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They say there are two constants in life: death and taxes. While it isn't always comfortable to talk about, estate planning is a common topic of discussion at the State Law Library's reference desk. In this issue, we're highlighting some of our favorite resources for drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives for attorneys and non-attorneys.
Minnesota CLE's deskbook Drafting Wills and Trusts Agreements is a popular resource with many attorneys. This comprehensive deskbook covers common provisions of wills and trusts and also provides sample language for variations on a basic Minnesota will. In addition to the forms, you will find explanations of the law and practice tips from experienced practitioners. This resource is available in print at the State Law Library and at several of the metro-area county law libraries. If you know which forms you need, we may also be able to email them to you.
The State Law Library also maintains a collection of Minnesota CLE materials from previous seminars. We have a number of additional titles on estate planning, including popular CLEs like Drafting Your First Will and Trust, The Complete Estate Planning Lawyer's Quick Answer Book, and Planning and Drafting for the Small Estate.
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We always recommend that our patrons consult with a lawyer about preparing their own will, and are happy to recommend resources for finding a lawyer. In addition, we have a few resources for those who want to understand the requirements for a Minnesota will. How to Make a Minnesota Will is a Minnesota-specific guide to the requirements needed for a Minnesota will. Nolo's Quick and Legal Will Book also has sample forms and contains a "self-proving" affidavit for Minnesota. The Quick and Legal Will Book is also accessible online by contacting Ask A Librarian.
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George E. Perine, Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower. Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The State Law Library will host the traveling exhibit "Join In! The Rise of Self-Governance and American Organizing From the Mayflower Compact to the Modern Day" from March 20 through March 31, 2023. Created by the ABA Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress, this exhibit celebrates the documents creating the foundation of American government.
In conjunction with this exhibit, the State Law Library is hosting a CLE on March 23, 2023 presented by Professor Julia Ernst of the University of North Dakota School of Law on the Mayflower Compact and its impact on the American legal system. More information about this CLE is available on our website.
In addition, the State Law Library will have coordinating displays focusing on Minnesota's foundational documents. Both exhibits will be on display during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. We hope to see you in the library!
On February 3, 2023, Governor Walz signed a law establishing Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Starting in 2024, government offices (including the Judicial Branch), will be closed each year on June 19. Juneteenth celebrates the historical pronouncement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was said to have been first publicly read in Texas by Union soldiers.
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