A simple, phased approach to transitioning farm operations ownership to the next generation. One of the hardest questions in farm succession planning is: How does the next generation actually become an owner? Not someday when Mom & Dad die. Not after another 20 years of working for the farm and hoping everything works out. How do we start moving ownership during Mom & Dad's lifetime? Here's one way we do it. Like most good succession planning ideas, the concept itself isn't … [Read more...] about Farm Transition… $19,000 at a Time
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No Plan, No Legacy — Let’s change that.
“I’m 53. All I own is my truck. Been farming since high school—me, Dad, and Mom. My brother and two sisters moved on. I stayed on the farm. My wife and I got married 25 years ago and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. We’re raising 3 kids on the farm. One might want to take over someday, but the other two want no part of it. Dad told me it’ll all be mine someday. But that was years ago. I really don’t own anything. And I don’t know if my folks have a plan in place to … [Read more...] about No Plan, No Legacy — Let’s change that.
Fair Isn’t Equal – 12 Examples
“We have three kids. Our youngest son works on the farm and is the only one who will take it over. The goal has always been to keep the farm going and in the family, but we’ve seen and heard so many stories about farms not surviving the next generation because it gets split between the children. The problem is, most of our assets are farm assets. We love our children equally and don’t want to show favoritism. How can we structure our estate plan to keep the farm going while being … [Read more...] about Fair Isn’t Equal – 12 Examples
Estate Planning, Simplified — 3 Phases to Gain Peace of Mind
“As an estate planning attorney, I meet with multiple couples every single week who have no plan in place. No will. No trust. No Power of Attorney. Nothing. They’re often successful, hardworking families. They care deeply about each other. They want to take care of their kids and avoid drama after they're gone. But they haven’t gotten around to putting anything formal in writing. That’s where I come in." — Estate Planning in 3 Phases Every family is unique with their own … [Read more...] about Estate Planning, Simplified — 3 Phases to Gain Peace of Mind
Wills vs. Trusts
“We just want to keep the farm in the family. Do we need a will or a trust?” A frequent question I get asked, as a hard-working couple sits across the table with a worn folder full of land deeds, equipment lists, and a handwritten note about “who gets what.” They aren’t trying to avoid taxes or game the system—they just didn’t want their kids stuck in court or forced to sell off land to settle things. Like most farm families, they’d built something worth protecting—and wanted to make sure … [Read more...] about Wills vs. Trusts
German Law becomes Thompson Law, effective July 1, 2026
German Law becomes Thompson Law on July 1, continuing 46 years of estate and farm planning in the Grand Forks Region. GRAND FORKS, N.D. — German Law, one of the region's most established estate planning practices, will operate under a new name beginning July 1, 2026. The firm becomes Thompson Law, PLLC (“Thompson Law”) following a planned transition intended to ensure the practice remains strong and well-staffed for the families who have relied on it for generations. Founded by Attorney … [Read more...] about German Law becomes Thompson Law, effective July 1, 2026
Important Steps to Take after an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in North Dakota
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis often changes nearly every aspect of how you and your family view the future. What begins as a medical discussion frequently develops into a broader conversation about independence, financial security, caregiving responsibilities, and long-term decision-making. Families commonly experience fear, grief, and uncertainty during the early stages following diagnosis because Alzheimer’s disease introduces a gradual but ongoing decline in cognitive functioning. … [Read more...] about Important Steps to Take after an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in North Dakota
How Can I Protect My Child’s Inheritance If I Remarry?
You may view remarriage as an opportunity to begin a new and meaningful phase of your life, but if you have children from a prior relationship, you may also be concerned about your financial and legal responsibilities as they relate to your remarriage. Estate planning in this context requires careful attention because the estate planning structure that worked during your first marriage may no longer serve your goals. If your objective includes preserving assets for your children while also … [Read more...] about How Can I Protect My Child’s Inheritance If I Remarry?
Minnesota Trust Administration Guide
Trusts play a central role in modern estate planning because they offer a high degree of flexibility, privacy, and control over how your assets are managed and ultimately distributed. Creating a trust is only the first step though because the long-term success of that trust depends on the individual or institution you select to serve as Trustee. Administration requires ongoing involvement, careful decision-making, and strict compliance with both the trust document and Minnesota law. If you are … [Read more...] about Minnesota Trust Administration Guide
How Estate Planning Can Help You Avoid Guardianship in North Dakota
Planning for the possibility of future incapacity can be uncomfortable, but doing so is essential to create a well-structured and comprehensive estate plan. As you grow older and/or encounter medical challenges, the likelihood of experiencing some degree of diminished cognitive or physical capacity increases. If you arrive at that point without appropriate legal preparation, your family may be forced to initiate court proceedings to obtain authority to act on your behalf. That process typically … [Read more...] about How Estate Planning Can Help You Avoid Guardianship in North Dakota
