About Law Office Of Yvonne Michaud Novak

About Law Office of Yvonne Michaud Novak — estate planning Duluth Minnesota

For estate planning Duluth families count on, the Law Office of Yvonne Michaud Novak guides individuals across the Upper Midwest through wills, trusts, and long-term care planning. Attorney Yvonne Michaud Novak leads the firm, which serves St. Louis County and reaches into Superior, Wisconsin and Two Harbors, Minnesota. Her practice pairs estate planning with elder law — Medicaid planning, incapacity planning, guardianship, and probate administration — so aging clients and their families can plan for both their legacy and their long-term care. A member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, she is well grounded in the rules that govern these matters. Compare nearby firms in the estate planning directory.

This estate planning Duluth practice extends beyond document drafting into the realities of aging: asset protection, caregiver support, and the Medicaid eligibility rules that decide whether a family preserves its savings or spends down. Novak also handles business succession and probate, and the firm offers free consultations and workshops so clients understand their options before committing. With Minnesota’s estate-tax exemption far below the federal level, that planning can carry real financial weight for area families.

What Clients Say

This profile does not yet show public reviews, so the following reflects the firm’s stated approach rather than testimony. The firm positions Yvonne Michaud Novak as handling sensitive matters with dignity, knowledge, compassion, and care — a posture that fits work touching aging, incapacity, and family legacy. The practice emphasizes educational workshops and free consultations, framing client understanding as the foundation of a plan that actually holds up.

estate planning Duluth — Practice Areas & Services

Wills & Trusts: Comprehensive estate plans, including healthcare directives, for St. Louis County families.
Medicaid & Elder Law: Long-term care and Medicaid eligibility planning to help preserve family assets.
Probate & Trust Administration: Guiding executors and trustees through Minnesota probate and post-death administration.
Incapacity Planning: Powers of attorney, guardianship, and conservatorship for families facing a loved one’s decline.
Business Succession: Planning for family-owned businesses and asset protection across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a Duluth family create or update an estate plan?

Build a plan once you own real estate, have children, or hold meaningful savings, and revisit it after any marriage, birth, divorce, or major asset change. Aging or a health diagnosis is an especially important trigger, since incapacity planning works best when arranged in advance.

What does estate planning cost, and how does Medicaid planning fit in?

Costs vary with the complexity of the plan, and the firm offers free consultations and workshops so you can scope the work first. Medicaid planning is often layered in for older clients, because Minnesota’s eligibility rules can determine whether long-term care drains a family’s savings.

Where is probate handled for Duluth estates?

Probate for Duluth-area estates is handled through the St. Louis County District Court probate division. A well-structured plan using trusts and beneficiary designations can keep many assets out of probate, which a local attorney can arrange.

Quick Facts: Estate Planning in Duluth, Minnesota

$3 million estate tax exemption: Minnesota taxes estates above $3 million, far below the federal exemption — Minnesota Department of Revenue
Up to 16% rate: Minnesota estate tax rates run from 13% to 16% — Minnesota Department of Revenue
No portability: Unlike federal law, Minnesota does not allow spouses to share an unused exemption — Minnesota Department of Revenue

What People Say About Law Office Of Yvonne Michaud Novak

At the Law Office of Yvonne Michaud Novak in Duluth, Minnesota, clients consistently praise the professionalism and courtesy of the staff, highlighting their extensive knowledge and personalized approach in areas such as bankruptcy and estate planning. Reviewers express gratitude for the attentive service, with particular mention of Shawn Quist, whose dedication and quick responses have left a lasting impression on clients seeking guidance through legal processes. Overall, the firm is highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere and commitment to providing customized solutions that meet individual needs.

Google Reviews for Law Office Of Yvonne Michaud Novak

She was professional and courteous. I would recommend.

I must confess that I am impressed with this agency. I had a legal question earlier this month. I had never used this agency before. I called on a Friday. The assistant who answered the phone was most attentive. She gave my message to Shawn Quist, Paralegal. In 20 minutes, Shawn called me back from her home, even though Shawn was off work that day. She listened, knew how to help me. She found the information I needed on-line and emailed it to me. She charged me nothing for her service. Thank you, Shawn!

Caring honest and friendly.

Yvonne and her staff are professional and courteous. Yvonne’s vast experience and desire to produce the best customized solution to your specific estate planning needs is what sets her apart from other law firms.

This was the first time I have ever needed a lawyer and the folks at this firm helped me so much. There was no question they didn’t answer and they treated me with such kindness and respect. I would recommend them to anyone needing services they offer.

Very professional and personable. Walked me through the process of setting up a trust which I knew nothing about. They made the process enjoyable.

Super thankful for this group, in specific I worked with Shawn. Always managed expectations clearly and communicated with me throughout the entire process. Always seem to go above and beyond to make sure I knew what was happening as time went on and doing what’s best for me as a client. Communications were clear and concise without legal jargon. I highly recommend this firm if you are looking.

Great law office. We got in right away and our estate planning done with ease. Everyone was very knowledgeable and friendly. Very happy to check this one box off. I highly recommend Yvonne Michaud Novak and her staff.

I received excellent service. Everyone in the office was very courteous and professional and I was able to get everything done for my Trust and it is nice to know that if there are ever any issues they will be there to help resolve them.

Friendly, helpful, and quick to respond with any questions or concerns. The staff helps you feel confident and comfortable.

Excellent experience. Ms Novak is very friendly, knowledgeable. She did a great job making sure my estate plan was updated to my requests. Erin and Ruth also do a great job. I would recommend this business without hesitation.

I went through a few years of extreme hardships and they helped me fix my problems with professional and compassionate guidance. I highly recommend to get in contact with them if you’re in need of help and seriously you won’t be disappointed. I would also like to say a special thank you to Heidi for all of her help!

Horrible, horrible probate experience and service. Would NOT recommend. Extremely poor communications from start to finish. Misplaced paperwork, delayed responses and months of delays between tasks and filed paperwork, without communication. High turnover rate if staff that somehow required my having to send them the same information multiple times.

Highly recommend- – listened, helpful suggestions., went the extra mile to meet my time constraints.

We were looking for an attorney to help us with our will and watched the presentation, it was very helpful. We made an appointment to talk with Yvonne and were really surprised by her, she is very down to earth and extremely knowledgeable about our needs. She helped us get through the process very quickly. Her legal team is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The whole process was very pleasant and professional.

Law Office Of Yvonne Michaud Novak