May Is National Elder Law Month
May 12, 2026 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
It’s National Elder Law Month. Elder law and special needs law are specialized areas of legal practice that focus on the unique needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities, while also providing support and guidance for their families. Our department at Barna, Guzy & Steffen, represents clients in simple to complex elder law and special needs planning matters. Our elder law and special needs attorneys provide counsel and advocacy on a variety of issues including, but not limited to, estate planning, asset protection or preservation, long-term care planning, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and special needs planning. Hiring an elder law and special needs attorney provides a holistic approach to planning for your future and legacy. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) campaign for 2026 National Elder Law Month is Protecting Rights, Fighting Scams. NAELA cites the Federal Trade Commission annual report to Congress, which showed an increase in the number of older adults reporting losses in an aggregate amount of $2.4 billion in 2024. Scams targeting older adults are becoming more sophisticated and even more harmful. Now is a great time to review your plan or connect with an elder law and special needs attorney to put a plan in place.
Read MoreParent Liability for Alcohol at Prom and Graduation Parties in Minnesota
May 11, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Prom and graduation season is a time for many teens to celebrate and have fun. Unfortunately, alcohol-related accidents among teens are also more common during this time. If you are a parent hosting a prom afterparty or graduation open house this spring, you are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for attendees. Providing alcohol to teens at these events can expose you to serious criminal and civil liability. Understanding Minnesota’s laws around underage drinking is essential for any parent hosting a prom party, graduation party, or similar event. Minnesota’s Law on Providing Alcohol to Underage Individuals In Minnesota, it is unlawful for any person to provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21 or to knowingly allow underage alcohol consumption to occur on premises under their control. This means parents can be held responsible not only for alcohol they hand out directly, but also for alcohol they allow minors to consume at their event, regardless of who brought it. Exception for Parents Minnesota law does include a limited exception: A parent or legal guardian may provide alcohol to their own child for consumption exclusively within their household. This exception does not apply to: Friends of your child Guests at a graduation party Alcohol consumed on party buses, in hotels, or at other…
Read MoreDividing Joint Real Estate in Minnesota Outside of Marriage/Divorce (Partition): Q & A
April 2, 2026 | Rachel Farhi
Couples/families delay or forgo marriage for many reasons. But they can and do still buy real property regardless of marital status. This can include any real property such as houses, cabins, commercial buildings or land parcels. If the relationship ends, the joint owners of real property must navigate dividing it up. When they are not married, there is no divorce case in which Family Court can deal with real property. The Civil Court process of dividing real property owned by unmarried individuals is called “Partition.” It is governed by the Minnesota Partition Act (Minn. Stat. § 558A) and the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure. Below are some of the most common questions clients have regarding Partitions, and their answers. 1. I was served Court paperwork related to the Property I jointly own. What do I need to do? By law, you must serve an Answer and Counter Petition upon the other party; you must do so within 21 days of service upon you. If you fail to do so, you could be found in default, and the Court could grant Plaintiff’s requests without your input. Your Answer and Counter Petition responds to the Plaintiff’s allegations and claims, then states your own allegations and claims. This is your initial chance to tell the Court…
Read More