Planning your estate is one of the most important things you can do for your family—but it’s also easy to get wrong. In this episode, we share the top five will and trust mistakes families make—and how to avoid them.

From DIY disasters to outdated documents, accidental probate, lost assets, and simple procrastination, we break down real-life examples and practical tips to help you protect what matters most. Tune in to learn how a thoughtful, up-to-date plan can save your loved ones time, stress, and unnecessary costs.

Finding the right estate planning attorney can make all the difference for your family’s future. In this episode, we explain what to look for when choosing an attorney who truly understands wills, trusts, and probate.

Learn why specialization matters, how the right guidance can save on estate taxes and avoid probate hassles, and what it means to work with a firm that’s organized, tech-savvy, and here for the long run. Tune in to get practical advice that helps protect your family and your legacy.

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.