Frequently asked
Questions, answered.
Common questions we hear during consultations. If yours isn't covered, just ask.
Working with the firm
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes. We offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation so we can understand your situation, explain how we'd approach it, and quote a fee. There's no obligation to engage us after the consultation.
Who will I actually work with?
Jennifer, directly. The firm is intentionally small — there are no junior associate hand-offs. You'll have the same attorney from the first call through the last signature.
How do you charge?
Where the scope is predictable — estate plans, entity formations, lease reviews — we quote a fixed fee up front. For matters with more variability, we work hourly with regular updates so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Where are you located?
The firm serves clients across Minnesota and Massachusetts. We meet by phone, video, or in person depending on what fits — our practice is built to work wherever you are.
Practice areas
What areas of law does the firm practice?
Estate planning (wills, revocable trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney), small business law (formation, governance, employment, contracts), and real estate (commercial and residential purchase agreements, leases, contract review).
What if my matter doesn't fit those areas?
We'll tell you so directly and refer you to an attorney whose practice does fit. Twenty years in, we have good relationships across the bar.
Can you handle out-of-state matters?
Jennifer is licensed in Minnesota. For matters involving other states, we coordinate with licensed counsel in those jurisdictions or refer the matter entirely, whichever fits.
Estate planning
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends. Wills go through probate; trusts (properly funded) don't. For some clients a will is plenty. For others — particularly with real estate, minor children, second marriages, or assets in multiple states — a trust meaningfully simplifies things. We walk through both options in the consultation.
What does the estate planning process look like?
Consultation, design and fee quote, drafting, review with you in plain language, signing with proper witnesses and notarization, and then the often-skipped step of funding the trust by retitling assets. We don't consider the work done until the plan actually works.
How often should I update my plan?
After any major life event — marriage, divorce, new child, significant inheritance, business sale, move to or from Minnesota — and otherwise every five years or so as a check-in. Small updates are usually inexpensive.
Small business
Can you be our ongoing general counsel?
We work with several small businesses on an ongoing basis — handling contracts, employment questions, governance, and the occasional crisis. Most don't need a GC on payroll; they need one on call.
Do you handle litigation?
The firm focuses on transactional and advisory work. For disputes that head to litigation, we coordinate with trial counsel we trust and stay involved as the business advisor.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly.
A 30-minute conversation costs nothing and almost always clarifies things faster than email.