Estate Planning

Before earning his law degree in 1998,
Mr. Kohler graduated from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN, with a BA in Communications in 1991. Prior to and while going to school, he worked at United Parcel Service.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DON KOHLER

Effective representation of individuals and families is not simply a matter of responding to present needs; it is also a matter of planning and making arrangements for the future. Attorney Donald W. "Doc" Kohler in White Bear Lake helps clients turn their concerns and wishes into effective and comprehensive estate plans, using wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives and other estate planning tools.

Effective Estate Planning Protects You & Your Family

Planning for the future distribution of your assets is important for both you and your loved ones, and can give you peace of mind knowing that all crucial matters, such as medical treatment, will be handled according to your wishes. A comprehensive estate plan also takes into consideration lifetime objectives, such as providing for a relative with special needs or enabling a trusted individual to handle certain financial matters on your behalf. Any or all of the following documents may comprise your estate plan:

Wills - A will is a basic estate planning tool that allows you to set out a plan for the distribution of your property after death. You may also specify an executor for your estate and name a guardian for your minor children. Please complete our Will Intake Form for your first attorney conference.
Trusts - A revocable living trust may be used as a vehicle to manage your property during your life, as well as after your death. There are certain benefits to trusts, such as avoiding probate and estate tax.
Powers of Attorney - A power of attorney is a document that authorizes a person to make decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity, including decisions about finances and property.
Health Care Directives - A health care directive allows you to express your preferences regarding medical treatment at the end of life and designate a person to make healthcare decisions when you cannot communicate your own wishes.
Transfer-on-Death Deeds - A revocable transfer-on-death beneficiary deed allows Minnesota homeowners to leave real estate to named beneficiaries without going through probate or using a trust.
Designated Caregiver Agreements - A designated caregiver agreement is important for single parents and parents living out of the country, as it allows you to name a caregiver for your minor child.

Without a will or estate plan, Minnesota law controls how a person's assets are distributed upon death. But with a minimal amount of planning, you can protect assets from having to go through probate, and you can eliminate uncertainties regarding the administration of your estate.

Contact Us to Learn More about Estate Planning

If you or a loved one needs to draft a will, establish a trust, or set up any kind of arrangement for health care or financial management in the future, please contact Donald W. "Doc" Kohler for a free initial consultation. Our office can help you develop the best plan to achieve your goals.

Helpful Resources

Probate and Planning - Minnesota Attorney General, Lori Swanson