Probate is a necessary legal process that a deceased person's heirs have to go through when an estate is being settled. In some cases, probate can be a tedious and cumbersome process that may increase the stress associated with distributing wealth and assets to heirs. The more you know, the smoother the process may run, [...]
The physical and financial health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic gave us time to rethink our priorities and expectations. Estate planning is one area that has received a lot of attention, and for good reason. Here are three basic areas to review as you reassess your estate plan: Document review: Are the papers in [...]
Everyone wants to protect their families, even after they pass from this world. That’s the purpose of estate plans. But how do you know whether all of the elements of a good plan are in place? The first step is understanding the difference between a will and a trust: A will lays out your [...]
Attorney Laura Kohlenberg answers the question: Do I need a will?
Attendees of this workshop will learn how to optimize financials and develop strategies for their small business. Questions are encouraged on the following topics presented by local professionals with expertise in the area: Learn about the importance of a business succession plan with attorneys Laura Kohlenberg and Cathy Jones of Rochford Langins Jarstad Analyze your [...]
As you look for a home, whether it's your first or your fifth, you'll need to decide whether you want to get a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage. What's the difference? With fixed-rate mortgages, monthly payments remain the same for the life of the loan, no matter how long it runs. With an adjustable-rate mortgage [...]
Many businesses in Plainview, Rochester, Wabasha and surrounding areas are struggling. Among the many relief provisions passed by Congress in recent days are loans focused on small businesses. This isn't entirely new to the SBA, which has long been in the loan business, but recently passed laws supercharged the offerings. As with so many government [...]
Rochford Langins Jarstad law firm will continue to provide legal services to clients through several virtual options during the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We remain dedicated to meeting the legal needs of our clients while prioritizing the health of the communities we serve. Please call our office with any questions or concerns you may have.
Whether your business is a start-up or a mature business, exit planning should be part of your overall business plan. That may sound counterintuitive, but the fact is that no one knows when they may have to leave their business. Exit Strategies Not including an exit strategy in your business plan is understandable when your [...]
What is a SLAT Trust? A spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) is an irrevocable trust that authorizes the trustee to make distributions to a spouse if a need arises. It can be designed to benefit one's children, grandchildren or future generations. A lifetime gift tax and a generation-skipping tax exemption can be used to shield [...]