Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Surety Bonds and Commercial Insurance
Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Surety Bonds: Best Practices for Estate Bond Compliance 1024 683 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Surety Bonds: Best Practices for Estate Bond Compliance

Estate bonds, also known as fiduciary bonds or probate bonds, are often necessary when it comes to managing an estate while serving as an executor or administrator. However, if you’re unfamiliar with surety bonds, it’s easy to make mistakes that can delay the process or even cause legal complications. Understanding…

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New MyMNConservator (MMC) Updates: What You Need to Know 1024 684 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

New MyMNConservator (MMC) Updates: What You Need to Know

The Minnesota Judicial Branch has recently made several updates to its MyMNConservator (MMC) online application, a tool used by conservators to file inventory and annual accountings electronically. Originally launched in 2014, MMC is designed to simplify the reporting process for conservators and improve transparency and accuracy in managing finances for…

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Understanding the Legal Language of Surety Bonds 800 533 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Understanding the Legal Language of Surety Bonds

Surety bonds can be a complex as they are filled with industry-specific legal terms that may confuse anyone unfamiliar with the field. However, anyone involved in a surety bond agreement—whether you are a business owner, a contractor, or a person who will be managing a conservatorship or guardianship—should at least…

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Updates on Minnesota Guardianships: Personal Well-Being Reports 640 418 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Updates on Minnesota Guardianships: Personal Well-Being Reports

As of April 15, 2024, a significant update to the Minnesota guardianship statutes has been enacted, affecting all guardians in the state of Minnesota. This new regulation mandates that guardians must file annual Personal Well-Being Reports and Affidavits of Service using the MyMNGuardian (MMG) online application.   About the Statute Update…

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The Financial Role of a Representative Payee for Veterans’ Funds 800 533 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Financial Role of a Representative Payee for Veterans’ Funds

Serving as a representative payee for a veteran in Minnesota is a significant responsibility, as they play an essential role in managing and distributing funds when a beneficiary is unable to handle their own finances due to age, disability, or other factors. This role goes beyond simply managing the money—it…

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Managing and Transferring Guardianship Across State Lines 640 427 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Managing and Transferring Guardianship Across State Lines

When you’re appointed as a guardian, your responsibility is to care for another person. This role includes making decisions on their behalf and managing their affairs effectively. But what happens when you need to manage guardianship from another state, or when circumstances require the guardianship to be transferred entirely to…

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Understanding the Financial Management Role of SSA Representative Payees 640 427 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Understanding the Financial Management Role of SSA Representative Payees

When you become a representative payee, you take on a critical financial responsibility in someone’s life. Accepting the position means you’re in charge of managing the Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits of someone who cannot manage their finances due to health issues or age-related reasons. What does…

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How to Conduct an Annual Commercial Insurance Review 640 427 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

How to Conduct an Annual Commercial Insurance Review

For any business, managing risks effectively is crucial to ensure stability and growth. An essential component of this risk management is commercial insurance. It’s an expenditure you must make to mitigate risk in your business. Sometimes it’s mandatory; sometimes it’s just something that makes sense for your business. How do…

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Everything You Need to Know About Creating a Living Trust 1024 682 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Everything You Need to Know About Creating a Living Trust

Navigating the world of estate planning can be complex, but understanding the concept of a living trust is essential for anyone looking to manage their assets effectively. Creating a living trust can inevitably become a major part of planning your estate, but it’s not always the best path to take.…

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The Basics of Business Tech Insurance: Do You Need it? 1024 682 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Basics of Business Tech Insurance: Do You Need it?

Business and technology have always gone hand in hand, but there’s never been a time in history where they’ve been more inseparable. Nearly every facet of modern businesses is interwoven with some sort of IT system, which presents inherent risks—especially for small businesses who can’t adequately mitigate those risks. This…

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