Have you ever been asked to be a trustee? Or maybe no one asked you, but you were listed in someone’s estate documents as a trustee. You now had to figure out exactly, what is a trustee and what do they do. A trustee is a person or company that holds and administers property for the benefit of a third…
In past articles, we have talked about the issues a prospective buyer should consider when purchasing a home or lot in a Common Interest Community (CIC) in Minnesota — which I’ll refer to generally as an ‘Association’. In today’s article, we discuss the overall framework for the operation and governance of an Association. Our law firm has expertise on laws…
Years ago, people were stuck with lawyers when drafting a will or other common legal documents as they really had no alternative. In the internet era, on the other hand, you can find a form for just about anything. I’ve had many people bring in forms randomly found on the internet or paid for through some remote legal services company. …
A large portion of my practice requires working with insurance adjusters. I deal largely with workers’ compensation and personal injury adjusters. Those that are involved in a work injury or car accident will likely deal with the adjuster assigned to their file. This may sound like a daunting task especially just coming off a traumatic incident. This article will provide…
We all know we “should” do some planning for our future, but how many of us follow through with it. I’m talking about planning for someone to help you manage your financial assets and your health care decisions if you are unable to do it yourself. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or another disease, you usually have the ability/time…
Minnesotans start thinking about vacations this time of year. For small business owners getting away for a week or two presents some challenges, and an unexpected health event or accident presents even more challenges. Successful business owners are skilled at managing the many aspects of running a small business, but they need a break from time to time just like…
We are all busy making our list and checking it twice. Have you reviewed your beneficiary designations? Can you check that off your list? Beneficiary designations are a way in which we identify who we want to give an asset to after we pass away. We complete beneficiary designation forms when we sign up for our employer’s 401(k) retirement plan,…
As the year 2018 comes to an end (and we look forward to tax season), it’s time to complete the annual renewal for your business entity with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Annual renewals are required for corporations, limited liability companies, non-profit corporations, cooperatives, and limited/limited liability partnerships. An annual renewal is also required for assumed names and foreign registrations…
There are many confusing concepts in the workers’ compensation laws, none more confusing than Permanent Partial Disability ratings. Today’s article will hopefully provide some insight on this topic and avoid some uncertainty and anxiety if you are currently dealing with a work injury and will have to deal with one in the future. Workers’ compensation in the state of Minnesota…
I’ve been getting lots of calls lately regarding how to plat or develop land. That’s a good sign for our economy but the best time to ask questions about development is before you purchase the land. Here are some things to consider: Zoning – Your best resource is the local zoning authority; make sure you ask them lots of questions…