September 2011

Economic Update

by J.B. L'Esperance September 29, 2011 Guest Articles

While many economists have said we have come out of the recession, as of late many of them may be thinking we are heading for another one.  A 512-point drop does not make anybody happy, [...]

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Preventing Estate Litigation

by Maggie Green September 26, 2011 Estate Planning 101

Regardless of the size or complexity of your estate, there are no guarantees that your beneficiaries will agree with the terms of your estate planning documents. For that reason, I suggest that everyone read this [...]

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Theodor Seuss Geisel

by Jen Santini September 24, 2011 Obits

March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991 Better known to most as Dr. Seuss, Mr. Geisel died 20 years ago today at the age of 87. He left one of the greatest legacies to children [...]

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529 Plans

by Jayne Sykora September 21, 2011 Estate Planning 101

529 plans are tax-advantaged programs that help families save for qualified higher education expenses associated with college. How are 529 Plans helpful for estate planning? Well, contributions to a 529 Plan can help you reduce [...]

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Undue Influence

by Jen Santini September 17, 2011 Estate Planning 101

When clients execute their Wills, attorneys typically ask the following questions, in some manner, to determine the client’s mental capacity to execute the Will and whether or not they are doing so freely: Does this [...]

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Estate Planning is Crucial for Same-Sex Couples

by Todd Bagby September 13, 2011 Estate Planning 101

Anyone who attended a Twin Cities Pride event this summer can attest to the vitality of Minnesota’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community. The turnout and support for the GLBT community proved Minneapolis deserving [...]

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Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning is Dangerous

by Jamie Held September 9, 2011 Estate Planning 101

Cost and convenience are often deterrents to completing an estate plan.  Consequently, many individuals and couples turn to “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) options. Plenty of DIY options exist:  websites, other online applications, books with CDs, etc.  These [...]

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Margaret Sanger

by Jen Santini September 6, 2011 Obits

September 14, 1879 – September 6, 1966 Margaret Sanger was an extremely controversial figure during her lifetime (and some would say still to this day). However, she left a lasting legacy with her fight for [...]

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Make list, update often

by Maggie Green September 5, 2011 Estate Planning 101

I recommend that clients keep a List of Assets and Information with their Estate Planning documents.  The list should include the following items: The institutions that hold your bank accounts and life insurance policies, The [...]

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Codicils

by Jayne Sykora September 1, 2011 Estate Planning 101

Oftentimes, potential clients tell us they have a Will (excellent!), but that they would like to make a couple small changes to it. So, they ask, can they simply amend the Will, instead of having [...]

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