Minnesota Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Attorneys

Drawing on decades of experience addressing the unique legal challenges faced by older adults and individuals with disabilities, founders Laurie Hanson and Laura Zdychnec established Northwoods Law Group in 2021. Ensuring that their legacy of dedicated legal service continues to grow, Attorneys Megan Kelly and Martha Amdahl joined the firm in 2022. Our mission is to provide compassionate, highly competent, and comprehensive legal counsel to clients who face complex issues related to aging and disability. We are proud to be chosen by so many Minnesota families and individuals for focused legal knowledge and support based on decades of experience.

“Elder law” can be a confusing term. It encompasses many skills and services including estate, incapacity and long-term care planning, guardianship and conservatorship, and trust and estate administration. Some attorneys who also serve non-elders with disabilities use the “elder law” category or identify as “special needs attorneys” in addition or instead. These services entail far more than merely drafting documents – a skilled elder law or special needs attorney empowers individuals to plan to thrive, and to face life’s uncertainties with confidence and clarity. Our approach is rooted in tailoring strategies that reflect each client’s specific goals and circumstances, and empowering our clients to make informed choices.

From comprehensive estate planning that protects assets and honors personal wishes to intricate government-benefits planning that secures necessary long-term care, to confident and competent representation in court, our work is driven by an unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and client advocacy. Every case we handle is approached with a deep understanding of the “what-if” scenarios that can impact our clients’ lives, ensuring that they receive practical, forward-thinking solutions designed to preserve their independence and quality of life. Our attorneys are experienced in counseling clients with cognitive differences including autism, dementia, ADHD, and others. Our firm does not provide one-size-fits-all services – we meet our clients where they are.

Our attorneys are active in the community, frequently teaching other attorneys through continuing legal education and serving in the Minnesota State Bar Association’s elder law and probate and trust law sections. We are connected to the latest updates across the country through membership with the Special Needs Alliance, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Our attorneys provide leadership in the advancement of supported decision-making and substitute decision-making standards through the Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship (MAGiC).

Using remote technology, we extend our support to families in all areas of the state who need assistance with estate planning, securing government benefits, and crafting legal strategies that safeguard their future. Because most court hearings in guardianship, probate and trust are now held via Zoom, we can also provide legal representation in Court statewide. The lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic have propelled us into a modern, technology-driven practice that offers flexible consultation options. Whether through virtual meetings via telephone or video conferencing, or at our convenient office in St. Louis Park, our clients can now receive legal advice regardless of geographical constraints or inclement weather.

Our integrated approach combines traditional, empathetic client care with cutting-edge techniques and tailored legal processes. We view ourselves not just as attorneys but as trusted advisors and advocates—partners who walk with our clients through every step of the planning process. Whether a client requires a face-to-face meeting or prefers the convenience of a virtual consultation, we are here to provide timely, effective, and personalized service. We are committed to ensuring that every client feels supported, understood, and empowered to navigate the future with security and peace of mind.

Meet Our Team
badge
badge
badge
badge
badge
badge
badge
Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Thank you for your continued help. You all seem to be the only place I can go for answers." K.C.
★★★★★
"I think the world of Laura Z-as a lawyer with incredible expertise and knowledge and as a wonderful human being. I couldn't rate her any higher!" N.B.K.
★★★★★
"Working with Laura has made all the difference for our family! She's helped us navigate some complex situations with expertise and care. We couldn't have gotten through all of this without her help. We will continue to work with her as family needs arise in the future." B.M.
★★★★★
"We are so grateful to Laura for her responsiveness, thoroughness and extensive knowledge of the law. She has helped us immensely in our family estate planning. We especially appreciate how she listened to our particular needs and found creative solutions to our situation." D.B.
★★★★★
"Laura Zdychnec has been wonderful to work with. Her vast experience and reliable advice were indispensable in setting up my trust account and navigating the legal shoals involved. Laura came highly recommended by my close friend Frances Long, a founder of the former firm." S.R.
Contact Us
  1. 1Northwoods Law Group is a Virtual Law Practice
  2. 2Zoom Consultations Available
  3. 3Let Us Help You Find Your Way!

Fill out the contact form or call us at (952) 295-1059 to schedule your consultation.