How to Plan a Parenting Time Schedule for Summer
May 1, 2024 | Jason C. Brown
Child custody is a complex matter that can be difficult for parents and children. Summer vacation often brings further complications as children are off from school and families make travel plans. With summer quickly approaching, we’ve put together a guide of things to know and best practices to follow when making your summer parenting time schedule. Check Your Legal Papers The first step in planning time with your children this summer is to examine your court orders and legal agreements with the other parent. Parenting time is separate from custody, and non-custodial parents are generally awarded at least 25 percent of their children’s total parenting time. In Minnesota, parenting time is measured based on the number of overnights a child spends with a parent over an entire year. Your court-issued parenting time order may specify seasonal changes in these arrangements. Consider Summer Schedules Next, make sure to account for how everyone’s schedules may change during the summer, including you, the other parent, and your children. Do you or the other parent work seasonal jobs or attend school? Do either of you have summer hobbies that would affect your schedule? Your children may also work summer jobs or attend summer camps. Older children may have recently acquired driver’s licenses and desire to spend more…
Read MoreNavigating Digital Assets When Settling an Estate
April 9, 2024 | Tyler W. Eubank
Navigating the estate settlement process after the death of a loved one is an emotional and confusing matter for many people. The existence of password-protected online accounts can further complicate this process. So, what can you do about these “digital assets”? Keep reading to learn more on the specifics of navigating digital assets when settling an estate. Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) is a uniform law that has been adopted by nearly all U.S. states, including Minnesota. RUFADAA dictates which digital assets fiduciaries may or may not gain access to when settling an estate. A digital asset is any electronic record in which a person has an interest. This encompasses basically any online account you may have, such as online banking service accounts, accounts from which you pay bills, email, social media, cloud-based storage, and more. Plan Ahead When it comes to digital assets, the best thing that you can do is plan ahead. Make sure your estate plan explicitly authorizes or prohibits access to your digital assets. Keep account usernames and passwords somewhere safe where they can be accessed by a trusted individual in the event of your passing. Many accounts also allow you to designate someone to take…
Read MoreCommon Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them
April 4, 2024 | Adriel B. Villarreal
With the arrival of spring, motorcyclists are returning to the roads to capitalize on the warmer weather. But with increased traffic comes an increased need for safety. Motorcyclists are at greater risk for serious and fatal accidents than other motorists for several reasons. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and don’t offer the same protection. Many drivers don’t think to watch for motorcycles either, especially if they have never ridden one themselves. In this blog, we’ll examine three of the most common motorcycle accidents, how to avoid them, and how drivers and motorcyclists can safely share the road. The Left-Turning Car The most common collision involving a motorcycle occurs when a car turns left into the path of a motorcyclist. This usually happens when a driver is sitting at an intersection, waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic to make their left turn. The driver may not notice an approaching motorcycle due to its small size, or they may see it but underestimate its speed and attempt the turn anyway. If you are a driver waiting to turn left, pay careful attention to oncoming traffic and watch for motorcycles. Remember that despite their small size, they move as quickly as cars and should be treated with the same caution. If you are a motorcyclist…
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