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

When you think about what you will leave behind, your attention may naturally turn to tangible assets such as real estate, savings, investments, or family heirlooms. Those items carry value and often represent years of effort and sacrifice. At the same time, some of the most meaningful gifts you can offer are not financial at all. Your words, your life experiences, and your personal perspective can have a lasting impact that extends well beyond any material inheritance. An attorney at Thompson … [Read more...] about Adding a “Legacy Letter” to Your North Dakota Estate Plan

Alzheimer’s disease touches a growing number of families across the United States, and its presence is increasingly felt in states with aging populations such as North Dakota. As life expectancy rises, more individuals face the realities of cognitive decline, making awareness of Alzheimer’s especially important. You may already know someone living with the condition, or you may one day find yourself helping a loved one navigate its progression. Gaining a clear understanding of how Alzheimer’s … [Read more...] about Recognizing the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

When you think about estate planning, you likely focus on transferring property, minimizing taxes, and making certain that your assets move efficiently to the people you love after you are gone. While those objectives are essential to basic estate planning, a comprehensive estate plan can accomplish far more than just the distribution of your assets. For example, through intentional legacy planning, you can shape how future generations understand your character, principles, and life experiences, … [Read more...] about Preserving Your Legacy in a North Dakota Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan is often driven by the desire to control what happens to your property and financial resources after your death. The ability to choose beneficiaries is central to that process, but it represents only one layer of a much broader set of decisions. You must also determine the timing and method of transferring wealth. Whether assets should be given during your lifetime or distributed after death can have lasting legal, financial, and personal consequences. Each approach … [Read more...] about Lifetime Gifting Versus Gifting After You Are Gone

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis often arrives as a profound shock, altering how individuals and families view the future. Many people describe the moment as disorienting, bringing with it fears about independence, personal dignity, financial stability, and long-term care. The gradual progression of cognitive impairment adds another layer of difficulty, as loved ones may struggle to balance hope with realism while navigating unfamiliar territory. Although allowing space for emotional processing is … [Read more...] about Steps to Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in North Dakota

Making gifts while you are still alive can be a powerful – and enjoyable – way to pass along wealth. Paying for a grandchild’s education or providing a downpayment so your adult child can purchase a home, for example, allows you to experience the benefits your gift brings first-hand. Although gifts made during your lifetime are undoubtedly made with the best of intentions, these gifts can trigger some unintended negative consequences when they are made without considering them within the broader … [Read more...] about 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Gifts in Your North Dakota Estate Plan

A comprehensive estate plan encompasses much more than simply deciding who will inherit your assets when you pass away. It also requires careful consideration of the individuals or entities that will hold fiduciary responsibilities within your plan. These fiduciaries are tasked with making significant decisions and taking on responsibilities that directly affect your estate and the people you care about most. Understanding the role and importance of fiduciaries in your estate plan is a critical … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Fiduciaries in Your North Dakota Estate Plan

When you think about estate planning, you likely focus on how your assets will be distributed after your passing; however, a well-rounded estate plan should address much more than just asset distribution. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of estate planning is preparing for the possibility of incapacity which can occur because of illness, injury, or age-related cognitive decline and can leave you unable to make financial or medical decisions for yourself. If you live in Minnesota, having … [Read more...] about Minnesota Guide to Incapacity Planning

One of the most important reasons to create an estate plan is to avoid leaving behind an intestate estate when you pass away. An “intestate” estate is when in which the decedent died without a valid Last Will and Testament (or trust agreement) in place that directs the distribution of the decedent’s estate. If you die intestate in North Dakota, the distribution of your estate will be governed by the North Dakota intestate succession laws, rather than your personal wishes. This can lead to … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Leaving behind an Intestate Estate in North Dakota