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
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.
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
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?
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
When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale
The recent $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers provides a powerful cautionary tale about Estate Planning, family conflict, and business succession. Despite a sophisticated Trust designed to keep ownership in the Buss family, structural flaws and sibling rivalries ultimately dismantled Jerry Buss’s legacy. This case illustrates why even well-drafted Estate Plans can fail when they ignore real-world dynamics. Learn the critical lessons every family business owner should consider before it’s … [Read more...] about When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale
Can an Executor Be Removed in North Dakota?
After the death of a family member, loved ones are often left to navigate grief while also confronting the administrative responsibilities that follow. For many families, this includes participation in the probate process. Probate exists to provide an orderly legal structure for collecting assets, resolving debts, and distributing property according to a Last Will and Testament or, when no Will exists, under state intestacy law. While probate is intended to promote transparency and … [Read more...] about Can an Executor Be Removed in North Dakota?
Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Selecting a trustee is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions in Estate Planning. While many individuals focus on who will receive their assets and how those assets will be distributed, far fewer consider the impact the Trustee will have on the management and distribution of those assets. This article explores why trustee selection matters, common pitfalls that lead to conflict and litigation, and how thoughtful planning can help preserve both family harmony and a lasting … [Read more...] about Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Estate Planning for Blended Families in North Dakota
Families today rarely fit a single traditional mold. Divorce, remarriage, and long-term partnerships have reshaped what family life looks like across the United States. Many households now include spouses, children from prior relationships, stepchildren, and shared children, all living together and building meaningful bonds. While these families are often deeply connected, estate planning within a blended family structure requires careful legal planning and deliberate decision-making. Without … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Blended Families in North Dakota
