When a parent's addiction, neglect or instability puts a child at risk, grandparents may seek custody. Minnesota law strongly favors parental rights. Grandparents face a high legal burden before a court will step in. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 257C, courts may...
Elk River Minnesota Legal Blog
What to do when a neighbor blocks your driveway access
If a neighbor blocks your driveway, start by documenting the situation and contacting the proper local authority. In Minnesota, parking in front of a public or private driveway is generally prohibited, and a blocked driveway may support a citation or tow depending on...
How to handle creditor claims as an estate executor
Stepping into the role of an executor means taking care of both what someone left behind and the bills they owed. When creditors ask for payment, Minnesota probate rules guide you on giving proper notice, staying on top of deadlines and knowing which debts to handle...
Can you get emergency custody in Minnesota?
When a child may face abuse or other serious danger, a parent may need court help right away. Waiting for a regular custody hearing may not be safe. Minnesota courts can issue emergency custody orders in certain cases. The court will look at the facts and the level of...
Can a transfer-on-death deed help you avoid probate in Minnesota?
A transfer-on-death deed (TODD) can allow a Minnesota homeowner to pass a home to a named beneficiary without going through probate. The owner keeps full ownership of the property; the TODD takes effect only after the owner’s death. It can be a useful estate-planning...
What can you do to help your child cope with your divorce?
Divorce changes life for every member of your family. Children often struggle to understand why everything feels different. As a parent going through divorce in Minnesota, you can help your child adjust to shifts in their daily routine. While you work through the...
How is personal property handled during probate?
Questions about personal belongings often come up after a family member passes. The probate process decides how these assets are collected and given to heirs. Knowing how this process works can help families understand what to expect in the months ahead. What counts...
3 risks if a person dies without an estate plan
Families often look for wills and other instructions shortly after a person dies. Unfortunately, a majority of adults in the United States do not have wills or any other estate planning documents in place. Their families may then face a much more complex probate and...
Commingled assets can become marital assets
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...
Has a real property co-owner failed to fulfill their obligations?
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...

