ourlifenwmetro. com Our Life • NW Metro • Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Page 5
PLANNING AHEAD: WHY ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW MATTER
Estate planning is about more than deciding who receives your property after your death. It is also about protecting your wishes, supporting your loved ones, and making important decisions before a crisis occurs. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you answer practical questions, including: Who should make financial or medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so? Who should— and should not— receive your property? Who do you trust to carry out your wishes? And how much flexibility should your plan include if circumstances change for you, a beneficiary, or a family member?
Elder law focuses on legal and planning issues that often become more pressing as we age or care for loved ones with disabilities. These issues may include planning for incapacity, understanding long-term care options including government benefits, protecting assets, choosing appropriate housing or care, and considering the legal and financial impact of decisions made during a period of incapacity.
The best time to plan is before it is urgently needed. When you have capacity and time to think carefully, you can talk with your family, consider your goals, and get legal advice about options you may not know are available. Waiting until an emergency can limit those options. Without the right documents in place, loved ones may face added expense, delay, unintended consequences, or even court involvement.
Your estate plan should grow and change with your life. A trusted attorney can help you review your existing plan, update outdated documents, or create a plan for the first time. If you are ready to take that step, schedule a consultation with one of the attorneys at Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.(“ BGS”) by calling 763-780-8500. BGS is located at 200 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW # 400, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, in the Northeast Bank building.
EXPERIENCE | TRUST | RESULTS A Tradition of Excellence Since 1938 |
Cathryn D. Reher |
William F. Huefner |
Bobbi Hermanson-Albers |
Our qualified and experienced Special Needs, Elder Care, |
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and Estate Planning attorneys provide legal services to |
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the elderly, those with disabilities, and families who have |
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special estate planning needs. |
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Kate R. Fredrickson
Max W. Jacobson
763.780.8500 | www. bgs. com | 200 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW, # 400, Coon Rapids, MN 55433