Areas of Practice

SMALL BUSINESS LAW

Whether you are interested in forming a business, selling or purchasing a business or need advice on running your business, Craig Baumann is pleased to assist you in the process. Choosing the appropriate entity (Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Sole Proprietor, Partnership) depends on your unique situation. Craig offers forward-thinking counsel and resourceful representation in all aspects of forming and operating a small business. This includes formation of business, tax planning, employment issues and selling, purchasing or closing a business.

REAL ESTATE

The purchase of a home is often one of the most significant transactions in a person’s life. To protect your investment, it is important to have competent legal representation throughout the process. As an attorney practicing real estate law for over 20 years, you can depend on Craig to expertly guide you through the process of negotiating your real estate transaction.

ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is often times overlooked because people believe it will be costly and time consuming. Others may not pursue an estate plan because they don’t know where to begin. In reality, not having a plan can be more costly and time consuming for your family. Craig can assist you with any questions you have concerning minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, drafting wills, trusts, power of attorney, health care directives or business succession. Craig’s expertise helps simplify the process and often makes it possible to complete the planning in one or two office visits. Having a plan can save time and expense in the future and ensure your wishes are carried out. A properly prepared estate plan lessens the chance of family disputes in the future.

Special Needs: If a family member has a disability, the government may provide services that are often based on financial need. Craig can draft estate plans designed to leave assets to persons with disabilities while maintaining their eligibility for public benefits programs. A properly drafted plan allows the disabled the best of both worlds by inheriting property through a trust while continuing to be eligible for public benefits programs.

PROBATE LITIGATION

It is often stated that probate is expensive and very time consuming. In reality, Craig completes most probate cases in less than six months and at an expense lower than many clients expect. Craig has assisted clients across the state of Minnesota with probate administration in both contested and uncontested proceedings. Craig will work hard to efficiently conclude probate matters and avoid unnecessary expenses.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

If you have been charged with a crime, the US Constitution states you are presumed innocent until the State proves you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As the Miranda warning states “You have a right to remain silent, but anything you say will be used against you in a court of law”. Make your first call to Craig before giving statements that may later damage your criminal case. Craig has defended clients successfully in a multitude of cases ranging in seriousness from petty misdemeanors to felonies. Craig has also successfully recovered vehicles seized in criminal forfeitures in alcohol and drug cases. Craig will zealously defend your rights and seek a fair resolution to your case.