Privacy Concerns in a Divorce
Could your neighbors be reading your divorce file right now? It’s a real possibility. In Minnesota, divorce documents, including those of celebrities such as Prince, can be accessed online or at the courthouse by anyone. This extends to your own divorce decree as well. You may be asking yourself, “How can this be?” The Minnesota […]
The Briefing Room: December 2025
Three Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Legal Writing This Year Happy New Year, and welcome back to the newsletter! We know the feeling: you start January with grand ambitions to transform your practice, but by February, the crush of deadlines pushes “self-improvement” to the bottom of the pile. So, we thought we would point to […]
Understanding Trademark Proof of Use: A Guide for Businesses
Whether you are filing a federal trademark application or maintaining an existing registration with the USPTO, you must provide proof of use in commerce. This evidence, called specimens, must show how your mark is actually used in real-world commerce for the specific goods or services listed in your application or registration. The USPTO has strict rules […]
Am I stuck with this Divorce Decree?
You and your now ex-spouse are finally divorced (hooray!), after a complex and difficult trial. After months of waiting, you are finally holding your Judgment and Decree. But what if a judge got it wrong? If you believe the judge has made decisions that are unfair or not in your favor, it’s crucial to discuss […]
The Briefing Room: November 2025
Embracing AI in Legal Writing—Insights and Takeaways from Our Recent Seminar Earlier this fall, we had the privilege to deliver a seminar that explored how artificial intelligence is transforming legal writing. Our session was designed as a hands-on, interactive experience, giving attendees the unique opportunity to see first-hand how AI tools can significantly enhance clarity, […]
How Social Media Can Impact a Divorce
Social media is deeply woven into most everyone’s daily lives, serving as a tool for communication, networking, and entertainment. However, if used improperly, social media can introduce unexpected challenges during a divorce. The use of Facebook, Instagram, X, and even LinkedIn may affect divorce proceedings in several significant ways. Emotional and Psychological Evidence Divorce cases […]
From Loophole to Legal Lockdown: The Hemp Industry at Risk
The hemp industry is facing what can only be described as a full-scale crisis: a complex, high-stakes tangle of regulation, litigation, and market uncertainty. For legal professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, understanding how we arrived here and what lies ahead is critical. The irony is stark: the very law that legalized hemp is now being […]
Think Your PERA Beneficiary Will Receive Your Retirement Account? Maybe Not.
If you’re a Minnesota government employee, you may assume that the person(s) you list as the beneficiary of your PERA retirement account will receive those funds when you pass. I recently learned—both personally and unexpectedly—that this may not be the case. I joined Hellmuth & Johnson after spending six years as a government attorney. Over […]
How Do You Find a Good Attorney for a Trust Dispute?
When a loved one passes away, questions about how their assets are handled can quickly become complex and emotional. If you believe that a trustee has mismanaged funds, acted unfairly, or violated the terms of a trust, you may need to take legal action to protect your rights. But how do you find the right […]
The Gift of Setting Up an Estate Plan
Think of one of the nicest things anyone has done for you. Maybe someone made a grand gesture, or showed up when you needed support, or saved you from something difficult or unpleasant? Whatever it was, it probably made your life better and showed you that someone cared. When you set up your estate plan, […]