Estate planning is important, no matter what the size of your estate. It allows you, while you are still living, to ensure that your property will go to the people you want, in the way you want, and when you want.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is important, no matter what the size of your estate. It allows you, while you are still living, to ensure that your property will go to the people you want, in the way you want, and when you want. It permits you to save as much as possible on taxes, court costs and attorneys’ fees, and it affords the comfort that your loved ones can mourn your loss without being simultaneously burdened with unnecessary red tape and financial confusion. Our attorneys handle a variety of estate planning matters and advise our clients so as to gain the maximum benefit of all laws while, at the same time, carrying out the person’s wishes. Areas of expertise include the following:
- Wills and testamentary trusts
- Charitable trusts
- Life insurance trusts
- Revocable living trusts
- Durable powers of attorney
- Living wills
- Health care powers of attorney
Estate, Probate, and Trust Administration
Logically following estate planning is estate, probate, and trust administration — putting the plan into operation. Our firm represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in all Minnesota probate courts, preparing all documents and filings required under Minnesota laws and procedures, and preparing income tax returns for the estate, as well as any required estate tax returns. Trust administration does not usually require court pleadings or filings, but many of the same administration, distribution, or tax issues are present and require attention. In this area, we counsel fiduciaries regarding the rights and interests of beneficiaries, and recommend steps or actions to help the fiduciary operate the trust in compliance with the appropriate fiduciary laws and avoid personal liability for their actions, or inaction. We also assist with guardianships and conservatorships. We take special care during these difficult times to represent families with caring and compassionate counsel, guidance and direction. Our attorneys are well aware of the stress that legal proceedings often times add to a difficult situation and strive to complete the formal process as quickly as possible while maintaining an eye towards your expressed goals. Experience enables us to counsel surviving spouses and children during this transition and help them make sound legal decisions for their future.
