I custom design each estate plan to fit each client.
Contact: P /612.604.6670E /khansen@winthrop.com
Administrative Contact: Kristin Tendall P /612.604.6527E /ktendall@winthrop.com
Education
University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 1980
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., Economics, 1976
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 1981
Wisconsin, 1991
My focus is to make sure that my clients feel comfortable discussing who they are and their goals. I recognize that this can involve sensitive topics and difficult decisions for some people. Every client is different, so every plan we prepare is specifically tailored to fit each client. People will eventually rely upon the decisions made and legal documents signed, so the plan needs to really work when needed–logistically, pragmatically and legally. An estate plan can range from simple to highly sophisticated.
After a death, we work in a compassionate, yet business-like manner, with the administrators of the estate, to complete the legal requirements and tasks that need to be done.
Our estate planning team works closely with our clients and their professional advisors to deliver efficient, streamlined cost-effective service through all aspects of the estate planning, estate and trust administration and business succession process.
We create individualized estate plans and keep our clients informed as the years go by with annual updates and reminders. Ultimately, we work with our clients as they age and after death. We facilitate the process, always with the focus on finding the right pathway for each client.
I have worked with so many different clients, from young couples with children and few assets to clients with assets over $100 million; from startup business owners to 3rd generation successful business owners; from traditional married clients with the proverbial Lake Wobegon family to clients whose family is not related to them under traditional definitions; and clients who are starting out in life to clients who are in the last days of life. A few years ago I realized there is a common theme: my clients are those who want to work with an attorney who listens and cares about them. These are skills that I was not taught in law school, but learned from my own path in life—working to support my way through law school, raising a family, travels and outdoor experiences, and hearing client’s stories. Life has enriched me, and I want to be able to use that experience to work with every client who walks into our office.
I have focused my practice exclusively in Trust and Estate Planning and Administration for over 3 decades. My team and I guide clients in their own individual situations through the sometimes difficult estate planning process, resulting in an estate plan that accomplishes each client’s goals.
With my knowledge and experience, I want to understand each client’s unique situation and provide innovative strategies. This results in clients making informed decisions for their customized and comprehensive estate plan.
Our team has also successfully guided many families through the often complicated and emotional process of administering the estate and trust after the death of a family member, including the preparation of estate tax returns and distribution of assets.
I meet with clients in both the Winthrop & Weinstine Minneapolis and St. Paul law offices. I work closely with the other members of our estate planning team and your professional advisors to deliver personalized and prompt service. I also collaborate with all attorneys at Winthrop & Weinstine to advise clients related to business and tax planning, real estate, litigation, and other legal needs.
2016-2018
2016-2018
Pro Bono Service, 2015-2018
Pro Bono Attorney Volunteer
Professional Advisors Network
Board of Directors
Secretary
Executive Committee
Chair of Board Affairs
Board Affairs Committee
Board of Directors
Vice Chair
Scholarship Committee
Ad hoc projects
Board of Directors
Marketing Committee
Board of Directors
Active member for 18 years
(MYR)
Board Member