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.
Laurie Hanson practiced law from 1984-2024 with a special focus on individuals who are aging or living with disabilities – and their families.
Laura Zdychnec has been practicing law for over 30 years, and is a founding shareholder of Northwoods Law Group, P.A.
Megan is a 2006 graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a 2012 graduate of William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Martha received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and her law degree from the University of North Dakota, where she served as president of...
Kari has worked helping clients with Medical Assistance applications and matters since December 1997. She previously worked at Long, Reher, Hanson, & Price, P. A. from...
Mekdes has a passion for helping people. She is dedicated to talking to people and meeting them on an emotional level to help them get through difficult times in their life.
David Coral has been a paralegal/legal assistant since 1988, working with firms large and small, including ten years with the University of Minnesota Office of the General Counsel.
Vicki joined Northwoods Law Group in March of 2024 after working in medical billing for many years. Vicki provides support to clients and our attorneys...
Minneapolis Estate Planning Lawyers | Minnesota Elder Law Attorneys | Northwoods Law Group
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