• Name: Lindsey Manhart • Employer: American Family Insurance • Position: I advise people on their insurance to ensure their policies are tailored to fit their needs. • Location: Minnetonka, MN • Education: B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Spanish How long have you been in your career field? 14 years What led you to work in […]
The Bitter End
March 19, 2014
It’s a shocking and infrequently cited fact that the death rate among the human population in the United States is 100%. It will happen to all of us. When you think of it this way, the idea of having a Health Care Directive or Living Will is not so much a “what if” piece of […]
Don’t Leave Your Money Behind
March 13, 2014
Recently, Joe Larson wrote about what to do when you’ve been terminated by your employer and what your rights are with respect to your personnel file. It raises a reminder that whether you have been laid off, terminated or voluntarily opted to leave your job you shouldn’t forget about your 401(k) when you move on. […]
Governor Dayton’s Estate & Gift Tax Simplification Proposal
March 11, 2014
Last week, Governor Dayton issued proposed tax cuts of $616 Million. The tax cuts are aimed at middle class Minnesotans and businesses. The proposed tax cuts include simplifying the state estate tax and eliminating the state gift tax. The estate and gift tax proposals would yield $43 Million in tax relief for Minnesotans.
Organizing Your Accounts and Passwords
March 5, 2014
I emphasize to all of my estate planning clients the importance of keeping track of your assets, what they are, where they are located, etc. The reason: a Will or Trust instructs your Personal Representative or Trustee on how you want your assets to be distributed after your death, but not always what those assets […]
PART II: Cooler Heads Prevail
March 3, 2014
What You Need to Know About Getting Unemployment Benefits There’s no use trying to pretend that it didn’t happen now. As we discussed in my last entry, finding out that you’ve been let go from your job is a shock to the system, but it doesn’t do anyone any good to sit around and mope […]
Seeking Review of a Probate Referee’s Order
February 27, 2014
This post is mainly intended for Minnesota probate attorneys, however, we hope that all readers learn from it. – See more at: https://epilawg.com/2013/12/minnesota-e-filing-how-to-survive/#sthash.I3444Vxo.dpuf Epilawg editors note: This post is mainly intended for Minnesota probate attorneys, however, we hope that all readers can learn from it. If you believe that the only recourse available with respect […]
Gift Splitting
February 25, 2014
We talk often about the use of gifting as an estate planning tool but always caution that individuals should consult with an attorney and/or an accountant before doing so to ensure it is done properly. It is particularly important to consult with an attorney or an accountant when a married couple wishes to make a […]
Division of Assets in Divorce
February 17, 2014
When a couple determines that it is time to end their marriage, what should be the easiest part of the divorce process can, and often does, turn into one of the most contentious: the division of marital assets and property. Parties will often spend thousands of dollars on attorney fees arguing over personal property ranging […]
Trust Mills and Bad Estate Planning
February 13, 2014
I recently read this article about a so-called “living-trust mill” that is being sued by the Minnesota Attorney General. According to the article, the Minnesota Attorney General is alleging that clients of Heritage Partners were sold “boilerplate documents” assembled by a gentleman in Arizona who is not licensed to practice law in Minnesota and paid a […]
PART I: Cooler Heads Prevail: What To Do When You’ve Been Terminated by Your Employer
February 10, 2014
It’s been a long afternoon and an even longer week. You’re sitting at your desk on Friday afternoon trying to get those last few things on your To-Do list crossed off before 5pm so you can go into the weekend without having anything hanging over your head. The sun is shining outside. You might even […]