» Estate Planning

Minnesota Enacts Digital Wills Law, Modernizing State Law

Introduction Beginning on August 1, 2023, Minnesota will become one of seven other states to allow wills to be completed electronically rather than in writing. Digital execution of a will coupled with the fact that witnessing and notarization of the… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, News

Three Things You Need to Do When Your Spouse Dies and Their Will or Trust Has a Disclaimer Provision

Losing your spouse is one of the most difficult things you might face in life. Although it is important to take time to grieve, there are also some crucial steps you need to take as soon as possible to address your spouse’s accounts and property an… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Legal Perils of Gifts and…

Legal Perils of Gifts and Joint Ownership between Unmarried Couples

Cohabitation without marriage is becoming more common in the United States. Among eighteen- to forty-four-year-olds, the percentage of adults who have lived with an unmarried partner at some point is now higher than the percentage of adults who have… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

How to Find Minnesota Probate Court Records Online

As estate planning attorneys, we frequently receive requests from heirs and family members for copies of probate documents or a deceased person’s will. Sometimes people seek probate records to determine if a probate process has been initiated.… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Probate
Estate Planning Issues fo…

Estate Planning Issues for the Modern Family

As the name suggests, ABC’s TV show Modern Family depicts the relationships and experiences between a fictional extended family. Throughout the course of the series, the show addresses many issues that families deal with each day. For a close-knit… Read More
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How Much Can You Gift Bef…

How Much Can You Gift Before Paying Tax?

In the United States, gift taxes are imposed in some states and at the federal level. As of 2023, Minnesota does not have a gift tax. Minnesota does, however, have a three year lookback for taxable gifts. So, what are taxable gifts? Taxable Gifts Any… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, News
No-Contest Clauses: Does…

No-Contest Clauses: Does No-Contest Really Mean No Contest?

We live in a litigious society. Unfortunately, even family members sometimes file lawsuits because they are dissatisfied with what their parents or loved ones leave them in a will or trust. Some are so disgruntled that they decide to contest or chall… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Post-Mortem Estate Planni…

Post-Mortem Estate Planning Critical to Minnesota Farmers

If you’re a Minnesota farmer, it’s important to understand the various aspects of estate planning in order to maximize your estate tax savings and minimize your financial burden. Post-mortem estate planning is an effective way to reduce e… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Farm
How to Choose the Right T…

How to Choose the Right Trustee for your Revocable Trust

If you’re the type of parent who likes to plan ahead, then naming your children as trustee of your trust might make a lot of sense – but only if they’re fully prepared to take on such an important role. Before deciding whether or not it’s… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Important Issues to Address Before You Leave on Vacation

It’s winter in Minnesota. Are you getting ready to embark on your next warm-weather great adventure? Before you zip up the last suitcase, here are five issues you need to address to protect yourself and your loved ones. 1. Do you have a foundat… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Probate