Quick Tips
These short posts contain practical Minnesota Probate and Estate Planning "quick tips."
Estate Planning for Pets
03/14/2013 - Pets are quite often seen as part of the family and much like their own children, pet owners worry about their pet's care after the owner's death. Under Minnesota law, pets are considered property. They cannot directly inherit property, own property, or be the beneficiaries of a trust. So,...
When to Review Your Estate Plan
09/20/2012 - If you already have estate planning in place, you are ahead of the game. However, estate planning is not a one-time event, but is a lifelong process - especially when you start early. It is a good idea to review your plan at least every two years to ensure that the plan still reflects your c...
Plan Your Estate While Still "Mentally Spry"
02/23/2012 - I recently read an article by Chris Farrell in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that brought up a very good point when it comes to retirement and estate planning. Mr. Farrell correctly stated, "It's critical for an aging population to get its financial affairs in order while still mentally spry." ...
Four Simple Ways to Prevent Conflict through Estate Planning
11/19/2011 - Grieving for the loss of a loved one is hard enough without enduring extra familial conflict surrounding the death. The death of a loved one is an emotional time and can often rekindle old arguments and rivalries between family members, as well as start new arguments. However, you can take s...
Quick Tip: Use of Tangible Personal Property Lists
11/05/2011 - Minnesota Statutes Section 514.2-513 allows people to direct the disposition of specific items of tangible personal property in a writing that is separate from, but referenced in a person's Will. This is a great way to make sure that specific heirlooms are distributed to specific heirs and is ...
Quick Tip: What Do I Do With My Will?
10/05/2011 - You've been proactive, taken stock of your estate planning goals, and created a Will. Hopefully, you've secured some peace of mind. Take the following steps to keep your will safe and keep that peace of mind: Destroy any prior wills, if any, to avoid confusion and conflict later. Put the ...