FAQs

Bloomgren Hanson Legal, PLLC

Estate Planning

  • What types of legal services do you offer?

    At Bloomgren Hanson Legal, we offer a wide range of services, including family law, real estate law, estate planning, and probate and trust administration. Our experienced probate lawyers help clients navigate estate settlement, executor responsibilities, and trust management with clarity and care. According to LegalZoom, only 45% of U.S. adults have created estate planning documents, making it more important than ever to ensure your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are protected.
  • Do you offer free consultations?

    Yes — we provide a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation and learn how we may assist you. Whether you need guidance from experienced estate planning attorneys, support with probate matters, or representation in family or real estate law, our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
  • How do I schedule a consultation?

    You can schedule a consultation by calling our office at (952) 406-8221 or by filling out the “Request Consultation” form on our website. Whether your needs involve estate planning or require the services of probate lawyers, we’ll set up a time to meet with you to review your case.
  • What documents are essential for a basic estate plan?

    A basic estate plan generally consists of a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare directive or living will, and a revocable living trust (optional, but helpful for avoiding probate).
  • What happens if I die without a will?

    Your assets will be divided under your state’s intestacy laws, which could result in unintended heirs and a longer, costlier probate process.
  • How often should I update my estate plan?

    You should review your estate plan after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, when your financial situation changes significantly, and every 3–5 years, even if no major changes have occurred.

Real Estate Law

  • What should I know before buying or selling property?

    Be sure to confirm that the title is clear, review all disclosures carefully, and have a real estate attorney review contracts to safeguard your interests.
  • Do I need a lawyer for a real estate closing?

    Although not always required, a lawyer can ensure your documents are accurate, protect you from unexpected liabilities, and address last-minute issues that might delay the transaction.
  • What is the difference between joint tenancy and tenancy in common?

    In joint tenancy, ownership automatically passes to the surviving owners when one owner dies. In tenancy in common, each owner’s share can be left to heirs or beneficiaries.

Family Law

  • How is child custody determined?

    Custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests. In Minnesota, the 12 best-interest factors and other custody considerations the court must review can be found in Sec. 518.17 MN Statutes.
  • What’s the difference between legal separation and divorce?

    Legal separation allows couples to live apart and divide assets without formally ending the marriage. Divorce, on the other hand, legally dissolves the marriage and finalizes custody, support, and property division. In Minnesota, legal separations are generally discouraged except in situations where religious or other considerations prevent divorce, since the process is essentially the same as divorce, except that the couple remains legally married at the end.
  • How is property divided in a divorce?

    In Minnesota, the division of assets and debts follows the principle of equity, which means fair but not necessarily equal. Consideration is often given to the differing values of taxable assets compared to those without tax consequences for use or transfer.
  • How long do I have to live in Minnesota to file for divorce in the state?

    You or the other party must have been a Minnesota resident for at least 180 days and file in the county where either of you currently resides.