One Should Ask: Is it better to have a formal plan in place, or leave things to future family dynamics and the ever changing benefit system? Did you know with proper planning, both while they are alive and after they have passed, grandparents, parents and family can take care of a child, grandchild or family member with special needs in their estate plan? Yes, and such planning will not adversely affect the benefits and programs which the person with special needs has available to them! This class will discuss how to properly protect your assets and provide for the future benefit of the loved one with special needs. Whatever the type of the asset (tangible, income producing or other) there are options you should know. We will discuss how the special needs trust fits into your estate planning, planning for the future of your loved one with special needs, and pros and cons of a special needs trust.

In this class we will walk-thru (in depth) an actual Minnesota Probate Estate from the filing of the Application for Probate to the Final Accounts . . . and all the steps in between. Class participants will learn the entire process with current forms, Court and filing requirements, accounting and procedural steps, as well as the procedures for the sale and distribution of estate assets. We will also discuss the roles, responsibilities, and liabilities of a person who is appointed as the Executor/Personal Representative. The class will be filled with real-life examples and solutions to the multitude of issues involving a typical (or not typical) Minnesota Probate Estate. This class encourages questions: Is there a “reading of the Will”? What about personal items? Does the Executor get paid? What about estate bills and creditors? We will provide the answers.