Upon entering Better Place Forests in Saint Croix Valley, my senses were overtaken by feelings of serenity and peacefulness. The sky was bluer, the soaring trees a deep green, it was as if I’d fallen into the North Woods…yet I’m a mere 20 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities. Greeting me at the Welcome Center…
Individuals often ask what they can do now to prepare for unexpected illness and death. There are a few key questions that everyone should answer to ensure they are prepared. These questions come from common oversights – oversights that have our clients kicking themselves after the fact! Is your estate plan up to date? Review…
As with many things in life, circumstances and new experiences change what we once knew to be true. For a long time people believed making end-of-life plans alleviates stress when the time comes. Covid has illustrated what the scientific community knows is constantly changing, that when an older (healthy) adult states in the health care…
Thinking about and planning for end of life care can be overwhelming. Not only is the process emotionally taxing, but there are a number of moving pieces to be considered. As an attorney, I work with clients who are navigating the legal, financial, medical and emotional paths of this type of planning. When it comes…
In March of this year, in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic challenges, lawmakers approved a two trillion-dollar relief bill called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Some of the features of this act included recovery rebates of up to $1,200 per person plus $500 for qualifying child, extending…
Here in Minnesota we’re fortunate we haven’t yet experienced a death due to COVID-19. Our state leadership is taking aggressive and quick preventative action, plus we have stellar medical care. In the event this coronavirus catches up with us, we reached out to funeral director Dan McGraw of Gill Brothers Funeral Service and Cremation for…
The floral landscape has evolved within the celebration of life and funeral industry. There are no hard and fast rules, but general etiquette still applies. Our long time, local icon Bachman’s shares guidance when planning your floral contribution and gift for the funeral and/or celebration of life. Sympathy Flowers: Etiquette and Responsibility Provided by Bachman’s From…
From Todd, Aimee and Dain Lind We wanted to do our best to express how grateful we are for the love and compassion we have received while coping with the loss of our son and brother, Donnie Lind, on November 19, 2017. Every expression shared has been healing: cards, calls, emails, text messages, meals (offered…
Losing a loved one is hard enough. If you’ve lost someone close to you, you know how challenging it is to focus on anything other than your grief in those first days and weeks. That pain can be compounded if your loved one doesn’t have a will or other plans that organize important documents and…
Estate Planning Update: Have you planned for what is expected? by Christopher J. Burns, Attorney at Henson Efron www.hensonefron.com/attorneys/christopher-j-burns We encourage you to consider gift and estate tax planning in conjunction with your family’s annual gift giving, year-end charitable giving, and overall financial planning. Keeping an eye on your entire plan each year will give…