Peace of Mind Planning with Yanowitz Law Firm

Many people assume trusts are only for those with very high net worth, but asset size is just one piece of the puzzle. In this episode, we break down why the decision to create a revocable trust depends on more than just how much you own. You’ll learn why the type of assets you have, such as real estate in multiple states or business interests, can be just as important as the total dollar amount....

One of the most common questions families have after a loss is how long probate will take. In this episode, we walk through the probate timeline and explain why most cases take at least six months, and often longer. You’ll get a clear overview of what happens from the moment a probate petition is filed through the initial court hearing. We break down the key stages that impact timing, including no...

Choosing a guardian for your children is one of the most important and emotional decisions parents make when creating an estate plan. In this episode, we walk through the key factors to consider, including whether to name an individual or a couple, how family relationships can change over time, and why clarity in your documents matters if the unexpected happens. We also explore practical considera...

Rights of first refusal and options to purchase are often confused, but they work very differently. In this episode, we explain the key distinction between the two and when each one applies. You’ll learn how a right of first refusal only comes into play after a third party makes an offer, while an option to purchase gives one party the power to buy on their own timeline under pre set terms. We als...

Donor advised funds are a powerful and flexible way to give to charity, but many people are not sure how they work. In this episode, we explain what a donor advised fund is, how you receive a tax deduction when you contribute, and how funds can grow over time before being distributed to charitable causes you care about. You’ll also learn about the unique planning opportunities donor advised funds...

Many people assume that spending more than half the year outside Minnesota is enough to end their Minnesota residency. In this episode, we explain why it’s not that simple and break down the two tests the state uses to determine residency, starting with the 183 day rule. You’ll learn how Minnesota counts days and why partial days often still count. If you spend less than half the year in Minnesota...

When someone passes away and probate is required, the process can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we walk through the key steps involved in starting a probate, beginning with locating the will and identifying what assets were owned at death. Understanding how assets are titled and their approximate value is essential to moving the process forward. You’ll learn what happens after a probate peti...

Making things easier for your loved ones starts with simplifying your estate now. In this episode, we share three practical steps you can take to reduce confusion, cost, and stress after you’re gone. You’ll learn why consolidating bank and investment accounts can save your family significant time and effort during estate administration. We also discuss the importance of addressing hard to sell or...

Giving to charity doesn’t have to be complicated, and the right strategy can also lower your tax bill. In this episode, we highlight three of the easiest and most effective ways to support causes you care about. You’ll learn why listing a charity as the beneficiary of your traditional IRA or retirement account can be one of the smartest gifts you ever make, especially since charities don’t pay inc...

Gift tax rules confuse many people, but the basics are easier than they seem. In this episode, we break down when a gift tax return is required, how the annual exclusion works, and why most everyday gifts never need to be reported. You’ll also learn about special exceptions for tuition and medical payments that allow you to give unlimited support without filing a return. We explain why filing a gi...

Transferring a car or boat after death can be simple if you plan ahead. In this episode, we outline the most effective ways to ensure these assets pass smoothly to the right person. You’ll learn how joint ownership allows the surviving owner to retitle the vehicle or boat with minimal hassle and why this method works well when the co-owner is likely to outlive you. We also discuss how a revocable...

Families with minor children face unique challenges when creating an estate plan, and certain mistakes can lead to unnecessary court involvement, delays, and expenses. In this episode, we walk through three of the most common errors parents make, starting with naming a minor child as a direct beneficiary. You’ll learn why this triggers a court supervised conservatorship and how tools like trusts o...

Probate can be costly and stressful for families, which is why many homeowners look for ways to ensure their property passes smoothly to loved ones. In this episode, we break down the most common strategies for avoiding probate on a home, including owning property as joint tenants, using a transfer on death deed, and transferring real estate into a revocable trust. You’ll learn how each option wor...

Your pet depends on you, so planning for their care after your death is one of the most meaningful steps you can take. In this episode, we explore why having a clear plan is essential and how to choose the right caregiver to ensure your pet is safe and loved if the unexpected happens. You’ll learn why discussing this role in advance and naming backups is an important part of thoughtful planning. W...

Knowing where to store your estate planning documents is just as important as creating them. In this episode, we explore the best places to keep your will, trust, power of attorney, and other essential papers. You’ll learn why a safe deposit box can work only if others are officially authorized, and how home safes and fireproof storage options can offer secure and accessible alternatives. We also...

Many people assume estate planning is only for those with significant wealth, but the truth is that even modest estates benefit enormously from having the right documents in place. In this episode, we explore why an estate plan matters regardless of asset level, especially when it comes to naming guardians for minor children, deciding who will manage your affairs, and ensuring your wishes are foll...

A major shift in the federal estate tax exemption is approaching, and many families may feel its impact. In this episode, we break down what is expected to happen on January 1, 2026, when the current historically high exemption could drop significantly. You’ll learn how today’s limits were set, what the potential new exemption might look like, and why this matters for anyone with a sizable estate....

Life is unpredictable, and waiting for the “right time” to draft a will often means waiting too long. In this episode, Yanowitz Law Firm shares why getting your estate plan in place before a crisis is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family. Even small health scares remind us how quickly life can change—and how important it is to have clear wishes in writing. We explain what can...

Buying a home is exciting, but the closing process can feel unfamiliar. In this episode, Yanowitz Law Firm walks you through each step — from signing the purchase agreement to reviewing title work and preparing for closing day. We explain what’s included in a purchase agreement, how title examinations work, and how we make sure the seller truly owns the property and that no liens, mortgages, or re...

Life changes — and your estate plan should change with it. In this episode, Yanowitz Law Firm explains why even a well-crafted plan needs periodic review, especially as families evolve, wishes shift, and laws are updated. That’s why we created our Estate Plan Tune-Up Program: a built-in way to make sure your documents always reflect your goals. Every three years, clients with a will or trust-based...

A dementia diagnosis is overwhelming, but it’s also an important window of time when most people still have the capacity to make meaningful decisions. In this episode, Yanowitz Law Firm explains why this is the right moment to review your estate plan, update outdated documents, confirm who should act on your behalf, and add support through co-trustees, trusted contacts, and updated powers of attor...

Serving as a trustee can involve far more work than people expect, from cleaning out property to managing assets and coordinating with beneficiaries. This episode explains when trustees can be compensated, what “reasonable” payment looks like, and why tracking your time from the beginning matters. We also clarify the difference between being paid for your time and being reimbursed for expenses lik...

Estate planning isn’t just about documents — it’s about making sure the people you love can actually find and access what you’ve worked hard to build. In this episode, Don’t Lose Your Property This Way: Understanding Minnesota Unclaimed Property , Yanowitz Law Firm explains how unclaimed assets end up with the state, why it happens more often than people think, and what simple steps you can take t...

When aging parents rely on adult children for rides, errands, and daily support, a common question comes up: Can I pay my child for helping me? In this episode, we explore the important distinction between paying for care as employment and giving financial support as a gift—and why the line between the two matters for taxes, eligibility for medical assistance, and long-term planning. We break down...

Planning for the future means thinking through scenarios most people understandably avoid—like what happens if a child passes away before their parent. In this episode, we explore why this question matters in estate planning and how it becomes even more complex when your child is married. We break down key considerations, including whether an in-law should inherit if your child predeceases you, wh...