Yes. Estate planning isn't just about wealth—it's about protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are honored. Without a plan, the state decides who gets your assets, who cares for your children, and who makes medical decisions if you're incapacitated.

Even modest estates can face costly probate proceedings and family disputes. A basic estate plan with a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive gives you control and saves your loved ones from unnecessary stress and expense.

A will directs how your assets are distributed after you pass away, but it goes through probate—a public court process that can take months and cost thousands of dollars. A trust allows your assets to bypass probate entirely, keeping your affairs private and getting assets to your beneficiaries faster.

Trusts also provide more control, allowing you to set conditions on distributions and protect assets from creditors or irresponsible spending. We'll help you determine which option (or combination) makes sense for your situation.

You should review your estate plan every 3-5 years or whenever you experience a major life change—marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant asset changes, moving to a new state, or the death of a beneficiary or executor.

Minnesota laws also change periodically, which can affect your plan's effectiveness. Regular reviews ensure your documents reflect your current wishes and that your assets are titled correctly to work with your plan.

If you die without a will or trust, Minnesota's intestate succession laws determine who inherits your assets—regardless of what you might have wanted. Your estate goes through probate, which is time-consuming and expensive. If you have minor children, the court decides who becomes their guardian.

Your family may face disputes, delays, and unnecessary costs during an already difficult time. An estate plan ensures your wishes are followed and protects your loved ones from these complications.