We don’t have a crystal ball. We don’t know what twists and turns life may bring. What we do know is that failing to have the proper planning in place can lead to unintended results for you and your family. Unlike other areas of the law, you must be proactive with estate planning.
We are an award-winning Burnsville, Minnesota Estate Planning Law Firm. We prepare Wills, Trusts, Health Care Directives, Powers of Attorney, and other estate planning documents to protect your loved ones. We also handle probate and trust administration matters in Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metro area. Contact our office today to discuss the specifics of your personal situation.
If you are single, then you are in good company. According to the most recent U.S. Census, more than half of all adult Americans are single, too. Whether you just turned 18 or are 118 one thing you share with your married counterparts is the need for essential estate planning.
Even if you do not have two dimes to rub together, you are your estate. Did you know the law requires every adult American to make his or her own personal, financial and health care decisions? Who would make your basic decisions if you are legally incapacitated due to a serious injury or illness?
With each marriage come new rights and new responsibilities. If you already have an estate plan created when you were single, then you must bring your estate plan up-to-code to reflect your wedding vows.
Unfortunately, many married couples mistakenly believe that they can make personal, health care and financial decisions for one another should either spouse become legally incapacitated due to a serious injury or illness. Nothing could be further from reality!
Are you the parent of minor children? If yes, then they are your most valuable treasure. So, what arrangements have you made for their care should something happen to you and their other parent?
As with your own personal, health care and financial decisions, would you rather select the guardians (i.e., back-up parents) yourself, or let a probate judge make the selection without your input? Only through proper legal planning can you select the guardians.
There are two critical choices commonly faced by parents of minor children. First, who will take care of my minor children, if orphaned, and, second, who will manage their inheritance?
Times have changed. In the new millennium, whether due to the death of a spouse or through divorce, blended families now outnumber traditional nuclear families. And the number is likely to grow, based on current statistics and trends.
Many blended families face unique social, psychological and economic challenges. As a result, over 60% of second marriages end in divorce. Fortunately, there are numerous organizations and support groups dedicated to helping blended families with these challenges.
Are you between age 40 and 55? If yes, then congratulations. Research has shown that you are in your peak earning years. And that is a very good thing.
Chances are good that you have some expensive life events going on right now, unlike when you were among the Married Couples without children. Do you have children who are college-bound or already there? Do you have a wedding scheduled (or one or more down the road)? Perhaps you are beginning to help aging parents with personal, health care and financial responsibilities.
Just a moment ago you were in the thick of your busy, busy Peak Earning Years. Now, you can see a new adventure is rapidly approaching your front windshield. What is it?
Retirement.
Are you getting ready?
Chances are good that your children have left the nest. Perhaps you are assisting your aging parents with their personal, health care and financial responsibilities.
You have arrived. Just a moment ago you were Nearing Retirement. When did you get to this place in life so quickly? Yikes, what do you need to do right now in preparation for that day?
Retirement.
Congratulations!
This is often an exciting, yet bittersweet time of life.
Chances are good that all of your children have left the nest with lives and growing families of their own. If they are living, perhaps you are becoming parents to your parents (or the surviving parent) just like their parents before them.
Whether due to divorce or death, you are now Single Again.
You may have children and even grandchildren. In any event, you need to create (or revisit) your estate plan.
Did you know the law requires every adult American to make his or her own personal, financial and health care decisions? Now that you are single again, who would make your basic decisions if you are legally incapacitated due to a serious injury or illness?
Unless you legally appoint the decision-maker of your own selection in advance through proper estate planning, then a probate judge will select one for you.
EXCELLENT Based on 74 reviews Jeff RindtDecember 1, 2024 Very professional and understanding of our needs.Cindy FaasNovember 14, 2024 Zach helps you through the whole process of setting up your Trust. So you know it’s done right! Great Lawyer! Great service!Jeff StrebigNovember 10, 2024 Very satisfied with service Gold Leaf.Janet SuttonOctober 29, 2024 Top notch service and professionalism. Knowledgeable and offer lots of things to consider and the effects of various choices. Makes the decision making process clearer so each person can feel assured they have made decisions that best suit their individual situations.Lynda RileyOctober 28, 2024 Zach made this entire process so painless! We are deeply appreciative and highly recommend him for your estate planning.Tim GillOctober 23, 2024 Great experience in making our Estate Trust. Zachary Wiegand was great to work with. He's very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Highly reccomend him!Hoon HouseOctober 16, 2024 Gold leaf has excellent customer care. My wife and I had a concept about setting up a Trust but little understanding. Zach was great about making my wife comfortable with the workings of our trust which is an important factor for me as a husband. If you stumble on to Gold leaf when looking to take care of estate planning, I would not waist my time looking any further. Zach and his team at Gold leaf are top shelf.Janette LinvilleOctober 12, 2024 I recently had the pleasure of working with Zach for my estate planning needs, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. Zach is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also patient, taking the time to explain every option available to us. His guidance helped us choose the best plan for our situation, ensuring we felt confident in our decisions. The location is also a significant plus—very easy to get to at 3000 County Rd 42 W, Burnsville. I highly recommend Zach’s services for anyone in need of estate planning. His professionalism and client-focused approach truly set him apart. Thank you Zach!Richard MyklebustOctober 8, 2024 Zach Wiegand was a delight to work with....knowledgeable, competent, and personally engaging. He made the estate planning process for me easy and comfortable. I would highly recommend Zach and Gold Leaf to anyone wanting to establish a sensible and secure estate plan.Janet PeperSeptember 23, 2024 Professional service , felt very personal. Zach was definitely looking out for my and my family's best interest. No hesitation to direct friends and family to Gold Leaf Estate Planning.
3000 County Road 42 W. Suite 310
Burnsville, MN 55337