Donohue McKenney

Donohue McKenney Donohue McKenney, Ltd. is a full service law firm specializing in Business Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, Construction Law and Real Estate Law.

Donohue McKenney offers the expertise and experience of a large firm with the commitment and attention you only receive from a small firm.

The first 48 hours are critical. Here's your immediate action checklist:Hour 1-6: □ Secure the property (change locks if...
05/27/2026

The first 48 hours are critical. Here's your immediate action checklist:

Hour 1-6: □ Secure the property (change locks if necessary) □ Locate the original will and any trust documents □ Make a list of anyone who has keys to the home □ Arrange for pet care if needed

Hour 6-24: □ Notify Social Security Administration of the death □ Contact the deceased's employer and insurance companies □ Secure valuable items and important documents □ Stop automatic payments and subscriptions

Hour 24-48: □ Make a preliminary list of assets and debts □ Contact an attorney to begin the probate process □ Start a dedicated notebook or folder for all estate matters □ Notify banks and credit card companies

Being an executor is overwhelming, especially while you're grieving. Having a clear first-steps plan helps you fulfill your duties without added stress.

Need guidance? We help executors navigate every step.

70% of family businesses don't survive to the second generation. 📉Without a business succession plan, your life's work c...
05/25/2026

70% of family businesses don't survive to the second generation. 📉

Without a business succession plan, your life's work could:
Be sold for pennies on the dollar.
Cause family conflicts.
Create massive tax bills.
Fall into the wrong hands.

Buy-sell agreements and succession trusts ensure your business transitions smoothly to the next generation or gets sold on your terms.

Don't leave your business's future to chance.

The Most Important Contract Protection Clauses (And Why You Need Them) ⏰Think these are just "fine print"? They're actua...
05/22/2026

The Most Important Contract Protection Clauses (And Why You Need Them) ⏰

Think these are just "fine print"? They're actually your exit strategy if things go wrong.

1. Inspection Clause – Walk away if major defects are found (foundation issues, mold, failing systems). Without it, you're buying "as-is."
2. Financing Clause – Protects your earnest money if your loan falls through. Skip this and you lose your deposit if the bank says no.
3. Appraisal Clause – If the home doesn't appraise for the purchase price, you can renegotiate or exit without penalty.
4. Title Clause – Lets you back out if there are unresolved title defects.
5. Due Diligence Period – A set number of days to investigate

ANYTHING about the property and terminate for any reason.

In competitive markets, buyers are pressured to waive these protections. Don't do it without understanding the risk.

The right contingencies aren't weaknesses in your offer—they're your financial safety net.

Moving Out of State After Divorce: What Actually Sways Minnesota Judges ✈️ Got a job offer in another state? If you shar...
05/20/2026

Moving Out of State After Divorce: What Actually Sways Minnesota Judges ✈️

Got a job offer in another state? If you share custody, you'll need court approval—and "better opportunity" isn't always enough.

The 3 factors judges weigh most heavily:
1. The reason for the move - Economic necessity and family support carry more weight than "I want a fresh start."
2. The quality of the proposed parenting plan - How will you facilitate the relationship? Video calls? Extended summer visits? Covering travel costs?
3. The child's ties to their current community - A 5-year-old with limited local connections? Easier case. A 14-year-old thriving in school and sports? Much harder.

Minnesota focuses on the child's best interest, not parental preferences.

EMPLOYEE vs. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ⚖️Getting this wrong can cost you THOUSANDS in back taxes, penalties, and legal fees...
05/18/2026

EMPLOYEE vs. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ⚖️

Getting this wrong can cost you THOUSANDS in back taxes, penalties, and legal fees. Here's how to know the difference:

Independent Contractor:
✔️ Controls HOW the work gets done
✔️ Uses their own tools and equipment
✔️ Works for multiple clients
✔️ Sets their own schedule
✔️ You pay them per project (no benefits)

Employee:
✔️ You control HOW and WHEN they work
✔️ You provide the tools and workspace
✔️ They work primarily for you
✔️ You set their schedule
✔️ You withhold taxes and may provide benefits

Just calling someone a contractor doesn't make them one. The IRS looks at the actual working relationship.

When in doubt, consult a professional. Misclassification isn't worth the risk.

😱Someone claims YOU'RE infringing on THEIR trademark.DO NOT: ❌ Panic and rebrand everything ❌ Ignore it ❌ Fire back an a...
05/15/2026

😱Someone claims YOU'RE infringing on THEIR trademark.

DO NOT: ❌ Panic and rebrand everything ❌ Ignore it ❌ Fire back an angry email

DO THIS: ✅ Read it carefully ✅ Check if they own a registered trademark ✅ Hire an IP attorney immediately ✅ Document when you started using your name

Many cease & desist letters are bluffs. Some are legitimate. You need a professional to tell you which.

Have you ever received one?

Skip probate? In some cases, YES.If your loved one's estate is valued under $75,000, you may qualify for a Small Estate ...
05/13/2026

Skip probate? In some cases, YES.

If your loved one's estate is valued under $75,000, you may qualify for a Small Estate Affidavit instead of full probate. What this means:
✅ No lengthy court process
✅ Significantly lower costs
✅ Resolved in weeks, not months
✅ Much simpler paperwork

What counts toward the limit: Only probate assets (not life insurance with beneficiaries, joint accounts, or trust assets).

Best for: Estates with minimal assets, no real estate, or real estate under the threshold with all heirs in agreement.

Not sure if you qualify? We can review your situation in a brief consultation and tell you exactly which path makes sense. Don't pay for full probate if you don't need it.

Did you know leaving money directly to a disabled loved one could disqualify them from SSI and Medicaid? 💙A Special Need...
05/11/2026

Did you know leaving money directly to a disabled loved one could disqualify them from SSI and Medicaid? 💙

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) allows you to provide financial support while preserving their eligibility for government benefits. The trust can pay for:
✅ Therapies and treatments not covered by insurance
✅ Education and recreation
✅ Personal care attendants
✅ Quality of life expenses

Protect your loved one's financial security and their benefits. There's a way to do both.

WHY YOUR INVOICE ISN'T GETTING PAID 💸"I sent the invoice three times. They keep ignoring me."Your invoice has zero legal...
05/08/2026

WHY YOUR INVOICE ISN'T GETTING PAID 💸

"I sent the invoice three times. They keep ignoring me."

Your invoice has zero legal teeth.

What's missing:
🚫 No payment terms (Net 30? Due on receipt?)
🚫 No late fee clause
🚫 No consequences

What winning invoices include:
✅ Crystal clear payment deadline
✅ Late fees (1.5% per month is standard)
✅ "Payment due within 30 days. Late payments subject to 1.5% monthly interest."

Even better? Get these terms in your contract BEFORE you start work. The clearer your terms, the faster you get paid.

👵👴 Grandparents' Rights in Minnesota: Separating Fact from FictionThe law strongly favors parents' rights to make decisi...
05/06/2026

👵👴 Grandparents' Rights in Minnesota: Separating Fact from Fiction

The law strongly favors parents' rights to make decisions about their children—including who has access to them.

Grandparents can petition for visitation, but ONLY if: ✓ The parent-child relationship has been disrupted (death, divorce, separation) ✓ The grandparent has an established relationship with the child ✓ Visitation is in the child's best interest

What this means: If both parents are together and united in limiting grandparent contact, courts almost never intervene. Parental rights trump grandparent wishes in intact families.

📞 Grandparents: Before you file, let's discuss whether you have a viable case. Contact Donohue McKenney, Ltd.

DO YOU REALLY NEED THAT NDA? 🤔Non-Disclosure Agreements aren't always necessary. Here's when you DO and DON'T need one:Y...
05/04/2026

DO YOU REALLY NEED THAT NDA? 🤔

Non-Disclosure Agreements aren't always necessary. Here's when you DO and DON'T need one:

You NEED an NDA when: ✅ Sharing proprietary technology or trade secrets ✅ Discussing unique business strategies or processes ✅ Revealing customer lists or sensitive data ✅ Pitching to potential investors or partners

You DON'T need an NDA for: ❌ General business conversations ❌ Ideas without ex*****on plans (ideas alone aren't protectable) ❌ Information that's already public ❌ Casual networking meetings

Asking everyone you meet to sign an NDA can make you look paranoid and inexperienced. Use them strategically, not reflexively.

Protect what matters. Skip the overkill.

Address

11222 86th Avenue N
Maple Grove, MN
55369

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17632011450

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Donohue McKenney posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Donohue McKenney:

Shortcuts

Share

Category