– Legal Insights –
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...
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Writing Tips From the Simpsons The Simpsons can teach good writing by demonstrating the importance of wellrounded characters, strong dialogue, layered themes, precise pacing, and structure. It’s an excellent example of how humor, when combined with thoughtful storytelling, can not only entertain but also provoke thought and emotion. Sometimes the...
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...
A Ramsey County District judge paused the social equity applicant pre-approval lottery set for tomorrow, November 25, 2024. How did we get here and what’s next? Judge Stephen L. Smith of Ramsey County District Court heard consolidated arguments for three lawsuits involving eight plaintiffs who were verified social equity applicants...
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit in Minnesota, a critical question to ask is whether you can recover attorney’s fees as part of your case. The answer largely depends on the type of claim you bring, the agreements between parties, and specific Minnesota laws. Let’s explore when attorney’s fees might...
When an employee comes forward with a complaint, it’s a signal that something isn’t right. As an employer, your first instinct may be to find the quickest, least disruptive solution. But when policy is broken, and an investigation is necessary, what you really need is a plaintiffs’ litigator—not just any...
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...
In Minnesota’s legal landscape, punitive damages are a crucial yet often overlooked tool that can tip the scales in litigation. Beyond compensating victims, punitive damages are awarded to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. They can also provide a powerful bargaining chip for attorneys seeking...
For some time, Hellmuth & Johnson’s Legal Writing Practice Group has supported our firm’s wide-ranging litigation practice. We are excited to now offer these services to outside attorneys as well. Led by Brendan Kenny and co-chaired by Neven Selimovic, our team assists and writes for litigators across a variety of...
No one wants to pay more taxes than they have to. To carry out this objective, many people search for the perfect estate planning tool that will allow them to control as much of their money and property as possible while reducing the amount they or their loved ones will...
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...