Though it may sound a bit harsh, the reality is that lots of concerned parents are eager to learn more about how future inheritance money can be used to protect their children and not inadvertently benefit their sons or daughters-in-law. Divorce is a real possibility and most people would hate to think the money they…
Author: Flanders Law Firm LLC
Minnesota Estate Planning Law | Estate Plan Details Released After Robin Williams
A recent article by CNBC discussed some details that have emerged in recent days about Robin Williams’ estate plan. As we’ve discussed now several times, the details of some celebrities’ estate plans (or lack thereof) get leaked when papers are filed publicly, often as part of the probate process. In this case, friends have come…
Minnesota Probate Law | How Much Does Probate Cost And How Long Does It Take?
It’s quite common to hear people complain about the pain of the probate system. Probate is commonly understood to be a long and expensive process, one that wastes time, money and energy. Though many people may be familiar with such common complaints, few understand how long the Minnesota probate process really lasts and how much it can…
Minnesota estate planning and probate tidbits | Several Important Celebrity Estate Planning Lessons
Minnesota estate planning is no different from estate planning done in other states and for other (famous) people. We’ve discussed some celebrity estate planning mistakes before, often using the high-profile cases as examples for what others should avoid doing. Recently, an article appeared in a California newspaper discussing some estate planning lessons learned from the stars….
Minnesota Probate Law | When is Probate Necessary?
If you you need help understanding whether a Minnesota probate is necessary, please do not hesitate to contact the law firm. The firm has experience with Minnesota probate law and is located in Dakota County, Minnesota. The firm regularly represents clients throughout Minnesota cities such as Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights and other areas in Dakota County….
Minnesota Wills & Trusts | Newlyweds And Minnesota Estate Planning
If you have just gotten married or are about to, the last thing you likely want to contemplate is death. After all, such a happy time shouldn’t be marred by such unpleasant thoughts, right? Though no one enjoys thinking about end-of-life matters, like Minnesota estate planning, it’s much better to tackle some of these concerns early on…
Minnesota Probate Omitted Property | What to do with found money after the estate is closed?
I’ve asked numerous times by clients to reopen a previously administered Minnesota probate estate when new or “missing” assets have been found. For instance, it is common for a person may find stock certificates or money such as dividends from stock plans in someone’s estate. Perhaps the personal representative of the estate wasn’t aware of the problems…
Minnesota Probate Law | Should I be Afraid of Probate?
It is almost a universal maxim that everyone wants to avoid probate. My question for this article: what if everybody is wrong? In my opinion as a Minnesota probate attorney who has been practicing for a number of years, probates are not necessarily such a bad of thing. What exactly does Minnesota probate mean? Probate is simply a process set up by…
Minnesota Wills and Trusts | The Value Of A Living Trust & Lou Reed’s Estate
Lou Reed, lead singer and guitarist for the group The Velvet Underground, died after a long battle with liver disease late last year at the age of 71. As a celebrity who valued privacy, little was known at the time about his financial condition, net worth or estate planning decisions. That’s all changed now that…
Minnesota Transfer on Death Deeds
When doing Minnesota estate planning, a person may draft what is called a transfer on death deed which will transfer the title to that person’s home or other real property to their chosen beneficiaries. That transfer on death deed is a very effective as an estate planning tool to avoid probate. What to know about Minnesota Transfer…