Perhaps the number 1 question that the law firm receives is: how to get letters testamentary? The question usually stems from a failed trip or telephone call to the bank. The bank is usually the place where the deceased person kept their money – be it a savings, money market, or checking account. The bank…
Category: Minnesota Probate
Minnesota Probate | Wills and Trusts
Most of the people that contact our office havequestions about whether a probate is necessary, how much it costs, and what they can do about it. Much of the initial conversation involves a discussion aboutwhether or not the deceased person had a Will or a Trust – or both. Because we have received many questions…
Minnesota Estate Planning: Choosing Charities as Beneficiaries
When drawing up estate plans, most people gather together all documents proving what they own and then make a list of their intended beneficiaries. This list usually includes loved ones and friends although it may also name one or more charities as beneficiaries. While some of us may just give to charities to offset tax…
Minnesota Wills & Trusts | What to Expect When You Formally Execute Your Will
After youve met with your Minnesota estate planning attorney to decide how to use your Will to transfer all of your funds and property to your beneficiaries, youll need to return to his office later to sign everything. Fortunately, all of the hard work has been done and youll be given the chance to carefully…
MN Estate Planning | Paul Walkers Estate Plan Provides Many Lessons
Perhaps best known for starring in The Fast and Furious movie franchise, Paul Walkers fame was still on the rise when he passed away suddenly at the age of 40 in November of 2013. News reports indicate that Walker was killed while riding as a passenger in a friends Porsche being driven at close to…
MN Estate Planning | Robin Williams Estate Mess Goes From Bad To Worse
Unfortunately, Robin Williams estate planning trouble appears to be getting worse. Months ago it was revealed that his children and former wife were at odds in a California probate court. That simmering dispute has finally erupted into a full-fledged legal battle, with both sides scheduled to appear before a judge this week. Whats going…
MN Estate Planning – Should You Create a Perpetual Trust in Minnesota?
Many wealthy people like the idea of creating trusts so that their money and investments can keep benefitting their heirs for an almost endless number of years. However, perpetual trusts may not be advisable, even in states like Minnesota that still allow them. In fact, according to an interesting New York Times article, nine states…
Domicile, Probate Venue, and a Decedent’s county of residence at death
When people age, they may move to or be placed into a nursing home which is not in the county where that person intended to reside permanently. This creates an question as to the meaning of the word “domicile” as it applies to a probate administration when that person dies. When a person passes away, whether they had a Will or…
The Most Useful Minnesota Estate Planning Documents
When clients request a Will, they’re often surprised to learn that they may need several more documents prepared for them if they’re seeking a comprehensive estate plan. While Wills are often the centerpiece of many people’s estate plans, others prefer to use one or more trust accounts to leave their wealth and belongings to others…
Happy New Year from Flanders Law Firm LLC
Flanders Law Firm LLC wanted to thank all of its clients and people we have worked with in 2014. We realize that, without our clients and support, we would not be able make it. Thank you very much and please have a safe holiday travel season! I hope all of you are looking forward to…