Answers before we meet

We work in five clear steps: Educate (we listen to your family, goals, and concerns, and walk you through the options), Design (we craft a plan tailored to your wishes and Minnesota law), Review (we deliver draft documents and revise until they feel right), Signing Ceremony (an in-person meeting to sign and celebrate), and an Annual Check-In so your plan keeps pace with your life.

The easiest first step is to book a complimentary Peace of Mind Planning Session through the Schedule button at the top of this page. We'll talk through your situation, answer initial questions, and outline what a plan for your family could look like — no pressure, no obligation.

It depends on your goals. A will directs where your assets go and who cares for minor children, but it still goes through probate. A trust can avoid probate, keep matters private, and provide long-term protection for beneficiaries. Many families use both. In your consultation we'll recommend the combination that fits your assets and wishes.

We use flat-fee packages so you know the cost up front — no hourly surprises. Fees depend on the complexity of your plan (a simple will package is very different from a trust-based plan with business succession). We'll quote a fixed price after the initial consultation and only proceed once you approve.

Review your plan every 3–5 years, and any time you have a major life change: marriage or divorce, a new child or grandchild, a death in the family, a move to or from Minnesota, a significant change in assets, or the sale or purchase of a business. Our Annual Check-In is designed to catch these updates early.

Minnesota's intestacy laws decide where your property goes and who administers your estate — not you. The court appoints a personal representative, assets are distributed according to a fixed statutory formula, and guardianship of minor children is left to a judge. A basic will (or a trust) lets you make those decisions yourself.

Often, yes. Revocable living trusts, transfer-on-death deeds for real estate, payable-on-death designations, and properly titled joint accounts can move assets outside probate. We'll look at what you own, how it's titled, and design a plan that keeps as much as possible out of court.

Chanda is licensed in Minnesota, so we focus on Minnesota residents and property located in Minnesota. If you split time between states or own out-of-state assets, we can help coordinate assets or coordinate with counsel if you have it in those jurisdictions, to keep your overall plan consistent.