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Posts by category
- Category: Irrevocable Trusts
- Category: Trust
- Is a GRIT or a GRAT Right for My North Dakota Estate Plan?
- What You Can Do About a Problem Trustee in North Dakota
- What You Need to Know About Modifying or Terminating a Trust in North Dakota
- 15 Common Trusts Explained
- How to Choose a Trustee for Your North Dakota Trust
- What Does It Mean to Decant a Trust?
- 3 Common Reasons to Consider North Dakota Revocable Trusts
- Category: Asset Protection
- Category: Will
- Category: Tax
- Category: Probate
- 10 Common Steps in the North Dakota Probate Process
- Understanding the Probate Process in Minnesota
- Is There a Small Estate Probate Process in Minnesota?
- Navigating the North Dakota Probate Process: A Comprehensive Guide
- Minnesota Probate Checklist for the Executor
- How to Do a Probate Inventory in North Dakota
- How Do I Find Information about the Probate of an Estate in North Dakota?
- Category: Medicaid
- Understanding Medicaid Estate Recovery in Minnesota
- Can Last-Minute Medicaid Planning Help You Qualify as a North Dakota Senior?
- Understanding Medicaid Spend-Down in North Dakota
- What You Need to Know about the North Dakota Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
- North Dakota Medicaid for Seniors
- What Counts as Income and Countable Resources for Medicaid Eligibility in North Dakota?
- How Will a Retirement Account Impact Medicaid Eligibility?
- Category: Financial Planning
- Category: Trusts
- Pros and Cons of Appointing Co-Trustees in Your North Dakota Trust
- Is a Will or a Trust the Best Option for My North Dakota Estate Plan?
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Trust in North Dakota
- The Rights of a Trust Beneficiary During the Administration of the Trust
- Can a Beneficiary Force a Trustee to Make a Distribution?
- Terminating an Irrevocable Trust in North Dakota
- Are Capital Gains Taxes Due on the Sale or Distribution of Trust Assets?
- Category: Powers of Attorney
- Category: Farms and Ranches
- Category: Medicaid Planning in Minnesota
- Category: Probate and Probate Avoidance
- Category: Tax Planning
- Category: Video
- How the OBBBA Impacts Estate Planning & Taxes – Webinar
- Join us for a Christmas Connection – this Thursday!
- Free eBook Download of Cutting to the Core – June 18, 2018
- Momma Said
- Knowing Your Life Insurance: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
- Client Refresher Course – Nov. 10
- The Power of Portability
- Are you ready for the call?
- Black and White
- Save the Farm, Save the Family
- South Dakota Special Spousal Trusts
- Stages of Planning
- Hope Is Not A Plan
- Love Is In The Air
- Wear the Dress
- Category: Legal Education
- When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale
- Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
- Tax Planning for 2025 and Beyond
- The Seedier Side of the Holidays
- Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice
- Don’t Be a Turkey or a Ham- Take Advantage of Your Annual per Donee Exclusion Amount
- Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
- “Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
- Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
- What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
- In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
- A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
- The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
- A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
- Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part III
- Estate Planning and Baseball
- Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
- Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
- Bridging the Past and Future
- Pumpkin Kisses and Harvest Wishes
- A Message from the Murdochs
- Tread Carefully with Specific Bequests
- The Not-So Transparent Corporate Transparency Act
- The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
- Courts Allowing More Flexible Trust Amendments
- The “Juice” and an Executor’s Duties
- The Purple Onion…an ode to Tangible Personal Property
- What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
- What You Should Know About Conditional Gifts
- Use It or Lose It…Examining the Efficacy of the Spouse And Family Exclusion Trust or Spousal Lifetime Access Trust
- What You Need to Know about the Corporate Transparency Act
- Do You Want to Discuss Dynasty Trusts?
- There’s No Better Way to Say “I’ll Be There for You” than with an Estate Plan
- The View from Heckerling 2024
- Estate Planning Lessons from the Movies – Part II
- Estate Planning Lessons from the Movies – Part I
- Tax Planning for 2024
- Estate Planning with Entities
- What “Sue,” the Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton, Teaches us about Estate Planning
- Let’s Talk Litigation
- The Magic of Grantor Trusts
- Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part III
- Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part II
- Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part I
- National Make-a-Will Month
- Understanding the Importance of the Simultaneous Death Act
- The SECURE Act – the Gift That Keeps On Giving
- Gen X – This One’s for You (Really Every Generation Should Read This)
- R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find Out What It Means To…Your Estate Plan
- 529 Plans – The “Holy Grail” of Estate Planning
- What We Can All Learn from Diller v. Richardson – Part II
- What We Can All Learn from Diller v. Richardson
- The Wonder of Wills
- Understanding and Manipulating Estate and Gift Taxes – Part II
- Understanding and Manipulating Estate and Gift Taxes
- What It Means to Disclaim
- Should “In Re Gregory Hall Trust” Change the Way We Think About Amending Trusts?
- The Joy in Joint Trusts
- How Tax and Non-Tax Considerations Impact Estate Planning – Part II
- How Tax and Non-Tax Considerations Impact Estate Planning – Part I
- What Bruce Willis Can Teach Us About Incapacity Planning
- What’s in President Biden’s Revenue Proposals?
- Medicaid Planning
- The Lessons from Lisa Marie
- Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
- Dynasty Trusts
- Biden Administration Could Reduce Estate Tax Exclusion
- Updating Your Plan: Powers of Attorney
- Updating Your Plan: Your Trust or Will
- Updating Your Plan: Beneficiary Designations
- Preparing for the Unexpected…and the Eventual
- What the 2020 Election Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
- A Time for Thanks and Community
- What’s an “Atom Bomb” or “Contingent Remainder” Beneficiary?
- Chadwick Boseman Demonstrates the Importance of Planning
- Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa
- Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
- Planning Is Important
- Planning for Incapacity
- Use the Exclusion or Lose It
- Will Your Estate Plan Still Work If You Move?
- Building Flexibility into Your Plan
- Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky
- Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3
- The Basics: “HIPAA” Powers
- Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2
- The Basics: Financial Power of Attorney
- The Basics: Powers of Attorney for Healthcare
- Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
- Removing Life Insurance Without Triggering the Transfer for Value Rule
- Removing Life Insurance from the Taxable Estate
- Avoiding Family Chaos in the Coronavirus Age
- Economic Fallout from Coronavirus May Provide Opportunities
- Whom Do You Want to Get Your Assets?
- Planning for the Sandwich Generation
- Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 4 – Lack of Testamentary Capacity
- Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 3 – Fraud
- Preparing for Coronavirus
- Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 2 – Undue Influence
- Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 1 – Formal Requirements
- Beneficiary Designations and Other Non-Probate Transfers
- How Will You Age in Place and Be Able to Die at Home?
- Planning for the SECURE Act
- The SECURE Act and What It Means for You
- Tax Planning for 2020
- The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 6: Why
- The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 5: How
- The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where
- The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When
- The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 2 – What
- The Questions of Estate Planning, Part I: Who
- Make Your Own Plan
- How Will You Obtain the Care You Need?
- Planning for Education Expenses
- Planning for Step-Children
- Planning for Special Needs Children
- How Much is Too Much?
- Planning for the Unexpected
- Your Planning Can Help Your Loved Ones
- The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
- Many Reasons to Plan
- Clarity is Key to Planning
- Selecting an Agent
- Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
- When and Where You Die Matters
- Planning is Critical
- What Are 529 Plans and What Are Their Advantages?
- SALT Deduction Limit…Can You Get Around It?
- New Tax Proposals
- The Little Things May be the Most Important
- Tax Tips after New Year
- Giving Back
- Being Thankful and Sharing Your Blessings
- Estate Planning is About More Tan Taxes
- Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family?
- Special Accounts for People with Special Needs
- What’s a 529 Plan and What Are the Benefits to Using One?
- Planning to Avoid Too Much SALT
- Trusts for Privacy
- Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles
- You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
- Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes
- Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
- 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
- 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care
- 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
- Retirement is Complicated
- Retirement: It’s not Just About the Money
- Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
- Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
- Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2
- Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1
- Basics of Estate Planning: Privacy and Estate Planning
- Category: Estate Planning
- Estate Planning for Blended Families in North Dakota
- The Risks of DIY Estate Planning in North Dakota
- Honoring Military Families in North Dakota Through Estate Planning
- End-of-Year Estate Planning Steps for Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- What Is a Payable on Death Account and How Can It Fit into Your North Dakota Estate Plan?
- What Is a HIPAA Release?
- Estate Planning is for You, Not Just Your Parents or Grandparents
- 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
- 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids
- Age-Related Retirement Milestones
- Basics of Estate Planning: Lack of Coordination
- Our Process to Your Estate Plan
- Category: Event
- Category: Attorney
- Category: Estate Planning
- How Can I Protect My Child’s Inheritance If I Remarry?
- How Estate Planning Can Help You Avoid Guardianship in North Dakota
- Can an Executor Be Removed in North Dakota?
- Reflecting on National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025
- How to Avoid Mistakes When Making Gifts in Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- How Divorce Affects Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- A North Dakota Guide to Ensuring the Security of Your Child’s Inheritance
- Minnesota Estate Planning and Taxes: What You Need to Know
- Understanding the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act
- Category: Retirement Planning
- Category: Elder Law
- Category: Taxation
- Category: Estate Taxation
- Category: Trust Administration
- Category: Litigation
- Category: Business Succession Planning
- Category: General
- Thompson Law, PLLC becomes Thompson Law, effective July 1, 2026
- Adding a “Legacy Letter” to Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- Recognizing the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Preserving Your Legacy in a North Dakota Estate Plan
- Lifetime Gifting Versus Gifting After You Are Gone
- Steps to Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in North Dakota
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Gifts in Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- Understanding the Importance of Fiduciaries in Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- Minnesota Guide to Incapacity Planning
- How to Avoid Leaving behind an Intestate Estate in North Dakota
- Understanding Elder Abuse in North Dakota: A Comprehensive Guide
- What Seniors Need to Know about Estate Planning
- Passing Down Your Legacy Alongside Your Assets in Your Estate Plan
- Understanding Elder Law: When Do I Need an Elder Law Attorney?
- The Importance of Liquidity in Your North Dakota Estate Plan
- A North Dakota Estate Planning Guide for Parents with Minor and Adult Children
- What You Need to Know about Nursing Home Abuse in North Dakota
- North Dakota Incapacity Planning Guide
- Including a Revocable Living Trust in Your Estate Plan
- How to Use Your Estate Plan to Protect Assets Intended for Your Spouse
- Why It Is Important to Avoid Dying Intestate in Minnesota
- What Can I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse or Neglect in Minnesota?
- Thompson Law featured on Legacy of Agriculture Podcast
- 10 Things to Do When an Elderly Parent Gets a Terminal Diagnosis
- Knutson named 2021 Great Plains Rising Star
- When it’s time to sell the family business – including to family – keep tax strategy in mind
- Book A Spring Family Photo Mini Session
- Important Tax Notice for Clients
- Details About Upcoming Virtual Client Refresher Course & Recent Legal Updates
- Economic Impact Payment Update for Deceased Persons or Their Trust/Estate
- Honoring Carolyn A. Thompson
- ‘Tis the Season
- 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
- NSU Distinguished Alum Shares Powerful Advice for Students
- Living Your Legacy Now
- Travis Benson becomes certified Farm Succession Coordinator
- The Motivator
- Tackling the “What If” Questions Now Avoids Living with the “If Only” Regrets Later
- History is Worth Repeating
- Cat Got Your Tongue?
- Your Legacy
- How do you spend your time?
- 2 Minutes With Thompson Law: Lucky
- Standard Form Contracts: Don’t End Up Like Sofia Vergara!
- Christmas is Around the Corner: Is the IRS in a Gifting Mood?
- Make a Big Impact with the Little Things
- What will your kids pay in taxes when you die?
- The Realities of Inheriting
- The Gift of Grain
- Are you prepared for incapacity?
- No Excuses – Take the Trip!
- Family Feud—Don’t Let This Be Your Legacy
- Hold, But Don’t Choke
- Cleaver’s Chef Challenge Raises Over $7,655 for the Children’s Home Society
- Special Holiday Message from Carolyn Thompson
- It’s Not All About Taxes!
- Focus on the Next Five: Plan for Now
- Estate Planning For Clients without Children
- A New Opportunity for Planning for Individuals with Disabilities
- The Widow’s Story
- Keeping a Family a Family
- Your History Should Not be a Mystery
- Estate Planning For Your Embryos: Do You Have A Plan?
- Is your plan really a plan?
- Prenups Down On The Farm
Locations
Seminars
- Why Most Estate Plans Fail Seminar
- Dakotafest
- Estate Planning Seminar for New Clients: Protecting Your Family, Property, and Legacy
- Estate Planning Seminar for New Clients: Protecting Your Family, Property, and Legacy