Peace of Mind Planning with Yanowitz Law Firm

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 restrictions will interfere with your ownership.

You’ll also learn what happens behind the scenes: coordinating with lenders, preparing the settlement statement, signing loan and closing documents, and recording the deed and mortgage with the county. After closing, our team verifies that everything was properly recorded and issues your title insurance policy to protect your ownership and your lender’s interest.

Real estate closings can get complicated quickly, which is why having an experienced title team matters. Listen in to understand the full process — and reach out to Yanowitz Law Firm if you’re buying a home and want a smooth, secure closing from start to finish.

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 plan meet with our team for a complimentary review. We walk through how your property will pass, who is acting on your behalf, and whether your documents still align with your wishes. We also update you on any changes in the law and provide fixed-price options for revisions. For those who want more frequent check-ins — often after major life events — we offer annual tune-ups for a simple, flat $99 fee.

Your estate plan should give you confidence, not uncertainty.

Listen in to learn how our Tune-Up Program keeps your plan strong over time — and reach out to Yanowitz Law Firm when you’re ready to review, refresh, or refine your documents.

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 In this episode, Yanowitz Law Firm explains why this is the right moment to review your estate plan, update outdated documents, confirm who should act on your behalf, and add support through co-trustees, trusted contacts, and updated powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

We also highlight practical steps that protect you and your family: making sure assets are titled correctly, documenting where all accounts are held, communicating with loved ones, and considering whether property or business interests should be transitioned to the next generation. For married couples, we discuss when retitling assets may help avoid probate or reduce tax burdens — and when specialized guidance is essential.

If you or a member of your family have received a dementia diagnosis, you don’t need to navigate these decisions alone.

Reach out to Yanowitz Law Firm for compassionate, tailored guidance to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind.

@yanowitzlaw.com

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 like travel, lodging, and supplies. With clear examples, you’ll learn what’s taxable, what requires receipts, and how special expertise — like accounting — may justify higher rates for specific tasks.

Families often worry about fairness, so we also discuss how some people use a built-in “gift of gratitude” to avoid conflict among siblings.

If you’re stepping into the role of trustee or planning for your own estate, tune in to learn how to navigate compensation with confidence — and reach out to @yanowitzlaw.com if you need guidance tailored to your situation.

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 to prevent your own property from getting lost in the process.

You’ll learn how the Minnesota Unclaimed Property website works, why we check it both during life and after someone passes, and how the amount involved determines whether a quick affidavit of collection will work or whether a full probate may be required. We also talk about the importance of creating — and updating — a “treasure map” of your assets so your family isn’t left searching through old statements, email accounts, or tax returns.

With practical guidance and real-world examples, this episode highlights how clarity today saves your loved ones time, stress, and unnecessary legal costs later. A few small steps now can make a big difference in ensuring nothing you own slips through the cracks.

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 how caregiver agreements work, why payments must be regular and documented if they’re considered employment, and how income taxes factor into the arrangement. You’ll also learn when payments may be treated as gifts instead, when a gift tax return might be required, and how gifting can affect future medical-assistance qualification.

If you’re navigating how to fairly compensate a child who helps you—or how to plan for care without creating unintended tax or legal issues—this episode offers clear, practical guidance. Tune in and learn how to choose the option that best protects you and your family.

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, whether that gift depends on the marriage still being intact, and how to decide between naming a specific spouse or using broader language. You’ll also learn the pros and cons of leaving assets outright versus placing them in an irrevocable trust to protect family wealth across generations.

If you’re navigating how to structure gifts to in-laws—or simply want to avoid unintended outcomes—this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and options. Tune in, and reach out @Yanowitzlaw.com when you’re ready for tailored guidance on your own estate plan.

Intentionally defective grantor trusts are one of the most powerful estate-planning strategies available to affluent families—and in this episode, we break down exactly how they work. After decades of guiding clients through wills, trusts, and probate, we’re sharing why this unique type of irrevocable trust can create major long-term tax advantages.

You’ll learn how a grantor can continue paying income taxes for a trust—allowing the trust assets to grow faster and reducing the taxable estate at the same time. We also explain key provisions, like swap powers, and why liquidity matters when deciding whether this strategy is the right fit.

If you’re exploring advanced planning tools or wondering whether this trust could support your family’s goals, this episode is a great place to start. Tune in, and reach out @Yanowitzlaw.com when you’re ready for guidance tailored to your situation.

Planning ahead can make all the difference for the people you love. In this episode, we explore practical, real-world tips for organizing your assets so your family can navigate the future with clarity and confidence. After decades of helping families through probate and estate settlement, we’ve seen exactly what makes things easier—and what doesn’t.

From dealing with unused timeshares to simplifying scattered accounts and letting go of property that no longer serves you, we break down the simple steps that can prevent stress, conflict, and unnecessary costs later on. We also share thoughtful ways to handle sentimental items and family heirlooms so they end up exactly where you intend.

If you’re looking to streamline your affairs and create more peace for the next generation, this guide is a powerful place to start. Tune in—and when you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our team @yanowitzlaw.com to get personalized support.

In this episode, Yanowitz Law Firm explains the essential documents that make up a complete estate plan. From wills and trusts to choosing who will manage your assets, we break down the core purpose behind estate planning—making sure your assets go where they’re intended and ensuring the right people are in charge.

We also walk through the additional documents that support a well-rounded plan, including healthcare directives, powers of attorney, deeds, beneficiary designations, and key materials like flow charts and certificates of trust. You’ll learn how each piece works together and why regular updates and written confirmations are crucial.

If you’re ready to get clarity on what your estate plan should include, this episode is the perfect starting point.

Tap “Follow” to stay informed, and reach out to Yanowitz Law Firm to begin building or updating your estate plan today.