May, 2017 | O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson Attorneys

May 2017

May 30, 2017

Dying Intestate in North Dakota

When you die without a will, you die intestate. This often happens when an unexpected death occurs or a life is cut too short. In cases of intestacy, your property, assets, possessions, and everything else you leave behind when you die gets distributed based on the laws of the state […]
May 26, 2017

Abby Hammes Visits Washington, D.C. With ALS Awareness Group

Abby Hammes, a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys, recently spent six days in Washington, D.C. as part of the MN/ND/SD Chapter of the ALS Association. Abby’s mother, Renee Bernier, was diagnosed with ALS in January 2015. Pictured below are Abby and her mother with the North Dakota delegates of […]
May 22, 2017

North Dakota Child Custody

One of the worst and most stressful parts of a divorce or break up is often the matter of child custody. As stressful and confusing as it may be for you, imagine how confused the children must be. In North Dakota, when determining child custody, the courts make their decisions […]
May 19, 2017

Liability for Drinking Mistakes of Your Guests

Summer is right around the corner, and with it come warm days, long nights, and endless parties, get-togethers, and other social activities. It is only natural that when adults gather together in order to celebrate a holiday (or simply the end of a long and tiring week), alcohol may be […]
May 17, 2017

Andrew’s Law Passes: Now What Does It Mean?

Ever since their son was  killed in 2014, Tammy and John Sadek have been dedicated to helping ensure the tragedy that claimed the life of their son does not occur to any other family in North Dakota. In 2014, their son Andrew was working with law enforcement as a confidential […]
May 15, 2017

Can You Leave Your Money to Your Pet?

Rather leave your fortune to your dog?  Fortunately for your human family, you can’t.  Pets are legally classified as personal property in North Dakota and Minnesota, so they cannot own property themselves.  However, you can create an Animal Trust to ensure that your dog, cat, or other pet does not […]
May 12, 2017

The Future of Caps on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases

In recent times, noneconomic damages in personal injury cases have come under increasing scrutiny and skepticism. Whereas in times past any type of personal injury plaintiff could allege and recover compensation for noneconomic damages suffered, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, some believed that this […]
May 10, 2017

The Police Want to Talk to Me: What are My Rights?

You are enjoying a peaceful evening at home when there is a sudden and unexpected knock at your door. There, standing on your front steps are two officers from your local police department. They indicate that they have a few questions for you and wonder if you would be willing […]
May 8, 2017

The Importance of Wills

When a loved one dies, it can be a trying time emotionally for everyone involved. Often times after death, it can also be stressful to figure out the distribution of the recently deceased’s assets, property, and belongings. When a person dies without a will, it can lead to a lot […]
May 1, 2017

Understanding Trusts in North Dakota

Trusts are an important part of the estate planning process and can be used in a number of different ways. They basically are designed in order for your plans and goals for your estate to be carried out once you have died. The rule of thumb for trusts is the […]