Estate Planning Attorney in St. Paul, Hennepin County, and Chisago County, MN
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. If you have a family, own property, or have any assets at all, a proper estate plan is one of the most important things you can do to protect the people you love.
Lauren Pevehouse Law helps individuals and families throughout St. Paul and the Twin Cities create comprehensive, legally sound estate plans tailored to their unique goals and circumstances. Attorney Lauren Pevehouse takes the time to understand your situation and explain your options clearly, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
We provide a full range of estate planning services, including:
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A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It directs how your assets will be distributed, names a guardian for minor children, and designates an executor to manage your estate. Without a will, Minnesota law determines who inherits your property — which may not reflect your wishes.
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A trust allows your assets to pass to your beneficiaries without going through the probate court process, saving your family time, expense, and public exposure. Trusts are especially valuable for families with real estate, significant assets, blended families, or minor children.
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A durable power of attorney designates a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may face a lengthy and expensive court guardianship proceeding.
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A health care directive, also called an advance directive, specifies your medical wishes if you are unable to communicate them yourself and names a health care agent to make decisions on your behalf.
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Many assets — including life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts — pass outside of your will through beneficiary designations. We review these to ensure they align with your overall estate plan.
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If a loved one has passed away, we guide families through the Minnesota probate process, whether formal or informal, efficiently and compassionately.
Why Estate Planning Cannot WaitMany people delay estate planning because they assume they are too young, do not have enough assets, or find the topic uncomfortable. But consider what happens without a plan:
- Minnesota's intestacy laws will determine who receives your property — not you
- A court, not a person you've chosen, may make medical decisions for you
- Your children could have their inheritance managed by someone you would not have selected
- Your family could spend months and thousands of dollars in probate court
A well-crafted estate plan takes these decisions out of the courts and puts them in your hands.
Whether you are a young parent, a homeowner, a business owner, or someone approaching retirement, Lauren Pevehouse Law can build a plan that fits your life. We regularly help clients with:
- First-time estate plans for growing families
- Updating existing plans after major life events (marriage, divorce, new children, death of a beneficiary)
- Planning for blended families and stepchildren
- Long-term care and Medicaid planning
- Estate plans for business owners and self-employed individuals
Lauren Pevehouse Law proudly serves estate planning clients in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, and throughout Ramsey County and the Twin Cities metro area.