People often put off estate planning due to negative connotations over the subject. Planning for what happens if you become incapacitated or die may be seen as a morbid topic. Is this really the case? The reality is that having a sound estate plan in place can bring...
Elk River Minnesota Legal Blog
How do I speed up the probate process?
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be quite difficult. During the grieving period, the last thing on everyone’s mind is usually settling the deceased’s estate. However, this is inevitable. At some point, you will have to talk about the deceased’s estate and...
How do you handle hidden defects after buying a house?
Inspecting a property when buying a house can be both exciting and overwhelming. You might get so focused on cosmetic details, like a high-end kitchen counter, that you overlook minor warning signs of significant defects. Typically, you can count on your real estate...
Minnesota law places restrictions on child custody modifications
When divorcing parents work out child custody agreements, they can’t know for certain what the future will bring. They may need to seek a modification later as their children get older and as their own circumstances change. If parents haven’t been able to agree on...
How do the Minnesota courts divide retirement funds in divorce?
If you and your spouse have enjoyed a comfortable standard of living throughout your marriage, then you probably have significant personal property to split up when you divorce. Retirement accounts and pensions are often a focal point of negotiations after a divorce....
How can money from a special needs trust be used?
Special needs trusts are often used by parents who want to provide for their disabled adult children long after they are gone -- but they don’t want the assets they leave behind to interfere with their child’s access to public benefits, like Supplemental Security...
What you need to know about spousal support in Minnesota
Alimony, commonly known as spousal maintenance in Minnesota, is usually one of the most important issues of concern during the divorce process. Some people worry that divorce will leave them financially vulnerable without spousal maintenance while others worry that...
Don’t let a conditional trust become “dead-hand control”
People with adult or near-adult children sometimes choose to leave assets to them in the form of a trust that places conditions on their receipt of those assets. These are typically referred to as “incentive trusts” or “conditional trusts.” The conditions that...
3 advantages of a special needs trust
All adults need an estate plan to protect themselves and their families. If you have a child with special needs, it becomes even more critical. One tool you should consider is a special needs trust. These have some unique attributes that can help with your family...
Reasons to be hopeful for post-divorce life
If you and your spouse have recently decided to file for a divorce, you are likely to be feeling a wide range of emotions. Depending on the circumstances, you may be feeling relieved, angry, regretful or ashamed. It's common for those going through a divorce to feel...

