Estate disputes often arise when emotions are high and communication has broken down, particularly in the period following a loved one’s death. In those moments, litigation can seem like the only way forward. Mediation offers a more constructive alternative, providing a structured, private setting where families can address disagreements, reduce legal costs,...
Your Minnesota Estate Plan: Clear Answers and Practical Guidance
Estate planning isn’t just about drafting documents, it’s about protecting the people and property that matter most to you. Minnesota families have unique planning needs, from cabin succession to statutory requirements for wills and powers of attorney. You deserve more than generic templates. You deserve clear guidance, Minnesota‑specific strategies, and a plan...
Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney: What You Need
Planning for future medical care allows your voice to be heard when you can’t speak for yourself, and protects your loved ones during intensely difficult moments. Through healthcare directives and powers of attorney, you can express clear instructions about your wishes and choose trusted decision-makers to ensure that they’re honored should you...
How to Fund a Trust: A Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up a trust is only the first step in protecting your assets and ensuring your estate plan works as intended. To make your trust effective, you need to fund it. That means transferring ownership of your assets into the trust’s name. This process helps avoid probate, keeps your affairs private, and...
Meet Thomas Gratz of Gratz Law and Mediation PLLC
Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Gratz.
Hi Thomas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to become an attorney,...
What Is a Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trust?
Creating a trust is one of the most flexible ways to manage and protect your assets. But not all trusts work the same way. The two main types—revocable and irrevocable—offer very different levels of control, tax impact, and protection. Understanding these differences will help you decide which structure fits your goals and...
Understanding the Probate Process in Minnesota
When a loved one passes away, their assets usually need to be collected, debts paid, and property distributed to heirs. In Minnesota, this process is often handled through probate. While the term can sound intimidating, probate is simply the legal system’s way of ensuring a person’s final affairs are settled fairly...
Will vs. Trust: What’s Right for Your Estate Plan?
When thinking about the future, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to protect your assets and provide for the people you care about. Estate planning gives you the legal tools to do just that. But should you create a will, a trust, or both? While both serve...
When Grief Turns to Conflict: How Mediation Can Preserve Relationships During Estate Administration
Grief doesn't just affect our emotions. It fundamentally changes how we think, relate to others, remember, and make decisions. For example, in estate disputes, families often say, “We never fought before Mom died, but now, we can’t even be in the same room.” Understanding that grief rewires our brain helps explain why...
Cabin Trusts in Minnesota: Protecting Your Family Retreat
For many Minnesota families, the cabin isn’t just a getaway—it’s a place where memories are made and passed down. Whether it’s summer weekends on the lake or holiday gatherings in the woods, the family cabin carries emotional value that often spans generations. But without a clear plan in place, this cherished retreat...