Blog
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
April 12, 2017
North Dakota and Minnesota are both states that follow a “no-fault” insurance scheme. Understanding what “no-fault” insurance means in North Dakota is critical to understanding the steps you need to take following a car crash and from where you can seek compensation. What Does “No-Fault” Insurance Mean? “No fault” insurance […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
March 24, 2017
When you or a loved one gets sick or is injured, you turn to medical professionals like doctors and nurses to make things right. What happens, however, when instead of making things better the intervention of medical professionals makes your or your loved one’s situation worse? What if, for example, […]
March 21, 2017
No one plans to be the victim of a North Dakota personal injury incident, yet each day dozens of individuals are hurt in car wrecks, workplace mishaps, slip and fall accidents, and other injury events. A personal injury can disrupt a person’s routines and way of life, resulting in confusion […]
March 15, 2017
Each year the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce presents ChamberChoice Awards to one business in each of seven categories. Even being chosen to “be in the running” is a significant honor. This year the Fargo law firm of O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys has been nominated in two categories; Small Business […]
March 13, 2017
The main purpose of an estate plan is to provide a comprehensive set of directions to your personal representative and the courts as to how your assets should be treated and your affairs are settled following your death. The more comprehensive your estate plan is, the less courts and your […]
March 10, 2017
Selecting an appropriate personal representative when creating your will is a critical step. You want to be able to trust your representative to faithfully carry out your final wishes reflected in your will. As a result, you and other North Dakota residents will often choose close family members or friends […]
March 8, 2017
Americans love their pets. 65% of households—nearly 80 million—have a pet, and a majority of pet owners consider their pets “family members.” Couples seeking to split are increasingly likely to bring pets into their divorce proceedings, with 88% of such cases involving dogs. Despite the way many people regard their […]
March 6, 2017
For many North Dakotans, estate planning is a task whose benefit is obvious but it is nevertheless often left undone. Individuals may readily admit the need to create or update an estate plan, but may believe that doing so can wait until a “more opportune time” in the future. The […]
March 3, 2017
A parenting plan describes the child custody arrangement that you and your separating spouse will adhere to after a divorce. According to section 14-09-00.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, a parenting plan “describes each parent’s rights and responsibilities.” Section 14-09-30 elaborates on what such a plan must contain. If […]
March 1, 2017
You have been injured in a North Dakota personal injury accident (such as an auto accident or serious injury accident) caused by another person’s careless behavior. However, before you can collect compensation from the at-fault party – indeed, before your personal injury lawsuit can actually begin – you need to […]