I’ll be honest—when people hear “estate planning,” most of them picture a stack of dense documents, a lot of legal jargon, and maybe a vague sense that they should get around to it… someday. And inevitably, the same question comes up: “Do I need a will or a trust?”...
Why Funding Your Trust Matters More Than Creating It
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had this conversation: “Great—we signed the trust. So we’re done, right?” I always pause for a second, because this is the part nobody really talks about. The truth? Creating the trust is only half the job. Funding it is where the...
A New Chapter for Lommen Abdo’s Appellate Practice: A Conversation with Michelle Kuhl
With the upcoming retirement of renowned appellate lawyer Kay Nord Hunt after 43 years at Lommen Abdo, the firm’s appellate practice enters a new chapter under the leadership of partner Michelle Kuhl. For the past decade, Michelle has worked closely with Kay, helping...
Name Changes After Divorce in Minnesota: What to Do (and What to Avoid)
For many people, changing your name after a divorce is an important step in moving forward. While the concept is straightforward, the process is often more administrative, and more frustrating, than expected. This guide walks through the key steps, common pitfalls,...
Celebrating Kay Nord Hunt’s Retirement After 43 Years
After 43 years with Lommen Abdo, Kay Nord Hunt will retire at the end of April, marking a remarkable career in appellate law and client service. Throughout her time at the firm, Kay has been a trusted advocate on complex appellate matters and a respected colleague and...
Role of Children in Business Succession Planning
There’s a moment that comes up in almost every family business conversation, and you can feel it before anyone says it out loud. We’re sitting around a table—sometimes a conference room, sometimes a kitchen—and someone says, “Well, I want to treat all the kids...
What To Do After Domestic Abuse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Yourself and Your Children
If you have just experienced domestic abuse, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure what to do next. That is completely normal. This guide is designed to give you clear, practical steps you can take to protect yourself, your children, and your future. You do not...
AI in Estate Planning: The Tool Everyone’s Talking About (But Few Are Using Well)
Last week, I stood in a room full of sharp advisors, attorneys, and planners and asked a simple question: Is AI a tool… a threat… or both? You could feel the hesitation. Some people leaned forward—curious. Others leaned back—skeptical. And a few probably...
Answering Clients’ FAQ About Oral Argument at the Minnesota Court of Appeals
Many parties on appeal are understandably nervous when their case is scheduled for oral argument. In this blog post, appellate attorney Michelle Kuhl answers some of the most frequently asked questions about oral argument. 1. Do clients have to attend oral argument?...
Identifying Likely Appeals Before They Happen
If there’s going to be an appeal in your case, you will want to prepare early so you can make an adequate record, preserve your arguments, and accurately assess your risk. But how do you know which cases are going to be appealed? Here are a few of the most common...
Benefits and Challenges of Alternative Dispute Resolution That Families Should Know About
Divorce and family disputes are often emotionally exhausting and financially stressful. Many people assume the only way to resolve these issues is through courtroom litigation, but that is not always the case. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers families...
When Should You Appeal Child Custody Decisions?
It can be very difficult to decide whether to appeal a child custody order. The Court of Appeals generally gives trial courts substantial deference in making child custody decisions, which makes it difficult to obtain reversal. Nevertheless, many parents feel strongly...
How to Protect Yourself from Domestic Abuse in Minnesota
Domestic abuse can escalate quickly, and it often intensifies when a person attempts to leave. If you are experiencing abuse, your first priority is safety, yours and your children’s. Knowing your legal options and practical safety steps can make an overwhelming...
Common Mistakes That Make Postnuptial Agreements Invalid, And How to Avoid Them
Postnuptial agreements are no longer rare. Couples use them to protect business interests, clarify expectations around inherited assets, restructure finances after career changes, or stabilize a marriage after a period of difficulty. When properly drafted, they can...
Lommen Abdo Welcomes Andrew Hunstad to Board of Directors
Lommen Abdo is pleased to announce that family law attorney Andrew Hunstad has been appointed to the firm’s Board of Directors. Andrew focuses his practice on complex family law matters, including high-asset divorce, child custody, parenting time, and spousal...
How Postnuptial Agreements Impact Divorce Outcomes in Minnesota
When couples marry, they rarely anticipate divorce. Yet over time, financial circumstances change. A business grows. One spouse leaves the workforce. An inheritance is received. Debt accumulates. In these situations, some married couples choose to enter into a...
How to Start a Cannabis Business in Minnesota? What to Know Before You Dive In.
Let me guess. You’ve been watching what’s happening in Minnesota. Licenses rolling out. Headlines everywhere. Everyone talking about “getting in early.” Maybe you’ve thought, This is it. This is my window. And you might be right. But here’s what I tell every...
Why Your Business Structure Can Make — or Break — Your Estate Plan
I've lost track of how many times I've had this conversation: "Chris, my estate plan is all set. I've got a trust. Everything goes into it. We're good." And then I ask a simple question: "What does your operating agreement say about transfers at death?" Cue the...
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