Writing a will is a task that many people put off. It’s often due to the uncomfortable nature of discussing what would happen after their death. However, creating a will is an essential step in ensuring your final wishes are respected, your loved ones are taken care of, and your legacy is protected. Continue reading, as we discuss the reasons why you shouldn’t wait to write your will and the benefits it brings. Protecting Your Loved Ones Writing a will allows you to designate how you want your assets to be distributed after you have passed away. Without a will in place, your estate may be subject to intestate laws. This can lead to lengthy legal battles, unnecessary stress, and potential disputes among your family members. By having a will, you are providing clear instructions on who should receive what, ensuring your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. Guardianship of Minor Children If you have children who are minors, a will provides an opportunity to name a guardian who is going to take care of them in the event of your untimely passing. Without a designated guardian, the decision of who will take care of your children may be left to the courts. This can cause an additional emotional…
Read MoreFamily law encompasses a wide range of legal matters that revolve around familial relationships. It governs issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, and more. Understanding family law is crucial for individuals and families navigating through these often challenging and emotional situations. Continue reading our blog as we will provide an overview of family law, discussing its key areas and offering valuable insights to help you have a better understanding of this field. Marriage and Divorce Marriage is a legal contract between two individuals, and family law covers various aspects of this institution. It addresses requirements for a valid marriage, prenuptial agreements, and the legal process of divorce. The family law attorneys at Barna, Guzy & Steffen can guide individuals through the divorce process, including issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and visitation rights. Understanding your rights and obligations during a divorce is essential for achieving a fair and satisfactory outcome. Child Custody and Support When parents separate or divorce, determining child custody and support becomes an important issue. Family law strives to protect the best interests of the child and provides guidelines for custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support calculations. These matters can be emotionally charged and complex, making the assistance of an experienced family…
Read MorePromissory Estoppel? Liquidated Damages? If you attended a seminar by BGS Attorney Carole Clark Isakson this week, you know what those are. Ms. Isakson was one of several presenters on June 27, 2023 at the Minnesota CLE center, all of whom had contributed materials to The Complete Lawyer’s Quick Answer Book. Carole spoke about contract law, an area in which she has been working for more than three decades. Attendees learned about the elements of a contract, what constitutes an offer and acceptance, and how courts in Minnesota interpret contracts. When do emails and conversations impact how a contract is interpreted? This depends in part on the contract terms. Most likely is that prior conversations about the contract terms will not be persuasive if they contradict the terms of a contract that was then signed. She also spoke about breach of contract cases and how one can prevail or defend those claims. Tips for solid contract drafting were provided to the audience; a well drafted contract is the best defense against any type of claim based on the contract. State law requires that some types of contracts be in writing to be enforceable or provide a party with the ability to void a contract that is not in writing. BGS is proud to…
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