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Karen Ciegler Hansen

I custom design each estate plan to fit each client.

Contact: P /612.604.6670E /khansen@winthrop.com

Education

Bar Admissions

My Approach

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.

A Groundbreaking Moment in My Career

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.

Practice Areas

Practicing Trusts, Wills & Estates

My Experience

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.

Representative Matters

• Estate Plan tailored to client’s goals and family
• Estate Planning designed to avoid family conflict
• Cabin and Vacation Home Agreements
• Avoiding Probate
• Reduce Estate Taxes
• Wisconsin Licensed
• Revocable Trusts
• Wills
• Healthcare Directives
• Powers of Attorney
• Large Estates
• Legacy
• Charitable Giving
• Gifting
• Formation of LLCs
• Family Limited Partnerships
• Business Agreements
• Probate & Trust Administration
• Estate Tax Returns
• LGBTQ Legal Agreements
• Premarital Agreements
• Cohabitation Agreements
• International Law

Awards

Five Star Financial Services Professional

2016-2018

Also experienced in

Trusts & Estates Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Business Succession Planning

Honors & Awards

Five Star Financial Services Professional

2016-2018

MSBA North Star Lawyer

Pro Bono Service, 2015-2018

Associations & Memberships

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Pro Bono Attorney Volunteer

Women's Foundation of Minnesota

Professional Advisors Network

St. Croix River Association

Board of Directors
Secretary
Executive Committee
Chair of Board Affairs
Board Affairs Committee

St. Croix Valley Community Foundation

Board of Directors
Vice Chair
Scholarship Committee
Ad hoc projects

FamilyMeans

Board of Directors

Metropolitan State University

Marketing Committee

Partnership Plan

Board of Directors

Rotary International

Active member for 18 years

Mapping Your Retirement

(MYR)
Board Member