When you pass away, there is always a risk that your family could get into arguments or disagree about how to handle your estate. It’s important to take action and to look into ways to prevent arguments or will contests, for example, so your passing can be as peaceful...
Elk River Minnesota Legal Blog
When might the legal validity of a will be challenged?
A will is an essential part of any estate plan. With this document, you can detail how your assets are distributed upon your death. You can also nominate legal guardians for your children and much more. As with any legal instrument, a will must hold under legal...
Why do people put off writing their will?
Many people put off writing their will because it’s often believed to only be useful later in life. This misconception has caused trouble for many heirs when their loved ones suddenly face health complications at a young age or are in fatal accidents. But, more...
Can the children decide where to live?
As your divorce gets closer, you know that sharing time with the children is your biggest goal. Your marriage is going to end, but being a parent is still the most important thing to you. Your custody rights are a major focus. What you’re worried about is that your...
Can you put digital collections in your will?
More and more often, people have digital forms of media. They may have invested a significant amount of money in a collection, and it may also have sentimental value to the heirs from times spent enjoying this media together. For instance, your grandparents may have...
How to avoid probate (and why you should)
No one wants to think about their own death, but planning for it is crucial. If you don’t plan, your estate may have to go through probate. This process is often expensive and time-consuming, so it's best to do everything to avoid it. Here are some tips on how to...
What is the cy pres doctrine in estate planning?
If a loved one left a will they wrote themselves or maybe with the help of an online “do-it-yourself” will-maker, there could be some issues – even if they had it witnessed and notarized so that it’s a valid document. It’s not uncommon for people to include...
Is probate court necessary when your parent dies?
Losing a parent is one of the hardest experiences a person will have, but it is a nearly universal experience, especially as people enter middle age. Even if your parent lived a long and full life, you would still grieve them when you can no longer reach out to them...
How old is too old to divorce?
You and your spouse have been together for many years, but you’ve found that you simply aren’t interested in the same kind of lifestyle anymore. You want to continue being active and to travel around the world. You are using your retirement as a time when you can...
Update your estate plan after these life events
An estate plan is a great thing to have in place, but you do need to remember to make updates occasionally. Life changes and you don't want to have an estate plan that is 20 years out of date. It is possible to simply make these updates on a set schedule. Maybe you...
