With our presenters’ over 50 years of practice with Minnesotans planning for and reaching their retirement years, we have learned time and time again that whether you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s there are several milestones and overlooked life areas where mistakes can lead to results that range from discomfort to disaster. Let’s identify those issues for you in a comfortable learning session full of real-life examples and opportunities to get questions and issues answered.

The trust is a very popular component and tool to be used in our Estate Planning. However, there is a variety of vastly different Trust options to be used and the question arises: “Am I using the right Trust for my needs and goals?” Often used Trusts include: Living Trusts, Testamentary Trusts and Irrevocable Trusts, each serves a different purpose, each has a different result. One common problem that often needs addressing is the over-utilization of the Living Trust for goals or problems that it does not resolve. For example, “Does my Living Trust protect my assets against Medicaid and the nursing home?” The answer is probably not. The Irrevocable Trust and the Testamentary Trust each have their strengths and weaknesses as well. We will clearly define the strengths and weaknesses of these different types of Trusts and when to use them. Explore your goals and wishes to see where they fall in the realm of Trusts. Class encourages questions and we hope to provide answers that will set your mind at ease or assist you in the decision making in this area.

One of the biggest concerns for many baby boomers is how to cover the cost of nursing home care while still preserving assets for the next generation. This class takes a practical look at the key questions you may be facing. How will you meet your long term care goals? Is long term care insurance the right fit? What are your options for home healthcare? Should you consider gifting assets? Would you qualify for Medicaid? Does your current trust offer any protection? We will also explain the 60 month claw back period and what happens if one spouse requires nursing home care and finances are depleted. Gain clear, attorney informed guidance to help you understand your options and create a plan that prepares you for the future with confidence.

Every family with a special needs member faces a critical question: is it wiser to have a solid plan in place, or to leave the future in the hands of shifting family dynamics and an ever changing benefit system? The good news is that grandparents, parents and families have real options. With the right planning, both during their lifetime and as part of their legacy, family members can provide meaningful, lasting support for a child, grandchild or loved one with special needs without jeopardizing a single benefit or program that person currently receives. This class is designed to show you how. We will walk through how to protect your assets while securing the future of your loved one, covering every type of asset whether tangible, income producing or otherwise. Most importantly, we will show you exactly how a special needs trust fits into your overall estate plan, what it can accomplish for your family, and the honest pros and cons you need to know before making any decisions.

This is a relaxed and friendly open-forum seminar for participants with a seasoned Will & Trust attorney. Questions like: Should I avoid Probate? Is a Will good enough? Do I need a Trust? How does my plan deal with the nursing home? How do we gift the assets of husband and wife? What about separate assets not of the marriage? If I am alone, what tools protect me best? How do I decide who should serve in my estate plan? What is the death tax? How do I avoid leaving a mess for my children? Which Trust is best for my needs? Can I use a Transfer-On-Death Deed? How do my retirement assets operate in my Will or Trust? All questions will be answered!