Hunting season is practically a holiday in Minnesota — a time to unplug, get outside, and (if you’re lucky) fill the freezer. But every year, hunters wind up with more than just stories around the campfire — they end up with criminal charges they didn’t see coming. We...
Real estate investors constantly seek strategies to grow their portfolios while minimizing tax liabilities. One of the most potent tools in their arsenal is the Section 1031 tax‑deferred exchange. Named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, this provision...
Embarking on your first home inspection is a pivotal moment in the home‑buying process. It marks the transition from hopeful buyer to empowered purchaser, but it can also be a source of considerable anxiety. A thorough, well‑conducted inspection can reveal crucial...
Stepping into family mediation can feel like entering a cautiously lit room—uncertainty mingled with hope. You’re here because you want a different path: one less about courtroom drama and more about candid conversation. Whether you’ve heard about Minneapolis...
Navigating a family dispute is rarely described as “fun.” Divorce, custody battles, and property divisions come laden with emotion, uncertainty, and legal complexity. Hiring the right mediator can transform this whirlwind into a constructive dialogue. But how do you...
When families face legal disputes—be it divorce, child custody, or support issues—the prospect of court can feel daunting. Traditional litigation often involves adversarial hearings, public records, steep legal fees, and unpredictable timelines. Enter family law...
Divorce is seldom easy. Emotions run high, finances get tangled, and the well-being of children often hangs in the balance. Faced with these challenges, couples have to decide: should we hash this out in a courtroom or find a less adversarial route through mediation?...
At-will employment is the prevailing default in American workplaces: an arrangement under which an employer may terminate an employee at any time, for any reason—or for no reason at all—provided the reason is not unlawful. Similarly, employees may resign at will. This...
Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson is a successful general practice firm in Monticello, Minnesota. We are a growing firm with a solid history of serving the Monticello and surrounding west metro communities. As we grow, we aspire to remain a community-based,...
A civil court ruling can feel like the final word in a legal dispute – until you learn that the door to appeal remains open. Pursuing an appeal is a vital legal tool for correcting errors, safeguarding your rights, and ensuring justice prevails. But appeals don’t...
In the world of business, partnerships can be a powerful vehicle for growth, combining the skills, resources, and visions of two or more individuals to achieve common goals. However, the very dynamics that make partnerships appealing—shared decision‑making, pooled...
Divorce marks a significant life change—not only emotionally, but legally and financially. If you created your will while you and your ex‑spouse were still married, that document likely no longer reflects your current wishes or family situation. Failing to update your...