans. But even someone who has addressed all of their major debts could still have credit card bills,...
Many homebuyers assume that once the transaction is done, ownership is automatically clean and undisputed. In reality, property ownership can be challenged after purchase due to hidden defects in the title. These may include missing heirs, undisclosed liens, clerical...
Becoming a parent changes the way you see the world. You hold your child for the first time and feel something entirely new. That feeling comes with a question that will not leave you alone: if something happened to you, would your children be okay? Many Minnesota...
People preparing for divorce typically have questions about the process ahead. They want to know how long divorce takes and how much it costs. They also tend to worry about the property division process. The idea of splitting all major assets evenly with a spouse can...
Multiple formal and informal inspections are standard during residential real estate transactions. Buyers and their real estate agents often conduct cursory inspections when attending open houses or private showings of the property. Mortgage lenders generally require...
If a person lived in Minnesota right before they died, then their estate likely needs to pass through the Minnesota probate courts. The personal representative they selected or a competent adult appointed by the courts either follows the estate plan or intestate...
Some people prefer to minimize the court's involvement in their financial affairs upon their death. For them, the word "probate" carries a negative connotation. While probate serves an important legal function, it can also involve delays, administrative expenses and...
