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Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Autism

Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Autism

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] If you have a child with autism, planning for the future can be daunting – but it is necessary to ensure a successful life for your autistic child after you are gone.  As a parent of a child with autism, you are likely concerned with financially providing for...

A Case Against “DIY” Estate Planning

A Case Against “DIY” Estate Planning

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] The internet makes information much more accessible than ever before, and with that accessibility, many people feel more comfortable attempting to do things themselves.  It is easy to search engines to find Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) guides and instructions for just about anything.  However, many projects should be left to...

Things To Consider When Choosing a Guardian For Your Children

Things To Consider When Choosing a Guardian For Your Children

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] I was recently asked by a new client what I find to be the main thing couples struggle with when it comes to making, and agreeing on, estate planning decisions.  It was an easy answer – naming who will be the guardian(s) of their children. Not only is...

New Year’s Goal: Begin or Update Your Estate Plan

New Year’s Goal: Begin or Update Your Estate Plan

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] It’s a New Year, and for many people that means a time to regroup and reset. It’s a time to reflect on finances, health, habits and goals – and to visualize what you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Most common New Year’s goals include improving...

Keep Vulnerable Adults Safe From Financial Exploitation

Keep Vulnerable Adults Safe From Financial Exploitation

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] Sarah cries when she relays the story while preparing lunch for her frail, elderly mother who suffers from dementia.  A year ago, Sarah and her sister hired a young woman to help care for their mother on Mondays while the sisters both worked.  Things seemed to be going...

Protect Your Pet: Create A Pet Trust

Protect Your Pet: Create A Pet Trust

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] Legally, pets are classified as property, but to owners, they mean much more than that.  Pets are companions, best friends, and members of the family. For many people, pets are an integral part of the family.  A pet gives unconditional love. But what happens to our pets when...

Federal and Minnesota Estate and Gift Tax: Knowing the Difference and 2018 Limit Changes

Federal and Minnesota Estate and Gift Tax: Knowing the Difference and 2018 Limit Changes

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”  Benjamin Franklin With this famous line written in 1789, Benjamin Franklin offered a friend some wisdom that has become one of his most-quoted quips.  While some taxes are certain, Estate and Inheritance tax laws...

Questions to Ask Your Aging Parents

Questions to Ask Your Aging Parents

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] The idea of discussing your parent’s finances and estate planning can seem overwhelming and incredibly intimidating.  After all, this is oftentimes the type of questions parents ask their children – not the other way around.  However, as challenging as it can be to initiate this conversation, it is...

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common: What Happens When One Owner Dies?

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common: What Happens When One Owner Dies?

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] The manner in which you own shared property in Minnesota may impact your estate planning goals.  It is important to know how your shared property is owned, and what that means in terms of what will happen with your interest should you die. Two common ways to own...

Safely Storing and Sharing Passwords

Safely Storing and Sharing Passwords

[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] With more transactions taking place, and accounts being managed, online – it has become increasingly important for individuals to do at least some element of digital asset planning as part of their estate plan.  Perhaps the most basic level of this type of planning includes having a plan...