Category: Family Law

Take Care of Your Legacy: Planning Your Will & Estate

November 18, 2021  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

By: William F.  Huefner For many, writing a Will and planning for the handling of your estate seems like a topic that can be pushed to the backburner. However, planning ahead and creating a Will is something that should be handled sooner rather than later. With the help of trusted professionals, it’s easy.  Continue reading our blog and find out how you can ensure a strong plan for your estate. When Is the Right Time to Write a Will? The short answer is right now. As long as you are at least 18 years old, you are in a position to write a Will. Experts recommend that every adult should have a Will regardless of their age and health. A few other life-changing events that provide a good reason to write a Will are accumulating a large sum of money, getting married or divorced, when you have children, and when you start a business. Many factors can be protected with a Will. Make sure you and your family are not caught off guard without one. Writing Your Will Itemize Your Inventory The first step towards creating a Will is itemizing your assets. Start off by making a list of your assets, i.e., bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, etc. Keep in…

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Jason C. Brown, Attorney at Law, Joins Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s Family Law Department Bringing 20 Years of Experience

September 2, 2021  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Attorney Jason C. Brown has joined the firm as a shareholder with more than 20 years of experience. Over the span of his career, he has represented a wide variety of clients seeking to resolve important family matters. Many of his cases have involved complex custody disputes, alimony claims, and high net worth individuals, including several divorces in which the value of the marital estate exceeded ten million dollars. Every client, no matter their background, is important to Jason. Joining the law firm of Barna, Guzy and Steffen will give Jason the opportunity to streamline his practice while offering clients access to the broad scope of legal services offered by the firm. Jason has been recognized as a family law Super Lawyer (2015, 2016, 2020, 2021) and has served as a court-appointed early neutral evaluator for Anoka, Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright County from 2015-present.  His Minnesota Family Law Blog was also honored as a “Top 25” by the Minnesota State Bar Association in 2011. Jason will continue to focus his practice on all facets of family law including divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements, adoption, grandparent rights, and mediation. Barna, Guzy and Steffen, Ltd. has a long-standing tradition of helping clients with their legal needs, serving generations of clients in the north metro. “BGS is a…

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Putting Children First: Co-Parenting Through a Pandemic

February 5, 2021  |  Elizabeth A. Schading

Co-parenting under normal circumstances presents many challenges for families of divorced or separated parents. Add a worldwide pandemic to a tenuous, oftentimes contentious, family dynamic and the results can be devastating for everyone involved. During COVID-19, many families are discovering that previous co-parenting arrangements may not withstand the demands associated with sheltering in place and remote/distance learning. This can amplify an already stressful situation. Read our blog as we discuss ways to help families cope with the challenges associated with co-parenting through a pandemic. Ensure safety when changing households Many parents wonder if it’s safe to have their children travel back and forth between two households, especially if the other parent is at a higher risk for exposure through work or contact with others like a stepparent or significant other. Some have even gone to court over such matters. Parents should make every effort to talk amongst themselves to discuss how to address safety concerns before getting the courts involved. Maintain open lines of communication Oftentimes separated or divorced parents are estranged from one another, making communication and planning quite challenging. However, parents should try to set aside their differences and focus on the heath and well-being of their children. Maintaining open and honest lines of communication is critical. If you find communicating…

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