Effective July 1, 2026, German Law in Grand Forks, ND merged with Thompson Law in Sioux Falls, SD. Going forward, both offices will be under the Thompson Law name and continue to serve their clients and communities with excellence.
Estate Planning Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Thompson Law, PLLC

Thompson Law, PLLC

Estate & Business Planning Attorneys in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls

605-362-9100

Grand Forks

701-738-0060
Estate Planning Attorneys Licensed in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska

The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust

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When one child occupies a position of trust with a parent to the exclusion of other siblings, that causes friction.  Extending that position of power after death exacerbates that friction and may cause irreparable harm.  It seems that happened upon the death of beloved singer, Tony Bennett.  His daughters have sued their brother on two different occasions leveling some unflattering allegations.  Read on to learn more.   … [Read more...] about The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust

A Message from the Murdochs – Part II

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As a reformed Trusts and Estates attorney, I have an unusual fascination with celebrity estates, especially those gone wrong. Using those estates as instructive lessons regarding how to avoid disaster has provided many a topic for this blog. I often discuss the benefits of creating and reviewing an Estate Plan regularly. Simply put, none of us should leave our legacy to chance. Not long ago, I wrote about the Murdoch family and the latest drama surrounding them in A Message from the Murdochs. … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs – Part II

Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part III

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When I began practicing law, clients created irrevocable trusts with caution because the trust was then set in stone. By the time I left private practice, clients created irrevocable trusts with more frequency and considerably less caution because changing irrevocable trusts became commonplace. Trusts and Estate practitioners have several mechanisms that allow them to change an irrevocable trust. The first part of this three-part series explored changes to irrevocable trusts using judicial or … [Read more...] about Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part III

Minnesota Estate Planning and Taxes: What You Need to Know

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Although the primary focus on your estate plan may be the distribution of your estate assets after you pass away, there are a multitude of other factors that should be considered and incorporated into a comprehensive estate plan. Preserving the value of the estate you pass along, for example, should be an important goal when you are planning your estate. To achieve that goal, you need to understand how estate taxes will impact your estate plan. Toward that end, a Grand Forks attorney at Thompson … [Read more...] about Minnesota Estate Planning and Taxes: What You Need to Know

Estate Planning and Baseball

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Every state that recognizes trusts as legal entities imposes fiduciary duties upon the Trustee of such trusts. These duties may have different names in different jurisdictions, but ultimately a breach of fiduciary duties means that the Trustee failed to fulfill their duties as expressed in the trust instrument and under local law. This article examines a case ripped from the headlines that demonstrates the importance of choosing the right individuals to serve as fiduciaries. Read on to learn … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and Baseball

Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster

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Estate planning isn’t just about securing your legacy—it’s about protecting your assets and loved ones when disaster strikes. Updating an outdated Estate Plan or creating a new one provides a set of instructions for your family regarding what you want to happen during your life if you lose the ability to communicate that and at death. It provides comfort and a sense of control. This article will serve as a guide to getting more out of your Estate Plan during a disaster. Read on to learn more.  … [Read more...] about Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster

Litigation…a Necessary Evil?

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Anyone creating an Estate Plan wants to ensure that the plan will work as intended and will withstand legal challenges. Sometimes though, beneficiaries need to bring a legal contest to enforce the terms of the decedent’s plan and force fiduciaries to act in accordance with their duties. This article examines a recent court case that could have ended in a failure of the decedent’s Estate Plan. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Litigation…a Necessary Evil?

Pumpkin Kisses and Harvest Wishes

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As the spooky season transitions into the season of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember our why. Most of us do what we do for our families and loved ones. As the holiday season approaches, do something that will have a lasting impact on your family. Create a comprehensive Estate Plan. Make sure that you take the time to consult a qualified Estate Planning attorney who can provide advice regarding all the elements necessary to complete your plan. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Kisses and Harvest Wishes

The Not-So Transparent Corporate Transparency Act

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Estate Planning attorneys need to understand multiple issues ranging from taxes to asset protection to create a comprehensive estate plan. Passage of the Corporate Transparency Act adds yet another layer to the already complex world of Estate Planning. Beginning on January 1, 2024, any company that qualifies as a Reporting Company needs to file a report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regarding its Beneficial Owners and individuals who helped register the Reporting … [Read more...] about The Not-So Transparent Corporate Transparency Act