Important Milestones You Can Incorporate in Your Estate Plan

Life is full of contingencies. While some outcomes are relatively certain, other events are more difficult to predict. This uncertainty can create estate planning challenges. Because life changes quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, your estate plan needs to be flexible. You can make changes to your estate plan when you are still alive, but when you […]

Legal Checklist for New Entrepreneurs

Stepping into the entrepreneurial world is exhilarating, but amidst the buzz of launching a new venture, legal considerations can often take a backseat. However, disregarding legal considerations is akin to chasing tornadoes without any protective gear – an extremely risky and unpredictable pursuit. So, let’s dive into the legal tidbits that every new entrepreneur should […]

5 Reasons Estate Planning is not only for the Wealthy

Ever wonder what you have in common with Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, or Oprah Winfrey? You all need to do estate planning! One reason I often hear as to why a person does not have an estate plan is that they think estate plans are only for the affluent. While millionaires and billionaires may utilize […]

The Great Camera Debate in Minnesota Courts: Shining Light on Our System

On June 26, 2021, the world watched as Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for the second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd. Not even a year later on February 18, 2022, the world watched again as former police officer Kim Potter was sentenced to two years in […]

Unfiled Tax Return Penalties can be Very Expensive – Make this your First Step

Tax season just ended and many taxpayers are receiving their refunds. But all required tax returns were not filed. According to recent IRS estimates, there are at least 10 million tax payers that the government has identified as, “non-filers.” If you filed an extension, you have until October to file your returns, but at least […]

Michelle Kniess Discusses Spousal Maintenance on Podcast “Doing Divorce Different”

Hellmuth & Johnson attorney Michelle Kniess shared her knowledge of spousal maintenance and alimony in Minnesota and Wisconsin on the podcast Doing Divorce Different, hosted by Lesa Koski. Spousal maintenance is an important issue in many divorces, whether spouses are working together through the mediation process or needing an attorney to advise. Each Spousal Maintenance […]

Rushed Estate Planning Can Be Costly – Here’s A Better Option

At the end of the year, many Americans are rushing to complete tax planning. Whether it is completing an equipment purchase for the depreciation deduction, making an IRA contribution, or even a gift to charity, Americans want to finalize their transactions before the end of the year. This is also true for gift tax and […]

Who is Responsible for Assessments when a Homeowner Passes Away?

The American population is getting older. It is an unfortunate aspect of life, however, aging is one of life’s few certainties. The United States Census Bureau estimates nearly 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 or older by 2030. This is somewhere in the realm of 70 million people. The Foundation for Community Association […]