Estate planning, elder law, family transitions, business planning – the legal issues that affect your family are always evolving. Jennifer writes regularly to keep you informed, educated, and empowered. Browse the latest articles below, or search by topic to find what you’re looking for.
Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions affecting seniors, resulting in an eventual loss of cognitive functions. While there is no cure for dementia or the two leading diseases that cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, there are treatments that can slow the effects and help make life more manageable. In order for these treatments...
Any type of co-parenting relationship can be complicated, especially when the relationship ends in divorce. Divorcing parents of a special needs child, even one that has reached adulthood, may have questions about their rights and obligations as guardians when it comes to making decisions for a child with disabilities. While laws may vary from state to...
If you’re not familiar with Marie Kondo, take some time this week to watch one of her videos on YouTube or check out her new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. It’s incredible to watch the relief and joy that people experience just by implementing her simple strategies to get organized and take back control over their clutter and their lives. ...
Small businesses are the backbone of this country. They employ more than half of the domestic workforce and contribute greatly to the economy. 9 out of every 10 small businesses are family-owned. But most of those do not make it past the third generation of family ownership. Many small business owners neglect to do one thing to ensure their business...
Minnesota estate planning lawyers are often asked by their clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question because an estate plan all depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for one person might include a Revocable Living Trust, while for...
One of the most important aspects of estate planning is the overall effect it will have on an individual or couple’s children. Whether these are minor children who will need a guardian or adult children who are already on their own, the need for financial planning exists. A good estate planning attorney in Central Minnesota can help you determine what...
Picture this – you get an opportunity to spend some alone time with your spouse. What do you do to prepare for date night? You carefully select a babysitter. Then, you write detailed instructions; when to feed the baby, how often to change diapers, what snacks are allowed…and you leave a myriad of contact information including your cell phone numbers, the...
Surviving this world as a young, single adult can prove hazardous to your health. Not only do insurance companies charge a premium for auto insurance, but you’re relegated to crummy apartments with non-responsive landlords, loud neighbors, and beer cans in the front yard. You’re struggling to balance school, work, and the multiple demands of authority...
Do you have minor children? If so, have you considered choosing a legal guardian who you would want to raise your kids if you and/or their other parent suddenly passed away? While you may have a few thoughts in your mind about who would be best suited for the role (grandparents, aunts, uncles), if you don’t legally document your choices, a judge will...
Modern technology has put research tools once only available to professionals in the hands of everyday people. With nothing more than access to the internet, we can trace our family trees back several centuries. We can now order DNA testing kits through the mail, allowing us to discover our genetic roots without leaving our home. But how does the discovery...
In general, Americans are very uncomfortable talking about end-of-life issues. It can be hard for people to think about (and plan for) their own death, let alone the death of their loved ones. I get it. Yet by not discussing these issues, you are leaving your future caregivers (most often your adult children) in an impossible position. Many people are...
When done properly, an estate plan affords peace of mind to those creating it and leaves behind a legacy for their loved ones. But, sometimes estate planning can go awry – and it’s usually due to eccentricities held by either the creators of the estate plan, the beneficiaries, or both. To give a good idea of how such planning can go wrong, our Minnesota...