There are a variety of reasons to engage in estate planning. One of the more common reasons is to ensure that assets can easily be transferred to loved ones after death. Most of these assets have to be transferred after validating the testator's will and paying off...
According to studies, the vast majority of Americans in Minnesota and around the nation do not have a will in place. An estate plan may seem like something only the very wealthy with large estates must have, but that is not always the case. A will is an extremely...
In any estate administration, one of the biggest “gray” areas is what to do with the physical, personal stuff. Is there monetary value? Maybe. Is there sentimental value? Probably. Are they the same thing? No. The following are some ideas to help navigate this...
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act ("SECURE Act"). With a name like that, the law makers were clearly looking for a flashy acronym rather than an easy-to-remember chapter title. The GOOD...
If you have been putting off your estate planning, don't worry, you're still alive! But... no one lives forever so let's recognize it as a great opportunity to start thinking about estate planning in 2020. Your loved ones, family members and others will thank...
Many Minnesota residents know that probating an estate can take a considerable amount of time. You may know this from firsthand experience closing a loved one's estate or from hearing others talk about the long process. As a result, you want to do what you can to help...
Don't get me wrong, real estate agents provide a much-needed service to the community. They also come with expertise that the average person simply does not have with regard to how and when to sell a home. However, particularly if you have a willing buyer in mind and...
When considering the best planning options for an estate plan, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. A number of options are available, and those tools allow each person to craft a plan that fits his or her unique circumstances. Still, you may worry about how to use the...
Swenson Lervick attorney Mike Cass will be speaking at a Minnesota Continuing Legal Education seminar, What Every Attorney Should Know about Neighbor Law, in Minneapolis on June 6, 2019.Mike's session is titled "That's it - I'm Calling the Cops! Noise, Trash, and...
Estate planning can be daunting. However, understanding a few fundamentals can push you in the right direction. The following are the basics of an estate plan: Will. A will creates a blueprint to transfer your probate assets in a manner consistent with your wishes. In...
