Wills

In the legal sense, you do not need a will. In a practical sense, you may want one. A will allows you to make certain decisions with the force of law. The main decisions you make with a will are: (1) the person(s) who are to receive your assets; (2) how the person(s) is to receive your assets; (3) the guardian of your minor children, and (4) the person who administers your estate. If you do not have a will, the state of North Dakota or Minnesota will make those decisions for you. Hiring the estate planning department will ensure that your will meets certain legal requirements to enforce the wishes you have stated.

At SW&L, we emphasize convenience and flexibility for our clients. For many individuals and families, a trust provides just that. With a trust, one can designate assets to be managed by a trustee for the benefit of only the individuals designated. This can protect assets from claims by creditors or in-laws.

The estate planning department will guide you and help develop a comprehensive estate plan covering all of your needs and concerns while minimizing the risk of disputes.