» Estate Planning

Remembering Pets in Your Estate Plan

When most people hear about estate planning for pets, they think about Leona Helmsley and her little dog, Trouble. Trouble was the beneficiary of a $12 million trust fund established by Helmsley, which was later reduced to $2 million following a cour… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

"I Love You" Wills: Planning for Couples

There are many ways to express love for your special Valentine. While roses and chocolate are always a good standby, estate planning can also be from the heart. An “I Love You” will is a common type of will that is used by estate planning… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Estate and Gift Tax Updat…

Estate and Gift Tax Update for 2017

On January 1, 2017, both the Minnesota and federal estate tax exemptions were updated for decedents dying in 2017. The federal estate and gift tax exemption is $5.49 million per individual (up from $5.45 million in 2016). The Minnesota estate tax exe… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Using a Transfer on Death Deed

A transfer on death deed is type of deed that only becomes effective after a person has died. It essentially allows Minnesota property owners to put a beneficiary designation on real estate much like they would a bank account or other asset. The tran… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Frameworks For Farm Trans…

Frameworks For Farm Transitions

The process of transitioning the family farm often begins long before any assets are moved from the retiring farmer to the successor. Generally, the succession plan is a done gradually and involves some gifting/discount by the retiring farmer and buy… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Farm
Requirements for a Valid…

Requirements for a Valid Will in Minnesota

One question clients ask occasionally is: what are the requirements for a will to be valid in Minnesota? There are a couple basic requirements for the document itself to be considered a valid last will and testament. Most obvious, the person making t… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

When is probate required?

Probate is the usual process of settling a person’s affairs after they have died. This includes paying debts and final expenses, collecting the assets, and distributing to the heirs. However, probate is not always required. Probate is just one… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

The Uncertain Future of the Estate Tax

No More Estate Tax? No More “Stepped Up” Tax Basis? Now that the dust has settled on the grueling and seemingly endless election cycle, voters’ minds turn to policy and wonder what (if anything) will come of the promises made by the candidates:… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Farm

Duties of a Personal Representative: Estate Inventory

Under Minnesota law, personal representatives are required to take an inventory of the assets in the decedent’s estate. However, before taking the inventory, the personal representative must request, and accept, appointment by the court. The person… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Checking on Your Estate P…

Checking on Your Estate Plan: Reasons to Update Your Documents

Getting your estate plan in place can feel like a major accomplishment (and it is!), but it is not the end of the story. Estate planning itself is the process of guiding the way in which assets pass to your loved ones after your death and ensuring yo… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning