Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLPCollins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP2026-08-21T10:15:13Zhttps://www.cbsh.net/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[3 must-include digital assets in estate planning]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=524052026-08-21T10:15:13Z2026-08-21T10:15:13ZCryptocurrency and NFTs
Your cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are valuable digital assets. However, unlike bank accounts, your loved ones cannot easily access them. In most cases, your private key or recovery phrase could be the only way to access them. Since adding such sensitive information to a will is not safe, you may set up a secure method to access them through your estate plan.
Loyalty rewards
You may never have considered your airline miles, hotel points or credit card rewards as “real” money. However, these accounts can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in transferable value. The challenge is that each program has its own rules about what happens upon your death. Some programs allow points to be transferred, while others may not permit transfers at all. Nevertheless, without a record of these accounts, your family may never know whether the points or miles can be transferred.
Social media
To protect user privacy, social platforms don’t usually give access to your loved ones after death. Under the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, you can authorize your personal representative to access your social media accounts as part of settling your estate. It is also worth knowing that many social platforms have their own legacy or memorialization tools and those platform-level settings may take priority over your estate planning documents.
Take stock of your digital life
The assets that make up your estate are no longer limited to what you can see and touch. From cryptocurrency wallets to airline miles, you should plan for digital property as thoughtfully as any other part of your legacy. An estate planning attorney familiar with Minnesota law can help you identify what you own, document it properly and make sure your personal representative can access it when needed.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[What to do if your Minnesota Paid Leave claim is denied]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=524022026-08-07T16:41:35Z2026-08-07T16:41:35ZWhy the Minnesota Paid Leave program may deny a claim
The Minnesota Paid Leave program may need more information before deciding whether an employee qualifies for benefits. Missing documents or questions about eligibility can affect the decision. Reviewing the denial notice and supporting documents can help identify the issue and determine the next step.
Review your options clearly
Before assuming that the denial is final, taking a few practical steps can be helpful, such as:
Reading the denial notice carefully to understand the reason
Keeping copies of emails, medical certifications and other records
Confirming whether the Minnesota Paid Leave program needs additional documents or information
Following the Minnesota Paid Leave program’s process if the decision can be reviewed and appealed
Following these steps can help protect important information if any questions arise later.
Know when a denial might raise legal concerns
A rejected claim does not always mean an employer violated the law. However, Minnesota law protects employees from interference with paid leave rights and from retaliation for exercising those rights. If an employer discourages a leave request, treats an employee differently after they request leave or ignores applicable legal protections, the issue may involve more than a simple benefits dispute. Recognizing that distinction can help employees better understand their workplace rights.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[The benefits of choosing collaborative divorce in Minnesota]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=524002026-07-22T14:55:07Z2026-08-03T14:53:38ZHaving control over the outcome
In a traditional divorce, a judge who does not know your family makes major decisions about your money and your children. In a collaborative divorce, you and your ex make those decisions yourselves. You can work together to create flexible, tailored solutions that a court may not have the time or power to create.
Maintaining confidentiality
When you go to court, your private financial details and personal disagreements can become accessible to the public. Collaborative divorce meetings are private. This means the specific details of your negotiations stay between you, your spouse and your professional team.
Using a more holistic approach
In addition to your respective lawyers, the collaborative divorce process may include the following professionals to help you reach a thoughtful and balanced agreement:
Financial experts
Divorce coaches
Child specialists
These specialists can provide specialized knowledge and support to ensure your divorce terms like asset division and parenting arrangements work for your whole family.
Saving time and money
While every case varies, collaborative divorce is often less expensive than a trial. By eliminating the need for a costly formal discovery and multiple court hearings, families can often reach a resolution faster and with fewer legal fees.
Preserving the coparenting relationship
For parents in Minnesota, divorce does not have to end their family. Collaborative divorce encourages respectful communication and shared problem solving. By avoiding court, you can create a fair parenting plan and reduce stress and emotional harm for your children.
A dignified alternative to litigation
If you are looking for a more respectful and efficient way to end your marriage, choosing collaborative divorce can be beneficial. This approach can prioritize the long-term well-being of your family over the conflict of the courtroom.
]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[What happens when a beneficiary form conflicts with your will?]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523972026-07-15T08:29:44Z2026-07-15T08:29:44ZHow do beneficiary forms affect your estate plan?
Probate is the court process used to transfer certain property after death. Your will controls assets that enter that process. Other property follows separate instructions:
These documents may control even when your will names someone else.
What rules can change who receives an asset?
Minnesota law usually cancels certain choices that name a former spouse after divorce. Federal law or plan rules may still control some workplace retirement accounts.
Many 401(k) plans also give a surviving spouse rights to the account unless the spouse properly consents to another beneficiary. Who receives the asset also depends on whether the person you named survives you and whether you named a backup beneficiary.
Naming a minor directly can create another issue. Depending on the asset and its value, an adult custodian or court-appointed conservator may need to manage it until the child reaches adulthood.
How can you keep your documents aligned?
Review your beneficiary forms after marriage, divorce, a birth or a beneficiary’s death. Check them again after a major financial change. Check both primary and contingent beneficiaries, submit updates directly to each institution and keep confirmation that it accepted the change.
Consider the responsibilities tied to each asset
Naming the right person is only part of the decision. Some assets may involve taxes, withdrawal rules, upkeep costs or other responsibilities. Different estate planning tools may offer different levels of control over how and when a recipient manages an asset.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[Can frequent business travel affect child custody in Minnesota?]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523912026-07-10T13:45:28Z2026-07-10T13:45:28ZParenting involves more than just being at home
If a parent travels, it often does not automatically mean they are less involved in raising a child. Flexible work arrangements, remote communication and thoughtful schedules allow a parent to stay connected to school activities, medical appointments and other important events in a child’s life.
As every family functions differently, courts do not measure parenting by the number of nights spent at home, but the focus stays much broader.
The child’s best interest comes first
The courts make custody decisions based on the child’s best interest. Work travel is only one part of the decision. Judges also consider each parent’s role in meeting the child’s daily needs, stability at home and a parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Sometimes looking at a complete picture gives a more accurate understanding of the parent-child relationship than just looking at the work schedule.
A workable parenting schedule matters
Business travel might require parents to think more carefully about parenting schedules, but it does not stand in the way of having meaningful parenting time. A plan that accounts for travel while giving consistency for the child might support the family’s needs better than relying solely on traditional work schedules.
Every custody case is different based on its own facts. A demanding career is only one part of the analysis and Minnesota courts consider many factors before deciding what arrangement works best to serve the child’s best interest.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[Add a spendthrift trust to your estate plan]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523672026-07-06T16:23:10Z2026-07-06T16:23:10ZIf you are doing your estate planning, your business may not be complete without the addition of a special type of trust. Spendthrift trusts are often used as vehicles to distribute funds to beneficiaries who are not equipped to handle the trust principal on their own.These trusts use hand-picked trustees to disburse funds according to predetermined schedules set by the trust grantors who fund the trusts. This allows them to help keep at bay their loved one’s worst inclinations and decisions.
Who might need a spendthrift trust?
Any heir or beneficiary who lacks the skills and experience to manage the principal of the trust can benefit from spendthrift trust oversight. They are also good choices for those who struggle with sobriety, gambling or other excesses and those in relationships with controlling spouses and/or friends.But those are not the only circumstances where spendthrift trusts might be used. Beneficiaries in fields like medicine or law, where litigation is more common, might also appreciate the barrier of a spendthrift trust. After all, the funds cannot be tapped by creditors or attached by judgments.
Are there any drawbacks?
Sometimes beneficiaries resent this type of perceived “dead-hand control” over their finances. However, as the trust grantor, you may understand better than they how their lack of fiscal administration could erode the trust’s principal far too quickly.It’s also wise to appoint unrelated trustees over the funds of beneficiaries to preclude any issues arising over the funds from marring an already convivial relationship. Choosing financial or legal representatives as trustees often makes the best sense.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[Is it sexual harassment if someone was just joking?]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523652026-06-18T08:31:05Z2026-06-18T08:31:05ZYes, even if someone says they were just joking, comments they made in the workplace can still constitute sexual harassment.
In fact, claiming that "it was just a joke" is one of the most common excuses given when sexual harassment allegations are raised. The person says that their comment was just misinterpreted, that they did not mean anything by it and that they just thought they were being funny. They may even try to turn things around on the victim, claiming that they just did not get the joke or do not have a sense of humor.
2 major issues
The first reason that claiming something was a joke does not override sexual harassment allegations is that jokes themselves can be a form of harassment. Even if someone did think they were just being funny, their comments may still have been highly inappropriate for a workplace environment. They have still crossed the line if they have made comments about someone's sexuality or body type, for instance. It does not matter if they thought it was humorous or if they were being serious.Additionally, these types of crude jokes can often contribute to a hostile work environment. A female employee may not feel comfortable at work if all of the male employees around her are constantly telling crude jokes, especially if they are at her expense. Even if all the other people involved think that the banter is funny, that does not mean it is appropriate for the workplace. They have to think about how it affects the people around them.If you believe you have been experiencing sexual harassment on the job, it is important for you to understand your rights as an employee and the legal steps you can take.
]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[Estate planning for pet owners: who will care for your animals]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523632026-06-07T22:11:21Z2026-06-07T22:11:21ZFor many, pets are more than companions; they are an important part of the family and help to bring comfort, routine and joy to everyday life. Thinking about their future care is an important step that often gets overlooked during long-term planning.
Life can be unpredictable, and making arrangements ahead of time helps ensure that beloved animals continue to receive love and stability. Taking a few simple steps now can make a meaningful difference in the future.
Ensuring lifelong care for your pets
When a pet owner becomes incapacitated or passes away, pets can be left in uncertain situations without proper care instructions in place. Unlike other assets, animals rely entirely on people to provide daily care, making advance planning essential for their well-being.A pet trust can be an effective way to outline exactly how a pet should be cared for, including dietary needs, medical instructions and living arrangements. A pet trust shares the same basic features of other types of trust documents, such as a living trust. It can be used to set aside funds for expenses such as food, veterinary visits and grooming, while naming a trusted caregiver to carry out those wishes. This structure helps ensure that both the emotional and financial needs of a pet are addressed without confusion or delay.Choosing the right caregiver involves more than finding someone willing to help; it also requires considering their lifestyle, financial ability and emotional readiness to care for a pet. It is also wise to name an alternate caregiver and review the plan regularly to ensure it still reflects current relationships and circumstances. These thoughtful updates can help prevent uncertainty and ensure continuity of care if circumstances change over time.When it comes to protecting the future of a beloved pet, thoughtful planning can help to provide peace of mind that your pet will be safe and loved. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help ensure the right arrangements are in place and tailored to your specific wishes and circumstances.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[4 ways divorce mediation gives you control over asset division]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523612026-06-05T08:39:37Z2026-06-05T08:39:37ZWhat is divorce mediation in Minnesota?
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process. In Minnesota divorces, a neutral third party helps both spouses work through disagreements outside of court. Instead of a judge making decisions for you, you and your spouse reach agreements together. This process gives you more say over the outcomes that matter most, including how you divide your assets. Once you understand the basics of mediation, it becomes easier to see the real advantages it offers.
Four ways mediation puts you in control
Unlike litigation, mediation puts the decisions with you and your spouse. From protecting major assets to preserving your privacy, mediation works in your favor in more ways than one. Here are four ways mediation gives you control over asset division:
It protects complex assets: Mediation lets you bring in financial professionals to creatively structure buyouts so you don't lose ownership of your business or livelihood.
It honors sentimental items: Mediation creates a safe space where you and your spouse mutually agree on who keeps meaningful belongings, such as family heirlooms or personal collections.
It allows creative asset swapping: Rather than a judge ordering a forced sale of your home, mediation lets you negotiate alternatives, like one spouse keeping the house and trading equivalent equity from retirement accounts.
It keeps your finances private: Mediation is strictly confidential, protecting sensitive details about your business, net worth and properties from becoming public record.
Each of these benefits gives you the ability to shape your own outcome. That kind of control makes a meaningful difference, especially as you prepare to move forward.
Your future is yours to shape
Divorce marks the end of one chapter, but it also opens the door to a new one. Mediation gives you and your spouse the space to make thoughtful, informed decisions about your assets together. When you understand your options, you can approach this process with clarity and confidence rather than fear. You deserve to start your next chapter on your own terms.]]>On Behalf of Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, PLLP<![CDATA[Do most people have a will?]]>https://www.cbsh.net/?p=523592026-05-26T02:48:26Z2026-05-26T02:48:26ZMaking a will is well-known to be something every adult should do. So you might assume that most of them have already ticked off this task. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
According to the 2026 results of Trust & Will’s annual estate planning report, only 26% of US adults have actually made their will. What’s more, only 44% of US adults have some kind of estate planning documents in place. Or to look at it another way, the estates for 54% of adults are currently destined to be settled by state intestate laws.Intestate laws distribute the estate according to a strict hierarchy, with no allowance for the wishes of the deceased, so clearly that is not ideal. An unmarried partner, for example, could be left with nothing.
Getting past the inertia
Making an estate plan might not be top of your list of things to do this weekend, but if you have not yet made one, you should consider setting some time aside for it as soon as possible. Even if you just start with some internet research, you will be one important step closer.Death or incapacitating injuries do not always come with advance notice, and you could be fine without a will one moment, and desperately needing one the next. While the internet can provide some good information and even offer you the chance to make your own will online, it is important to remember that the web contains a lot of inaccurate information. Online will templates are also so generalized that the loved ones of those who used them frequently encounter problems due to things the template did not consider.The safest way to create your will and estate plan is to seek legal guidance to help you ensure it covers everything you and your family need it to, and is made in a way that complies with state laws.]]>