Blog
July 5, 2017
In a significant number of criminal cases filed in North Dakota, the defense strategy is rather simple: Attack the sufficiency and/or credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence. In other words, defendants who adopt this defense strategy do not provide an alternate narrative or story of their own, but simply […]
July 3, 2017
Most people are involved in the probate process at some point in their lives. Probate refers to the process that occurs after a person dies and before that person’s estate is divided in accordance with that person’s will. The probate process has the potential to be complicated and can involve […]
June 29, 2017
If you and the other party in your North Dakota personal injury suit cannot settle your personal injury lawsuit, and the case is not disposed of through motions, the case will proceed to trial before a judge or jury. Even though it is rare for personal injury suits to reach […]
June 27, 2017
It is no secret that the vast majority of North Dakota civil lawsuits settle before they ever reach the courtroom. A settlement, in simple terms, is an agreement between two adverse parties wherein the parties agree to settle their differences and resolve the legal dispute between them without the need […]
June 19, 2017
If you have been charged with a felony in North Dakota, one of the early hearings that will be held in your case is known as a preliminary hearing. While the name of this hearing may make the hearing itself sound unimportant, your preliminary hearing can play a significant role […]
June 15, 2017
In many cases, spouses own property jointly which means that property is equally owned by the two individuals. This type of property ownership, however, can create some unique considerations in the event that a spouse dies. A real property attorney at O’Keeffe Attorneys can assist with a number of issues […]
June 13, 2017
One of the most important aspects of purchasing a home in North Dakota is the contract for sale. That is the offer to buy the house, land, or property that the seller is selling. Once both parties have signed the offer, it becomes a legally binding contract, meaning that both […]
June 7, 2017
Individuals who have particularly serious medical conditions have several unique estate planning tools available to them. Special needs trusts allow disabled or seriously ill individuals to become beneficiaries of trusts of unlimited means without affecting eligibility for government assistance, which often contain income thresholds. Establishing a Special Needs Trust Special […]
June 5, 2017
Like every state, North Dakota has its own laws and guidelines regarding buying and selling homes. Home buying and selling is complex in itself, but the laws that govern both processes in the state are equally complex. It is strongly advised to consult an experienced real estate attorney regarding buying […]
June 1, 2017
Contrary to popular belief, there are two ways to legally end a marriage. One is divorce, and the other is through an annulment. Divorce is the legal termination, or ending, of a marriage. An annulment, on the other hand, is completely erasing a marriage. In legal terms, this means that […]
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 […]
May 26, 2017
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]