Blog
May 30, 2017
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 […]
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May 26, 2017
Abby Hammes, a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss, 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 […]
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May 22, 2017
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 […]
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May 19, 2017
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 […]
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May 17, 2017
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 […]
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May 15, 2017
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 […]
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May 12, 2017
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 […]
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May 10, 2017
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 […]
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May 8, 2017
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 […]
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May 1, 2017
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 […]
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April 28, 2017
When parties divorce who have children in common, they implicitly (and, oftentimes, unwillingly) enter into a long-term relationship with the North Dakota family law court and judge that have jurisdiction over their cases. As the couple’s child grows and develops, one parent or the other will invariably feel the need […]
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April 26, 2017
Prenuptial agreements (often simply referred to as “pre-nups”) are often recommended for couples who anticipate marrying one another and who have valuable assets – like a business – the value of which they wish to preserve in the event the marriage fails. A properly executed prenuptial agreement can provide clarity […]
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April 24, 2017
Communication problems are a common reason that North Dakota marriages fail, and divorce proceedings can exacerbate them. While this may be annoying when ex-spouses need to communicate about issues surrounding their divorce, when ex-spouses have children in common, communication difficulties can lead to needless legal hearings and intense arguments. Communicating […]
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April 21, 2017
In North Dakota, Minnesota, and elsewhere throughout the United States, the sale of a particular parcel of real estate (whether residential or commercial in nature) begins with the preparation and execution of a real estate sales contract. This document is critical, as it not only describes the exchange that is […]
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April 19, 2017
For one reason or another, you are considering or have considered drafting a valid will in case you die unexpectedly. Before you do so, it is recommended to contact an experienced estate-planning attorney to understand what a will is, what it prescribes, and the effects it will have on your […]
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April 14, 2017
When you are charged with a criminal offense in North Dakota or Minnesota, you likely want one question answered: “Will I go to jail?” It is completely reasonable and understandable that you would be concerned about the likelihood of imprisonment because keeping your job, providing for your family, and being […]
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April 12, 2017
April 10, 2017
A new public service commercial has begun appearing on television sets around the country, warning motorists of the dangers associated with railroad crossings. While those who live in heavily populated parts of the country may not come across many railroad crossings, such crossings are common in North Dakota and Minnesota, […]
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April 5, 2017
Estate planning involves arranging the specifics of your property and assets in preparation for your death. Since you obviously cannot take your property and assets with you when you die, something needs to be done with them. Estate planning is planning for the use, distribution, and/or disposal of your property […]
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April 3, 2017
The divorce process is an extremely emotional time for spouses who decide to separate. Divorce is a difficult time for the entire family, and is not made any easier by the legal process involved. Having a basic understanding of the divorce law in North Dakota can help. First, North Dakota […]
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March 31, 2017
Probate law is an extremely complex area of the law to navigate, and it is always best to contact an experienced probate attorney to help with all probate-related issues. Probate is essentially the accounting of the assets that the recently deceased owned at time of death. It can also include […]
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March 29, 2017
When you have been injured by another’s careless or reckless acts, your primary concern is likely to be obtaining the maximum amount of compensation as possible from the at-fault individual. These compensatory damages are meant to shift the burden your injuries have caused you – medical bills, time missed from […]
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