If there is one thing we have learned in our time serving residents of St. Paul, Minnesota, it is that people dread the thought of probate. As such, they try to find methods that enable their heirs to avoid this process. In most cases, probate is inevitable, but there...
People often make the mistake of assuming that only the elderly need to do their estate planning. Perhaps they look at life expectancy, see that it’s hovering right around 78 years old, and assume that they can wait to do their estate planning until they retire. If...
It is quite common for people to include a power of attorney with their estate planning documents. It is a key component of a thorough living will. After all, if you become incapacitated somehow, it's important to have someone or multiple people with the legal...
Maybe one reason you’ve been postponing your estate planning is that you want to leave an equal share of your assets to all of your adult children, but you’re concerned about what one (or perhaps more) of them will do if they inherit a large amount of money. You don’t...
You create an estate plan for many reasons. Above all else, you want to make sure that your loved ones, such as your children, are taken care of upon your death. Through the creation of a will, you can name a guardian to care for your minor children in the event of...
From a financial perspective, estate planning with a cabin may seem no different than with your family home. You can leave it to all of your children, allowing them to take on the responsibilities and costs, or you can sell the cabin and leave the money you make in...
Several years ago, you put together estate planning documents that appointed a power of attorney for your health care decisions. You were good friends at the time, and you felt that they’d be best able to represent you if you couldn’t talk to a medical team on your...
It can be very difficult to watch your parents age. They may experience medical events like strokes that terrify you and leave them with diminished physical and mental abilities. They could indoor the slow loss of memory and changes in personality associated with...
One of the saddest things to see is when a previously close family falls out over money. If you die without making a proper estate plan, it increases the possibility that this could happen with your family. These are some steps you can take to reduce the chance of...
When an older adult could have medical needs that exceed the coverage they will receive through Medicare, applying for Medicaid may become necessary. Planning for the potential need to qualify for Medicaid is important for those close to retirement age. If you don't...
