News | O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson Attorneys - Part 16

Blog

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 […]
April 28, 2017

When You Need to Return to Family Court

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

Why Have a Family Law Attorney Draft Your Pre-Nup

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

Tips for Communicating with the Other Parent Following a Divorce

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

Why Should I Have an Attorney Draft My Real Estate Sales Contract?

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

Making a Will in North Dakota

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

Will I Go to Jail for My Charges?

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

What You Need to Know About No Fault Insurance in North Dakota and Minnesota

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

Dangers at Railroad Crossings

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

Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning in North Dakota

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

Grounds for Divorce in North Dakota

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

Steps of North Dakota Probate Law

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

Punitive Damages in North Dakota: What You Need to Know

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

Medical Malpractice Claims in North Dakota: Five Things to Keep in Mind

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

Our Firm’s Advice to Newly-Injured Victims

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 13, 2017

Top Five Things Your Estate Plan Might Not Address, but Should

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 […]