Resources

differences
The Difference Between a Special Needs Trust and Supplemental Needs Trusts 1024 340 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Difference Between a Special Needs Trust and Supplemental Needs Trusts

When it comes to trusts, there are many options, two of which are special needs trusts and supplemental needs trusts. Despite their similar sounding names, they are different, but over time the supplemental needs trust has become less common and the two terms are commonly mixed. If you are looking…

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senior citizens holding hands
What Happens if a Person Dies Without a Will? 1024 576 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

What Happens if a Person Dies Without a Will?

When a person dies without a will or trust, their assets are subject to the laws of probate within their state. While these laws will differ from state to state, many states follow similar legal protocols when it comes to distributing a person’s assets, which can include: Possessions Real estate…

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attorney at desk
What to Know About Power of Attorney in Minnesota 1024 682 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

What to Know About Power of Attorney in Minnesota

If you believe you may soon need to appoint someone to have Power of Attorney (POA), the first thing you should do is contact an attorney who can help you through the process of obtaining it. If you are looking to become more familiar with Power of Attorney in Minnesota,…

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challenges
The Challenges of Being a Guardian or Conservator 1024 683 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Challenges of Being a Guardian or Conservator

Have you been approached about serving as a guardian or conservator for a family member or close friend? It can be a challenging role, but so long as you understand the process and what’s expected of you, it’s something that most people can handle. Understand Your Role and the Needs…

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abuse of protected person
Signs of Financial Exploitation in Protected Persons 1024 682 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Signs of Financial Exploitation in Protected Persons

Conservators are needed if you suspect abuse from taking place. They are established to prevent the abuse and waste of a protected person’s assets.  If you are a family member or friend who has concerns, here’s what to look for to help protect your loved one from abuse: Misappropriation of…

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difference guardian conservator
The Difference Between General and Emergency/Temporary Conservators 1024 767 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Difference Between General and Emergency/Temporary Conservators

In most cases involving conservatorship, the courts will appoint a person or organization to manage the financial assets of a protected person. This is the most basic explanation of the primary duty of conservators, but their power and authority can vary based on the state as well as the court…

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courts
How are Conservators and Guardians Appointed? 1024 768 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

How are Conservators and Guardians Appointed?

The process of appointing a person or professional company for a conservatorship or guardianship can differ from state to state, but there is a general process that applies to most courts across the country. While it’s best consult with an attorney before going through the process, it’s good to know…

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accounting audit
How to Work Through a Conservatorship Audit 1024 681 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

How to Work Through a Conservatorship Audit

While conservatorship accountings occur on an annual basis in most states, not every conservator will be subject to a more extensive audit. If you are a conservator and have received notice that your account is being audited, there is no reason to panic. Just because you are being audited does…

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money in a trust
The Challenges of Acting as a Fiduciary for a Trust 1024 685 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Challenges of Acting as a Fiduciary for a Trust

One of the most important things a person can do when acting as a fiduciary for a trust is understand what’s involved in the role. It’s more than signing a few pieces of paper, and there are actually many challenges to overcome when taking the position. It’s not an impossible…

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thoughts
5 Things to Consider Before Selecting a Guardian or Conservator 1024 711 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

5 Things to Consider Before Selecting a Guardian or Conservator

When a vulnerable person is unable to manage their estate and/or make certain decisions regarding their care, it becomes necessary for the court to appoint a conservator or guardian. The basic difference between conservatorship and guardianship is in the powers they are granted by the court: conservators manage the assets…

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