Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney
Brainerd, MN
Thoughtful, Personal Planning for Crow Wing County Families and Seniors
Planning for the future isn’t easy to think about, but it is one of the most caring things you can do for the people you love. Jeddeloh Snyder Stommes’ estate planning and elder law attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience to wills, trusts, probate, and long-term care planning for Crow Wing County families — meeting with you by phone or secure video conference, and appearing in person at the Crow Wing County Judicial Center whenever a court filing or hearing is required.
Video Consultations Available
Probate Help in Crow Wing County
Protecting Your Family and Your Legacy
How We Help Brainerd-Area Families Plan Ahead
Whether you are creating your first will or planning for long-term care, our attorneys will explain your options in plain language and build a plan that fits your family and your wishes.
Wills
A properly drafted will tells the court who receives your property, who cares for your minor children, and who manages your estate. We help Brainerd-area clients prepare wills that are clear, valid under Minnesota law, and tailored to their families, and we help you update them as life changes.
Trusts
A trust can help you manage assets during your lifetime, provide for loved ones, and in many cases pass property on without going through probate. Our attorneys explain how different trusts work, which type may fit your goals, and how to properly fund the trust so it does what you intend.
Comprehensive Estate Plans
A complete estate plan often includes more than a will. We help Crow Wing County families put the right documents in place, including powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and trusts, so your wishes are documented and your loved ones know what to do.
Living Wills & Health Care Directives
If you could not speak for yourself, who would make medical decisions for you, and what would you want? A health care directive puts your wishes in writing and names someone you trust to carry them out, sparing your family difficult guesswork during a crisis.
Probate & Estate Administration
When a loved one passes away, probate is the court-supervised process of settling their estate. We guide Crow Wing County families through the paperwork, deadlines, and court filings, handling the legal details so you can focus on your family.
Elder Law & Long-Term Care Planning
Aging brings legal questions about care, finances, and independence. Our elder law attorneys help seniors and their families plan for long-term care costs, understand benefit options, and address guardianship and conservatorship when a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs.
Representing Clients in Crow Wing County
We can help with any of the following: wills, revocable living trusts, estate plans, powers of attorney, living wills, health care directives, probate, informal and formal estate administration, beneficiary planning, elder law, long-term care planning, guardianship, conservatorship, and estate and trust disputes.Crow Wing County District Court
150+ Years Combined Experience
Free Initial Consultation
Phone & Video Meetings Available
Court Representation When Required
Brainerd Estate Planning & Elder Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney to make a will?
Minnesota law does not require you to hire an attorney to write a will, but mistakes in signing, witnessing, or wording can cause a will to be invalid or to have unintended results. An attorney can make sure your wishes are documented correctly.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect at death and generally goes through probate. A trust is a legal arrangement that can hold assets during your lifetime and, when properly set up, can pass them to your beneficiaries without probate. Which is right for you depends on your goals and your assets.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Minnesota?
If someone dies without a valid will, Minnesota’s intestacy laws decide who inherits their property. The result may not match what the person would have wanted, which is one reason many families choose to plan ahead.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
Not always. Depending on the assets and how they are owned or titled, some property may pass outside of probate. An attorney can review your situation and explain what applies.
Do I have to travel to St. Cloud to meet with an attorney?
No. We meet with Crow Wing County clients by phone or secure video conference, so you can get started from home. When your case requires a hearing or trial, we appear in person at the Crow Wing County Judicial Center in Brainerd.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. Your initial consultation with Jeddeloh Snyder Stommes is free, and we can meet by phone or secure video conference so you don’t have to travel to our St. Cloud office.
Other Legal Services in Brainerd, MN
Divorce & Family Law | Criminal Defense | Real Estate Law | Business Law
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to plan ahead? Schedule a phone or video consultation — no office visit required. Call (320) 240-9423 or request an appointment online.