Trusts & Estates Blog
March 2017
Too Young for an Estate Plan? Think Again.
A common misconception when it comes to estate planning is that you’re “too young” for estate planning. Unfortunately, this is completely untrue. Regardless of... Read more
March 2017
Ladies – Estate Planning Can Be Good For Your Health
In honor of International Woman’s Day, I thought it was important to pose this question: did you know having a well thought out estate... Read more
March 2017
Good Boy Fido, You’re a Trust Beneficiary!
Many of us consider our pets to be part of our family. This means we worry about who will care for them in the... Read more
February 2017
Estate Planning 101
Generally, when someone contacts our Trusts & Estates group for advice on estate planning they are looking to do one of two things: (i)... Read more
February 2017
Love is in the February Air
February is generally known as the month of love, and it had me thinking about marriage. So, I hopped onto Urban Dictionary* to see... Read more
November 2016
FMJ Expands Trusts & Estates Practice with Attorney Karen Schlotthauer
We are pleased to announce that attorney Karen Schlotthauer has joined our Eden Prairie office as Senior Counsel in our Trusts & Estates practice group.... Read more
November 2016
Changes to Estate Tax Exemptions 2017
Annual Exclusion for Gifts As of January 1, 2017 the annual exclusion amount for gifts will stay at $14,000. This means that individuals can... Read more
March 2016
Estate Planning for New Parents
New parents estate planning often falls toward the bottom of people’s “to-do” lists. This is especially true for young adults and people who find... Read more
January 2016
Changes to Estate Tax Exemption Amounts
Below is a summary of the Minnesota estate tax exemption and federal estate and gift exemption amounts for 2016. Please let us know if... Read more
December 2015
What is Probate?
It is a common misconception that having a last will and testament avoids probate. However, probate is the process for determining the validity of... Read more
October 2015
It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week
This week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Fall is a great time to start or revisit your estate plan (before the busy holiday season begins). Our... Read more
October 2015
Estate Planning Checklist: Cabin Succession
Planning for the succession of your cherished family cabin is crucial. People often see it as a daunting task and may be reluctant to... Read more
July 2015
Five Estate Planning Myths & Misconceptions
1. All my property will be disbursed by the terms of my will. A will only distributes the assets left in a decedent’s individual... Read more
March 2015
Have You Thought about Your Beneficiary Designations Lately?
One of the most frequently overlooked aspects of estate planning is the completion and correct use of beneficiary designations. Very simply, a beneficiary designation... Read more
September 2014
Are Inherited IRAs Protected from Creditors?
In one word, no. Recently, in a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that inherited IRAs are not “retirement funds” within the meaning... Read more