Edina Wills Lawyer
Plan A Clear Future For Your Family
Creating a will is one of the most practical ways to care for the people you love. It turns your wishes into clear instructions, so your family is not left guessing or relying only on Minnesota default rules. If you are looking for an Edina Wills Lawyer, you are likely ready to get this important task off your to-do list and done the right way.
At Guttman Law, PLLC, we focus our entire practice on estate planning, estate administration, and probate in Minnesota. We guide clients through wills and related documents with clarity and patience, so you understand every decision you make. We also offer complimentary consultations, which means you can talk with us about your goals before making any commitment.
Why Choose Us For Your Will
When you work on something as personal as a will, you want a team that lives in this world every day. Our attorneys focus exclusively on estate-related services in Minnesota, and we regularly help individuals and families in Edina craft wills that reflect their values and protect what matters most. This narrow focus allows us to stay current on Minnesota law and practical probate issues that affect how your will works in real life.
We take a highly personal and educational approach to planning. During meetings, we take time to understand your family structure, your assets, and your long-term goals. Then we explain options in plain language, whether you need a straightforward will or a more detailed estate plan that coordinates with trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, not overwhelmed.
Communication is central to how we work. We do not charge for estate plan related phone consultations, so you can call us with questions about your will without worrying that a brief call will lead to a surprise bill. We also offer complimentary periodic review meetings, because we know that lives change, and your documents should keep up. If you want your spouse, adult children, or other trusted people involved, we welcome their participation when you invite them, so everyone understands the plan and feels comfortable.
What A Will Can Do For You
A will is more than a form. It is a legal document that directs what happens to your property after you die, and it provides guidance for the people you leave in charge. In Minnesota, your will works together with beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and other planning tools to create an overall estate plan tailored to your situation.
Through your will, you can decide who receives your assets, from real estate and financial accounts to family heirlooms and personal items. You can nominate a personal representative to handle the practical tasks of settling your estate, such as paying final bills and working with probate procedures. If you have minor children, your will is where you nominate a guardian, which helps give you a voice in who will care for them if you are no longer able to do so.
Without a will, Minnesota intestacy laws generally determine who receives your property. Those default rules do not always match what people expect, particularly in blended families, second marriages, or situations involving unmarried partners. The probate process still follows the statute, even if your actual wishes were different. A thoughtful will lets you move from the default rules to a plan that truly fits your family.
For many clients, the greatest benefit of a will is peace of mind. Knowing that there is a clear, written plan can reduce stress for you today and make things less complicated for your loved ones later. We work with you to create a will that is both practical and consistent with your values, so you can feel confident that you have taken an important step to protect your family.
Our Will Planning Process
Uncertainty about the process keeps many people from starting their will. We work to make each step straightforward and predictable, so you always know what comes next. From the first conversation to the final signing, our focus is on clarity, communication, and making sure your questions are answered.
Your experience typically begins with a complimentary consultation. During that meeting, we discuss your goals, your family, and your concerns, and we explain how Minnesota law treats wills and related documents in terms you can understand. We also talk about whether a simple will is likely to meet your needs or whether additional planning tools might be helpful. There is space to ask every question on your mind, even if you think it is basic.
If you decide to move forward, we gather information about your assets, family members, and any special circumstances. We then prepare draft documents tailored to you and schedule a review meeting. During that review, we walk through your will section by section, translate any legal language, and check that the plan matches your intentions. You have the opportunity to make changes and to think through choices such as who to name as personal representative or guardian.
Here is how our will planning process usually unfolds:
- Initial complimentary consultation to learn about your goals and explain options
- Information gathering on your family, assets, and existing documents
- Preparation of a customized will and related estate planning documents when needed
- Review meeting to go through drafts in plain language and make any revisions
- Signing of final documents with proper formalities and guidance on storage and access
Our relationship does not end at signing. Because we do not charge for estate plan related phone calls, you can reach out when questions come up over time, whether that is about how your will interacts with an account beneficiary form or what to tell your chosen personal representative. We also offer complimentary periodic review meetings, which provide a structured opportunity to revisit your plan after major life events or simply after a few years have passed.
When To Update Your Will
Many people sign a will, feel accomplished, and then set it aside for years. While that first step is valuable, your life will likely change over time. Reviewing your documents periodically helps keep your plan aligned with your current relationships, finances, and priorities.
Certain life events are natural triggers for a will review. Marriage, divorce, or the start or end of a long-term relationship often leads to new planning goals. The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild usually prompts updates to beneficiary choices or guardianship nominations. Buying or selling a home, receiving an inheritance, or starting or selling a business can also shift how you want to structure your estate plan. In addition, changes in Minnesota law or tax rules can affect how certain provisions work, which is another reason a review can be helpful.
At Guttman Law, PLLC, we build updates into our approach. Our complimentary periodic review meetings give you an easy way to revisit your plan without needing to decide whether a quick question is worth a separate appointment. During those meetings, we talk about what has changed in your life and whether your will still does what you need it to do. If adjustments are appropriate, we explain your options and help you decide on sensible next steps.
If you already have a will, even one drafted years ago or prepared elsewhere, we are glad to review it with you. Our role is to help you understand how your current documents are likely to function and whether they match what you want today. That perspective can be especially helpful if you now live in or own property in Edina, but your will was created in a different state.
Working With A Local Estate Team
Wills do not exist in a vacuum. They operate within Minnesota statutes and within the practical realities of the probate process. Working with a local estate planning team means your documents are prepared with those real-world considerations in mind, which can make administration easier for the people who will eventually carry out your wishes.
Our attorneys work regularly with Minnesota probate procedures. That local experience shapes how we draft key provisions, from how your personal representative is given authority, to how specific gifts are described, to how we address the possibility that a probate will be required. Our aim is to create a document that is clear for your loved ones and workable in the system they are likely to encounter.
Because we serve clients in Edina and surrounding communities, we are available for in-person meetings when that is convenient, as well as virtual meetings when that better fits your schedule. We understand the types of assets our clients here commonly own, such as homes, retirement accounts, and small business interests, and we plan with those in mind. We also position ourselves as a resource for the personal representatives you name, so if they later have questions about how the will is written, they know there is a team familiar with your plan who can help explain it.
Choosing a local firm for your will means you are not just filling out a form online. You are establishing a relationship with a team that understands how Minnesota law and local practice interact and that intends to be available to you and your family over time.
Call (612) 324-4055 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need A Will If I Live In Minnesota?
You do not have to have a will, but most people benefit from one. Without it, Minnesota intestacy laws generally control who receives your property, which may not match your wishes. A will lets you choose beneficiaries, nominate a personal representative, and, if needed, nominate guardians for minor children.
How Much Does It Cost To Create A Will With Your Firm?
Cost depends on the complexity of your situation and which documents you need. We explain our fees clearly before you decide to move forward. Because we offer complimentary consultations and do not charge for estate plan related phone calls, you can discuss options and ask questions about cost in advance.
What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About A Will?
It is helpful to bring a list of your assets, basic information about your family, and any existing estate planning documents. You do not need everything perfectly organized. We walk through what you have, help you identify what is most important, and guide you on any follow up information we might need.
Can My Spouse Or Adult Children Join Our Planning Meetings?
Yes, if you want them involved. Many clients invite a spouse or adult child to participate so everyone hears the same information and can ask questions. We respect that the decisions are ultimately yours, and we help you set boundaries that feel comfortable while still including loved ones as you choose.
How Often Should I Review Or Update My Will?
We generally suggest reviewing your will every few years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child, or a significant change in assets. Our complimentary periodic review meetings give you an easy way to check whether your current plan still fits your life and make updates when needed.
Start Your Will With Guttman Law
A well-crafted will can bring clarity to a difficult topic and provide real comfort to the people you care about. Working with an Edina Wills Lawyer at Guttman Law, PLLC means you are supported by a team that focuses solely on estate planning and that is committed to clear explanations and open communication.
We offer complimentary consultations, do not charge for estate plan related phone calls, and provide periodic review meetings so your plan can adapt as your life changes. If you are ready to create your first will or to update an existing one, we are here to guide you through each step with care and transparency.
Call (612) 324-4055 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Why Choose Guttman Law, PLLC?
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Highly Personalized Approach
We take the time to understand the complexities of your situation and develop an individualized approach.
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Our Goal Is To Educate ClientsWe seek to not only provide a service to our clients but to educate them every step of the way.
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We Help Clients Navigate Every Step of the Process
We are here to support our clients throughout their estate planning journey.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 612-324-4055 today!
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Has your attorney passed away or retired?
Review advice from estate planning attorneys Matt Guttman and Jamie Reff-Wagner on what to do next: What to Do When Your Attorney Retires - Guttman Law PLLC
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Do you need assistance with your estate plan drafted by another attorney or law firm?
Attorney Matt Guttman has administered and updated hundreds of estate plans prepared by the Molever Law Firm and other law firms. Matt is happy to offer a complimentary consultation to review your current estate plan and discuss possible changes to your plan. Matt is also available to assist with the administration of an estate plan (wills or living trusts) prepared by another law firm after the passing of the person who created the estate plan (the Grantor, Trustor or decedent).
You can click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with attorney Matt Guttman to discuss your estate plan.
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