Five Good Reasons to Decant a Trust
Today, many estate plans contain an irrevocable trust that will continue for the benefit of a spouse’s lifetime and then continue for the benefit of several generations. Because trusts like these are designed to span multiple decades, it is important that they include trust decanting provisions to address changes in circumstances, beneficiaries, and governing laws. […]
Legal & Business Issues Affecting Contractors 2025
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Seminar Topics: Common Disputes & Legal Issues Arising in Construction Projects – Kurt Mitchell & Dan Sathre Construction Contracts & Subcontracts – Blake Nelson Licensing Issues, Government Compliance, and Insurance Claims – J. Robert Keena Employees and Independent Contractors in the Construction Industry – Brian Niemczyk MN Energy Building Code Refresher […]
Three Examples of When an Irrevocable Trust Can—and Should—Be Modified
Did you know that irrevocable trusts can be modified? If you did not, you are not alone. The name lends itself to that very misconception. However, the truth is that changes in laws, family, trustees, and finances can frustrate the trust maker’s original intent when the trust was created. Or, sometimes, an error in the […]
Is Association Living Right for You?
The kids are all grown—and showing no signs of moving back in with mom and dad. The new job requires more travel. Dealing with lawn mowing and snow-blowing is less appealing with every passing year. There are lots of reasons buyers may find living in a townhome or condominium community attractive. But, before they sign […]
Business Valuations in a Divorce: How Much is on the Table?
Divorce is a complex process. One of the most difficult parts can be valuing a business. Whether it is a family ran car dealership, a closely held hedge fund, or shares of a larger corporation, the value of the asset or interest can have a tremendous impact on the division of the marital estate. But […]
Marital Disclaimers and the Clayton Election: Last-Minute Estate Tax Planning
Deferring, minimizing, or avoiding estate taxes altogether is often an important estate planning goal for married couples. However, uncertainty surrounding what the estate tax laws and the value of their accounts and property will be at the first spouse’s death can leave a couple feeling that they need a crystal ball to make the right […]
The Briefing Room: October 2024
THE FUTURE of Legal Tech and the Art of Persuasive Legal Writing Legal writing can be complex, but with the right techniques, it becomes a powerful tool for persuasion. In this inaugural Legal Writing Mastery newsletter, brought to you by Hellmuth & Johnson’s Legal Writing Practice Group, we provide more detail on some of the […]
Child Care Centers in Minnesota: Understanding the New Property Tax Exemption
Recent developments in Minnesota’s tax law have opened up new opportunities for child care centers to qualify for property tax exemptions. This article examines the key requirements and implications of this change, focusing on the recent Under the Rainbow Early Educ. Center v. County of Goodhue case. Key Takeaways Child care centers can now qualify […]