(320) 217-6030
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Family Law
Family legal matters may range from the simple modification of an agreed-upon parenting time schedule to a complex divorce proceeding and trial. All family matters proceed through the judicial system in one of two ways with slight variations. An uncontested matter means that parties to an action have been able to resolve their differences and have entered into an agreement, which then becomes a court order binding the parties. A contested family matter, however, involves more complex proceedings that may require many court appearances, depositions, custody experts, valuation experts or business valuation experts. If a contested matter is not resolved by the parties, then the end result is a trial with the court deciding the contested issues and issuing an order. Every family legal matter is fact dependent. Your family legal matter is unique to your circumstances. To that end, we offer levels of service to meet your specific legal needs in all areas of family law whether your matter is an uncontested settlement agreement or a dispute that may result in a contested legal action. Please feel free to contact the firm for further information.
Call (320) 217-6030 or e-mail kaw@katewillmorelaw.com for information
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Estate Planning
Planning your estate in advance helps to avoid complications and expenses for your heirs when you die. Property passes to your heirs by will, trust, or by operation of law. Each estate plan is fact-dependent and is based upon many factors, including, but not limited to, your wishes, the impact of inheritance taxes on your estate, the most-efficient way to transfer assets, how title to your assets is currently held, and your decision in how you want to proceed after a consultation with an attorney.
You may also want to consider including a healthcare directive and a financial directive in your plan. A healthcare directive allows persons of your choice to make health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions. A financial directive allows persons of your choice to assist you in all of your financial matters. Both directives will address your unique needs and wants.
If you do not have an estate plan, then you may want to consider providing for your heirs. Your estate plan should be reviewed to see if it continues to meet your needs after any life changing event or every two or three years.
Please call (320) 217-6030 or submit an inquiry and request a free informational brochure on wills, trusts or elder law legal matters.
Why Should I Try To Settle My Case?
Sometimes parties need the help of a third person to settle a case. Mediation is a process involving a neutral third person who assists the parties in resolving disputes outside of the judicial system. It is beneficial to do the hard work of trying to come to some agreement and to compromise because it is a good way to narrow down the areas of disagreement, which helps in trial preparation. The courts often require that parties at least attempt to mediate their differences.
The benefits of a mediated settlement are threefold: One—it costs less in litigation fees to settle legal disputes; two— in most instances parties will be in ongoing contact with one another and if both parties can create their own settlement, then the parties are more likely to work together in the future; and, three—by not deciding important issues together the parties give up the right to make decisions and the court may issue a decision that neither of the parties likes.
♦ We mediate at the rate of $170 per mediation hour, which cost is shared by the parties.
♦ We offer parenting time dispute resolution services at $170 per consultation hour as well.
Download Mediation Services for more information on mediation.
Please call (320) 217-6030 for a mediation appointment
Limited Scope Representation for Mediation or Early Neutral Evaluation
You may elect to retain counsel for the sole purpose of assisting you in the mediation process. We may help you organize materials for mediation or we may assist you in outlining the issues or by drafting a mediation brief to present to the mediator. We are also available to attend the mediation with you.
You may elect to retain counsel to attend the early neutral evaulation, which is now court ordered in most Minnesota Counties.
Call (320) 217-6030 for more information or e-mail kaw@katewillmorelaw.com for more information.
Older people who are unable to continue to care for themselves may require the assistance of family members. There are several ways to assist your aging family member. A financial directive will allow you to help your older family member with all financial matters. A healthcare directive will allow you to assist in healthcare decisions. In the event an older family member is incapacitated and requires more assistance, then the law provides for guardianships or conservatorships. A special needs trust may be appropriate where an older person has too many assets to qualify for assistance. Every family situation is unique. A review of your older family member’s situation may be helpful so that you and your older family member can make informed decisions regarding elder care and aging needs.
We are pleased to offer an alternative to the traditional model of full representation. Unbundled services do not require a large retainer. In electing unbundled services you chose what you want or need in the way of legal services on a pay-as-you go basis. You may meet with counsel in person and pick your services from a list of services as often as you require help.
Call (320) 217-6030 or e-mail kaw@katewillmorelaw.com for more information
Download the PDFs at www.minnesotae-lawyerkatewillmore.com for helpful tips and information on handling your own legal case.