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Should You Discuss Your Will Over the Holidays?

Oh, the holidays. As we prepare to get together with family and friends who live near and far, this time of year tends to bring up a lot of questions for everyone. With people being more mobile...

What assets are subject to probate?

When there are assets left in a person’s estate that have no way of passing on to an heir or beneficiary without the court-based probate process, those assets are probate assets....

What Do You Do When A Loved One Dies?

A loved one died three weeks ago. You are the designated trustee, personal representative, or closest relative. You have notified family, friends, and employers. You have held the funeral or...

Top 5 Reasons A Trust Is A Good Idea For Married Couples

For married couples creating an estate plan , a trust may be a better...

Top 4 Reasons Why Single Adults Should Have A Trust

If you are single and are creating an estate plan, a trust may be a better option for you than a will. Why? Reason #1: Incapacity—Protecting Your Children & Pets...

Tips for First-time Horse Buyers

Congratulations! First-time horse ownership, much like first-time home ownership, is an exciting time. You feel invested and exhilarated…and possibly a little overwhelmed. And that’s just from the...

The difference between an executor and a trustee

A crucial part of estate planning is drafting a final will. This legal document dictates how your assets are distributed upon your death. However, there is so much more to estate planning than this...

The Corporate Transparency Act: Big Updates for Small Businesses

What is the Corporate Transparency Act? The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), was passed by Congress in 2021, and went into effect January 1, 2024. Its purpose is to...

TRAVELING WITH YOUR HORSE

I recently had my horse, Gobain, shipped to me across several state lines. Along with checking multiple shipping company references, I reminded myself to check with my new state to see what I...

Social Media and a Business Sale: How Business and Personal Social Media Accounts are Affected by a Sale

Social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook...

What bills are okay to keep paying during probate?

Management of estate resources is one of the bigger challenges during estate administration. The executor or personal representative of a Minnesota estate will have certain liabilities, including...

Representation for Family and Small Business Issues

Small business and family business may seem the same on the surface, but there are particular...

Probates: The Basics

After a loved passes away, probate. Probate is a court-supervised legal process that: Certifies a will is valid, and Administers...

Pony Rides for All (Who sign a liability release)!

Spring has sprung around the country! For many horse owners, warmer weather and daylight savings means more time and opportunity for horsey endeavors. It also means that more friends and relatives...

New Parents? It’s Time for a Will.

If you are a new parent or an expecting parent, it’s time to create a Will and start working on your estate plan . Having a Will in...

Moving to Minnesota? 4 Estate Planning Concerns When You Relocate

Moving across state lines is increasingly common these days. Whether the transition is for a new job, a transfer, or to be closer to family, thousands of people relocate to Minnesota every year....

4 Things You Need to Know About Equine Law

Owning horses can be an incredibly fun hobby, as well as a business, that allows you to spend a great deal of time with these intelligent and beautiful animals. However, there are some basics about...

I’ve heard there are different types of probate: What are they?

You don’t avoid probate by writing a will. Instead, the will helps direct the probate process. The court oversees this as they divide...

I’m the executor: Now what?

A loved one recently passed away. When the will was read, you discovered that they have named you as the estate executor. Unfortunately, you’re unsure exactly what...

What is the role of a fiduciary, and what is a fiduciary duty?

Fiduciaries are people entrusted with making decisions related to a deceased person’s estate. Yet, they cannot just make any decision they please. They are required...

rb LEGAL, LLC nominated for 2023 SunMedia Readers’ Choice Awards

Hello! The race is on! WILL YOU HELP US? Ballots have just opened up for the 2023 SunMedia Readers’ Choice Awards. For 2022, rb LEGAL...

Will your horses have proper care after your death?

Those involved in dressage, racing and breeding may build their entire livelihoods around the horses that they own. Countless other Americans dedicate a significant portion of their income and free...

Why would you use a pet trust?

Many people see pets as a temporary investment, not something that requires long-term planning. This is because their lifespan tends to be relatively short. Dogs and cats may live for around a...

Why women need to be well-versed in estate planning

Estate planning is something that all individuals should know about, regardless of gender. Men and women need to know what steps they can take and what’s going to be required. They need to think...

Why You Should Keep Your Small Business Attorney on Retainer

When something in your business happens, you need to be able to address it quickly. You might not have time to call an attorney, set up an initial consultation, determine if you like them, and then...

When is probate a good option?

When you die, your estate has to pass to someone. For this reason, the law allows you to create a will that dictates how your assets will be divided. Without a will, Minnesota intestacy laws would...

When can a deceased’s debts be negotiated lower?

If you are executing someone’s estate after they die, you generally cannot hand out the assets until you have settled the deceased’s debts. Or rather, the debts that are eligible to be covered by...

What will happen to your horse when you die?

Estate planning for your loved ones is an important step that provides guidance on how your estate should be handled when you are no longer able to manage it yourself due to death or incapacity....

What responsibilities does an estate executor have?

In general, the estate executor is responsible for the administration of another person’s estate. For instance, an elderly parent may name their oldest adult child as their executor. The parent has...

Minnesota Bans Employers from Asking Employees About Pay History

What are the details? As of January 1, 2024, all Minnesota employers are prohibited from asking job applicants, including contractors and current employees seeking...

What is fiduciary duty?

The executor handling an estate or the trustee managing trust assets will have a major impact on the inheritances of the beneficiaries. They typically have a responsibility to comply with state law...

What is an accounting in probate? Do I have to give one?

The loss of a family member is a truly devastating event, especially if you have fond memories of them. If they left behind a will or trust, leaving you as a beneficiary or executor, you likely...

What is added to determine the taxable value of an estate?

There are a lot of considerations to make when planning out your estate. For starters, you should have some idea of who will inherit your estate. Likewise, someone will need to stay and watch over...

What is a transfer on death deed and should you consider one?

Setting up an estate plan requires you to look at all the available options for turning assets over to your heirs when you die. One option that might be beneficial to you is a transfer on death...

What if there is no money to inherit from the estate?

Many people expect to inherit money when their parents pass away. But there are a lot of cases in which it turns out that there is not really any money left in the estate to inherit....

What if there is no beneficiary?

Creating an estate plan, naming beneficiaries and updating the documents regularly will help ensure that your assets are distributed based on your wishes after you pass away....

What if there is more than one executor?

Estate planning is an important topic that many people find intimidating. Nobody relishes the prospect of contemplating what happens if they pass away. However, the benefits of providing security...

What does it mean when probate requires a bond?

Before the execution of a will, the estate must pass through a probate court. During probate, the court certifies the will’s validity and gives the go-ahead for its execution. The responsibility to...

Does a POD account skip probate?

If you’re looking to leave money to one of your heirs, the most traditional way to do it is simply to put that money in your will. You name your heir and you state how much of your assets you would...

Five Reasons You Need A Will

Reason 1. Quite simply, to let your family know your wishes, in an enforceable document , in...

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is an exciting time of life! You get to be your own boss, make your own hours, decide how you want your business to grow...and you are responsible...

Establishing a Trust for Your Grandchild: Protecting Your Wealth While Benefiting Your Grandchild

If you want your wealth to provide benefit to your family for generations or if you crave the peace of mind that your grandchildren will be financially secure no matter what, you may want to set up...

Equine Leasing

Leasing is a wonderful opportunity for a potential new owner to expose themselves to multiple horses before buying. It can be a rewarding experience for both the leaser/lessee and the horse....

Employees vs. Independent Contractors

Little known fact: not all jobs are created equally when it comes to how they are classified under the law. For example, take this hypothetical: Rocking R Ranch employs several people to do...

5 Reasons Why Families With Any-Age Children Should Have A Trust

If you or your spouse dies, when it comes to providing for surviving children, sometimes a will is not enough to protect their inheritances. This is where a trust comes in. Trusts are not just for...

ESTATE PLANNING 102: What is a Trust?

You have probably heard of this thing called a “trust.” You may even have a trust. But do you know what a trust is? Merriam-Webster defines a trust as “an arrangement...

Donating to Charities Through Wills, Charitable Trusts, and Beneficiary Designations

September 5 is International Charity Day. You may have causes or organizations that you care about. As a result, you may want to leave money or other resources toward accomplishing the goals so...

Funds for Fido: The New Minnesota Pet Trust

Many pet owners care for their pets like family. For many pet parents, the animals are their family. Now, Minnesota law allows Minnesota pet owners to treat their pets like family even after they...

Do you have to pay student loan/credit card debts of the deceased?

From student loans, to credit card debts, mortgages and car loans, millions of Americans are in some form of debt. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to clear off their debts during their lifetime...

Do You Use AI? Here’s What To Look Out For

What is AI? AI, otherwise known as artificial intelligence, is a technology that can easily write papers, stories, letters, and look up information. Although this can...

Do I need an attorney to probate an estate?

When a loved one passes away, you may find that you’ve been named as the estate administrator. This is called a personal representative in Minnesota, and it is just a person who is responsible for...

Addressing charitable giving aims in an estate plan

Charitable trusts are designed specifically to support charitable activities. Unlike personal or family trusts, established to benefit individual beneficiaries, charitable trusts aim to contribute...

Complaints about your business? Defend yourself!

If you have a business, chances are that someone will complain about some aspect of your service or product. This is just a fact of life: you can't please everyone. Complaints can come in a variety...

Can trusts help keep my estate out of probate?

Estate planning is a great way to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes. When someone passes away without a valid will, their estate must go through probate...

Can I get reimbursed for the money I spent on a funeral?

Many people expect their funeral to be costly and plan on paying the cost ahead of their death. It’s a great way for the deceased to ease the weight of their death off their loved ones’ shoulders....

BLENDED FAMILY? ESTATE PLANNING: What's the right mix for a blended family?

There are all types of blended families. Generally, a blended family is defined as a family that is formed when adults join in a new relationship and both parties have children from previous...

How long does probate take, and how much does it cost?

When someone dies, the property that was once theirs becomes the property of their estate. The executor or personal representative of the estate will need to go through probate proceedings to...

How to make your executor’s job easier

Executors play a crucial role in estate planning, as they ensure your wishes are fulfilled. However, they are responsible for several duties...

How to create a valid will in Minnesota

Creating a valid will is important in ensuring your property and assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. In Minnesota, creating a will is...

How to Transfer your Business to a Family Member

There comes a time in every business owner’s life when they are ready to prepare for retirement. In some cases, selling the business is a no-brainer, other times people just choose to close their...

How to Minimize Social Media Risks

Social media accounts are all the rage these days for businesses. It’s an effective way to market your brand without spending tons of money. Most importantly, social media platforms place...

How to Avoid Legal Battles in Your Equine Lease

Equine leases have significantly grown in popularity across Minnesota. When we talk about equine leases , we’re referring the to the...

How soon can I start getting rid of stuff in probate/after a loved one’s death?

When an individual passes on, their estate will go through probate. Basically, this is the legal process of identifying assets that are held in the decedent’s name and paying their debts and estate...

How soon can I sell the house after a loved one has passed?

Typically, a person’s home is the most valuable single asset – or at least the most valuable real property – that they leave behind when they die. Often, people designate in their estate plan that...

How Often Should I Update My Will or Trust?

Estate planning is one of those tasks that people generally avoid. It takes some mental fortitude to think about and plan for unknown events. Most every client tell...

How do you handle valuable assets in probate?

When your parents made their estate plan they named you the executor because they wanted to provide for you and your siblings after they were gone. They also wanted to ensure that some of their...

How do you handle real estate in probate?

As the personal representative of someone’s estate, it is your job to settle their affairs, manage their property and distribute their assets according to their last wishes. If they did not provide...

How do I protect the assets in an estate?

The assets that comprise someone’s estate will determine the legacy that they leave for others. Their property can help support their spouse and children or even fund a nonprofit organization or a...

How do I handle creditors in probate? What if there is a lot of debt?

When a loved one passes away with debt, their estate is supposed to settle any outstanding financial obligations. Part of the probate process involves consolidating assets and paying off the...

Are Minnesota probate records public?

After someone dies with valuable personal property or real estate in their name, their remaining assets become their estate. That estate will need to pass through Minnesota state probate courts....

How can you provide for your pets in your estate plan?

Unlike humans, animals cannot inherit. This is because the law considers pets as the property of someone. Thankfully, there is a way around this in Minnesota...

How can probate disputes be avoided?

After someone passes away, their estate has to be dealt with. The legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person is called probate. Throughout this process, key estate planning...

How are assets valued – a share in a family business

Before probate can be completed, the total value of the estate needs to be calculated. The executor will need to know a definite amount, subject to any expenses or debt, that’s then payable to...

New Transfer on Death Deed Law Requires Homeowner Action

One common Minnesota estate planning tool, the Transfer on Death Deed (TODD), is getting a needed update. If you are a homeowner with a TODD on your property, you need to know about this new law...

What is a Commercial Property Net Lease?

You started a business, and now need to lease office, manufacturing, or warehouse space. You’ve heard different terms thrown around, but aren’t quite sure what they all mean. At rb LEGAL, we’re...

What is a probate bond? Should your will require one?

In many states, the executor or personal representative of someone’s estate is generally required to have a probate bond. Minnesota isn’t one of them – although you can require your executor to...

What asset types can skip probate in Minnesota?

Probate is the standard legal process of managing and administering your estate after death. It typically involves many subsequent steps necessary to organize your properties and handle them...

When might beneficiaries become disgruntled?

Probate is the legal process of administering an estate. Throughout this process, assets in the will will be distributed to named beneficiaries. This should be carried out in line with the true...

The Business Lifecycle – Unique Legal Challenges at Each Step

From initial formation to eventual exit, startups and small business owners typically find their legal needs evolve throughout their company’s lifecycle. This blog provides a basic overview of some...

4 documents an executor needs during probate

As an estate’s personal representative, you must be ready when probate time comes. Simple mistakes can lead to delays affecting the estate’s beneficiaries and interested parties. One of the ways to...

What happens to debts when a person dies?

Losing a loved one is an emotionally traumatic event that can be difficult to deal with. The last thing anyone in that position needs is a creditor coming after them for the debts their loved one...

When can you get an executor of an estate removed?

The executor of an estate (or “personal representative,” as it’s known under Minnesota law) is responsible for settling the estate and carrying out the wishes of the deceased. When someone puts...

Important considerations when choosing an equine trustee

If you are a horse enthusiast and owner, the estate planning process could be a little different for you where your equine friends are concerned. You may consider setting up an equine trust to help...

Did You Ever Work On A Farm As A Kid?

Proposed Federal Regulations will update the 40 year old laws governing how kids work on farms, including family farms. If you ever worked on your family...

Avoiding A Dispute When An Equine Lease Ends

Today is the last day of the lease of your horse and it’s time for him to come back to your barn. But wait…did you make any arrangements up front on how that was supposed to happen? When the lease...

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