PROBATE CODE UPDATES


June 20, 2016
avatar

Starting August 1, 2016, the amounts available under the Minnesota Probate Code (Minn. Stat. Ch. 524) for a number of issues will be adjusted for the first time in more than 25 years. These issues include the family allowance, collection of personal property by affidavit, and spousal intestate share with children from a previous relationship. […]

Pros & Cons of Joint Tenancy


August 11, 2015
avatar

A comprehensive estate plan deals with multiple types of property; from probate assets that pass through your will, to non-probate assets that pass outside a will via a trust or beneficiary designation, to jointly held assets, which pass automatically at the time of the first death. One of the most common joint assets people hold […]

Disclaimer Planning for Non-Tax Purposes


November 20, 2013
avatar

Jamie Held previously discussed how disclaimer planning can be useful in incorporating flexibility in uncertain tax situations, and Jen Santini discussed how to properly disclaim a bequest under MN and federal law. This post focuses on a different aspect: how disclaimer planning can be useful for non-tax purposes. Disclaimers in General To review, disclaimers can […]

In re Stisser Grantor Trust & the Implications for Revocable Trust Language


April 16, 2013
avatar

Statutory Presumptions Minnesota statutes provide a set of default interpretations for some of the language used in Minnesota wills.1 Unless a will includes language to the contrary, these statutes provide interpretations for things such as what property can be passed via will, what happens when a beneficiary dies before the testator, how and when gifts might […]