In May 2025, substantial amendments to Minnesota’s trust and estate statutes were enacted. Some of these changes include changes to the Uniform Trust Code, the Uniform Probate Code, the Power of Appointment Act, and to modernize Minnesota’s statutory Rule Against Perpetuities. These revisions update the legal framework governing trusts and estates in Minnesota and enhance planning opportunities for multi-generation estate planning.
Are You Ready for Minnesota’s New Data Privacy Law?
The Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act (“MCDPA”) introduces new rights for consumers and new obligations for businesses – and it takes effect July 31, 2025. If your business handles personal information from Minnesota residents, now is the time to prepare. Can you respond to consumer requests under the new law? Are your opt-out tools in place? Have you updated your privacy notice?
Letters of Intent: How They Go Awry
As a deal lawyer, I love getting the phone call from a client about a new transaction. My heart sinks, however, when the client happily tells me how simple it will be because they have signed a letter of intent—without a lawyer reviewing it. A letter of intent (“LOI”) is not necessarily a bad thing,…
The Minnesota Legislature recently passed, and the Governor has signed, House Bill 1777 (the “tax bill”). The Henson Efron Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration attorneys would like to highlight a few provisions that may be of interest. 2014 Minnesota Tax Law Changes (PDF)
U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle denied a motion by Chris Kyle’s widow to dismiss former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura’s defamation lawsuit, allowing it to go to trial. Litigation attorney, David Bradley Olsen, said, “Obviously we’re pleased by the decision and we think the judge got it correct. We’ve been saying from the beginning that this…
Henson Efron won a major victory for its client, a Minnesota-based construction contractor specializing in non-destructive excavation, in a Ramsey County District Court of Minnesota jury trial. The lawsuit stemmed from disputes between the founding owners and requested a court-ordered buyout of the opposing parties’ shares. Counterclaims were asserted against the client for breach of…
The Purchase Agreement: Part II
Previously, we discussed key purchase agreement provisions and concepts, including purchase price, earnest money and payments terms. In this edition, we’ll take a closer look at the due diligence process. Here is what you need to know: During the due diligence process, the Buyer will inspect and investigate the property to determine if the contingencies…
The Purchase Agreement: Part I
Previously we discussed the importance of assembling a team of Key Players as a first step to any commercial real estate transaction. Once your team is assembled and discovered a suitable property, the next step is to draft and negotiate a purchase agreement that encapsulates the deal and protects your interest. A well-drafted purchase agreement…