Prenuptial agreements, officially referred to as antenuptial agreements in the statute, can be challenged. Though antenuptial agreements are contracts, because of the nature of the contract, they are subject to judicial review in certain circumstances. As with most contracts, prenuptial agreements are filled with conditions. They are most commonly used to protect assets that an […]
Blog #76: Diamonds are Forever… Or Are They?
Written by: Dan O’Connell and Lindsey O’Connell Q: What Happens to the Rings When the Relationship Doesn’t Last? A: I once had a client who received a wedding ring from her fiancé when they got engaged. She later found out that he was a fraud. It turns out he had lied to her about many important, material facts […]
Alexandra Connell Becomes Rule 114 Qualified
We are pleased to announce that Alexandra Connell is now a Rule 114 Qualified Neutral and has completed 40-Hour Family Mediation Training as well as Social Early Neutral Evaluation and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation Training.
Q&A Blog #70: One of my adult children is disabled and is receiving public benefits. What would happen if I died and my child inherited from me? I have heard that an inheritance to my child would result in my child being kicked off public benefits. Is there any way to guard against that situation?
Q: One of my adult children is disabled and is receiving public benefits. What would happen if I died and my child inherited from me? I have heard that an inheritance to my child would result in my child being kicked off public benefits. Is there any way to guard against that situation? A: It […]
Q&A Blog #69: What is an ABLE Account? How does it work and would my sister be kicked off public benefits as a result?
Q: My adult sister is disabled and on benefits for low-income individuals. I am interested in setting up an account for her to help with expenses, but I am concerned she will be kicked off benefits as a result. I have heard of something called an ABLE Account. What is an ABLE account? How does […]
Q&A Blog #67: Adverse Childhood Experience
By: Letty Van Ert Q: What is an “Adverse Childhood Experience”? A: An Adverse Childhood Experience (an “ACE”) is a traumatic childhood experience that has lasting impact on the person into adulthood. There are a number of kinds of ACEs, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, mental illness of a household member, divorce […]
Postnuptial Contracts
By: Lindsey O’Connell Postnuptial contracts are governed by Minnesota Statutes section 519.11. A postnuptial contract can only be entered into by legally married persons. A postnuptial contract may determine all matters that may be determined by an antenuptial contract (also known as a prenuptial agreement) except that a postnuptial contract may not determine the rights […]
Q&A Blog #60: What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?
By: Letty M-S Van Ert Q: What is the difference between legal separation and divorce? A: A divorce (“dissolution of marriage”) is the termination of the marital relationship between spouses. A decree of dissolution completely terminates the marital status of both parties. A legal separation is a court determination of the rights and responsibilities of spouses […]
Q&A Blog #56: What is an annulment?
By: Letty M-S Van Ert What is an annulment? An annulment is a court process that terminates a marriage. However, unlike a divorce, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never happened. An annulment may be sought for the following reasons: a party lacked capacity to consent to the marriage because of mental incapacity […]