Transporting and Spreading of Cremated Remains
August 23, 2013 | Joan M. QuadeCremation has become a common and popular method of putting our loved ones to rest. More and more of us are requesting that our remains be spread in a place with meaning for us or our family, or in exotic places. In practicing law for over 25 years, I have been asked many times by clients, friends and relatives about the law related to the spreading of ashes. It is important to understand the law governing the transportation of and spreading of cremated remains in order to avoid the pitfalls. While Minnesota has some specific laws in this regard, there are not many. Minn. Stat. § 149A.96, subd. 9, entitled “Cremated Remains” provides: Subject to section 149A.95, subdivision 16, inurnment of the cremated remains and release to an appropriate party is considered final disposition and no further permits or authorizations are required for disinterment, transportation, or placement of the cremated remains.” Minn. Stat. § 149A.95, Subd. 16. Disposition procedures; commingling of cremated remains prohibited: “No cremated remains shall be disposed of or scattered in a manner or in a location where the cremated remains are commingled with those of another person without the express written permission of the person with the legal right to control disposition or as otherwise provided by law. This…
Read MoreStarry, Starry Night Gala: September 21, 2013
August 21, 2013 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Stable Pathways, a program that provides horse-assisted activities for people living with cognitive and physical challenges, is hosting a benefit gala for fundraising. BGS’ Legal Administrative Assistant Sarah Thies is on the Board of Directors and helped organize the event. Barna, Guzy & Steffen is also a sponsor of the event. The fundraiser will take place Saturday, September 21st, 2013 beginning at 6:30 with Cocktails. Food, a program demonstration, and dancing with live music will follow. This is a western themed event so the suggested dress is Cowboy Casual – Rhinestones Optional! Tickets to the event are $35 with proceeds going to promote Stable Pathways’ missions. Stable Pathways is located at Bunker Park Stables in Coon Rapids. It provides equine-assisted activities for people living with physical and cognitive challenges under the careful direction of either a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Instructor or a Minnesota licensed Occupational Therapist. Sarah says that therapeutic horseback riding helps riders “organize” body and brain. The horse’s gait is most similar to a human gait so riding provides a connection to a natural rhythmic movement from the horse that stimulated the rider’s body and brain. Riders at Stable Pathways have experienced positive changes in a variety of ways such as steadier balance, improved core strength,…
Read MoreHow Does Having a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
August 20, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealIn an ideal world, insurance companies would pay the fair value of an injury claim without any struggle. After all, you’ve paid all of your insurance premiums and you’ve upheld your end of the bargain. Unfortunately, things rarely go so well after an accident. The insurance company is not your friend. An insurance company is in the business of making money, and typically, they don’t really want to pay the full value of a claim. Some insurance companies will try to shift responsibility for an accident and the bills the accident comes with onto you. Other insurance companies will try to play pass-the-buck. They’ll try to argue that the bills are some other insurance company’s responsibility. In most cases, insurance companies may settle eventually, but it’s usually a mere fraction of the amount that it takes to meet your medical bills, replace lost wages, and deal with the suffering caused by a car accident, or someone else’s negligence. Some insurance companies may even get downright nasty, acting as if you’re trying to defraud them by asking for the money that the law and your insurance policy may rightfully be obligated to pay you. In addition, insurance companies are excellent at trying to manipulate people into saying or doing things that can hurt their…
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