Many people think the name on a tax statement shows who owns a property — but it doesn’t. This episode explains why only the deed and recorded title determine legal ownership.
We’ll also cover what it means if a property is in a trust, owned by multiple people, or missing your name on the tax statement. Learn what really matters when it comes to property ownership and estate planning.
Yanowitz Law Firm, PLLC has helped Minnesota families with wills, trusts, and probate for over 30 years.
Think estate planning is just for the wealthy or retired? Think again. This episode explores why every adult—no matter their age or assets—should have an estate plan. Learn how tools like a will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney can help you stay in control of your future and protect the people and things that matter most.
Wondering when probate is actually required? In this episode, we unpack the $75,000 threshold, what really counts as a “probate asset,” and how joint ownership and beneficiaries can change everything. Plus, find out when a simple affidavit might save you a trip to court.
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and it’s not always as simple as it seems. In this episode, we explain why having a real estate attorney can protect your interests, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure a smooth closing. Learn how an attorney helps buyers, sellers, and homeowners avoid red flags and feel confident every step of the way.
Thinking about disinheriting your spouse? In Minnesota, it’s not that simple. This episode breaks down the legal concept of the elective share—a rule that can give your spouse a portion of your estate, even if they’re left out of your will or trust. Learn how marriage length affects what they can claim, when a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can change that, and what you need to know when planning your estate.
Family loans can get complicated — fast. This episode explains what makes an intra-family loan a true loan (and not a gift in disguise). Learn the key legal requirements, from written promissory notes and minimum AFR interest rates to structuring loans through a revocable trust to avoid probate. We also cover what happens if a loan isn’t repaid before death and how to address it in your will or trust. If you’ve ever loaned money to a loved one—or plan to—this episode helps you protect both sides and keep things clear.
When a loved one passes away, tax questions often come up right away. In this episode, we break down what families need to know about income and estate tax deadlines after death. She explains how final income tax returns work, when an estate might need to file a separate fiduciary return, and the key rules for Minnesota estate taxes—including the $3 million threshold and important filing timelines. Whether you’re navigating probate or trust administration, this episode helps clarify what’s due, when, and why.
What Is a Probate Inventory?If you’re serving as a personal representative, you’ll need to prepare something called a probate inventory. In this episode, we explain what the inventory is, when it’s due, and what information it must include — from account statements to real estate appraisals.
Learn how to properly document estate assets and stay compliant during the probate process.
When will I get my inheritance money? It’s the question every beneficiary asks — and one that personal representatives and trustees dread: When am I going to get my money? In this episode, we explain why estate distributions can take time, what legal and tax hurdles need to clear first, and how to protect yourself from liability if you’re managing an estate or trust.
Digital assets like Bitcoin, NFTs, and crypto wallets don’t come with a “forgot password” button — and without proper planning, they can vanish forever when you pass away. In this episode, we explain how to include cryptocurrency in your estate plan, protect your keys, and ensure your loved ones can access your digital wealth securely.
Learn how to safeguard your crypto legacy before it’s too late.
What is an estate account, and why is it important in probate? In this episode, we explain how the personal representative opens an estate account using court documents and a new EIN, and how this account is used to collect, manage, and distribute the deceased person’s assets. Learn how the estate account keeps everything organized—covering expenses, paying creditors, and ensuring beneficiaries receive their proper share.
After the initial probate hearing, the personal representative begins the work of settling the estate. In this episode, we walk through what happens during the four-month creditors’ period, how claims against the estate are handled, and what steps come next—like paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Learn how this stage of probate ensures everything is properly accounted for before the estate can be closed.
Wondering what to expect at your probate hearing? In this episode, we walk through what actually happens during the court process—often held over Zoom—including how group hearings work, what the judge looks for, and how you become officially appointed as personal representative of the estate. Learn what to expect when your case is called and what comes next once the court signs the order.
Opening probate can feel overwhelming, but it starts with gathering the right information. This episode breaks down what’s needed to open a probate case—assets, debts, family details, and required notices—and walks through what happens before the first court hearing.
Many people believe their debt disappears after death or that joint ownership and simple wills can avoid probate and taxes. Not true. This episode debunks common estate planning myths—covering debt, probate, and why everyone, not just the wealthy, needs a solid plan.
Filing an estate tax return can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we walk through the entire Minnesota estate tax process, from determining if a return is required to requesting a closing letter. Learn about key deadlines, valuation rules, and what information you’ll need to gather. With clear guidance, you’ll understand each step and how the right legal support can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Life changes—and so should your estate plan. In this episode, we cover the key moments that call for a plan review, from marriage and divorce to new children, property, or health changes. Learn why keeping your plan current ensures your wishes still align with your life and the law. At Yanowitz Law Firm, we help you not just create your estate plan—but keep it working for you.
For physicians, estate planning isn’t just about inheritance—it’s about protection, privacy, and peace of mind. In this episode, we break down why trusts often make more sense for doctors than wills. You’ll learn how trusts strengthen incapacity planning, help families avoid court delays, and keep personal details private. Practical insights and real-world examples show why a trust-based plan can offer physicians greater control and security.
Probate isn’t a one-size-fits-all process in Minnesota. There are three main types—informal, formal unsupervised, and formal supervised—and knowing which applies to your situation is crucial. In this episode, Understanding the Three Types of Probate in Minnesota, we explain how each process works, when it applies, and what it means for timelines, real estate, and family dynamics. Through clear explanations and real examples, you’ll learn how the right probate choice can make the process smoother, less stressful, and better suited to your family’s needs. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a loved one’s estate, this episode brings clarity to an often confusing topic.
There’s a powerful tax rule that can erase years of income tax liabilities—it’s called the Step Up in Basis. In this episode, we explain how it works, why it matters, and how it can save families thousands on appreciated assets like real estate, stocks, or cabins. You’ll learn how the rule resets asset values at death, why selling too soon can trigger unnecessary taxes, and how careful timing can make a major difference in estate planning. Clear examples and simple explanations make this complex rule easy to understand—and essential to know.