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.

Your spouse is a freelance consultant, therapist, or contractor. No storefront. No employees. Just their laptop and expe...
06/03/2026

Your spouse is a freelance consultant, therapist, or contractor. No storefront. No employees. Just their laptop and expertise.
So in the divorce, is that "business" worth $0 or $500,000?

The answer could cost you big.

Minnesota courts look at:
1. Goodwill: Can the business survive without them, or ARE they the business?
2. Income potential: What they've earned + what they COULD earn
3. Market value: Would anyone actually buy this business?

Here's the kicker: Your ex might argue "I'm just an employee of my own company" to lowball the value. Meanwhile, their LLC pulled in $300k last year.

Don't get played. A qualified business valuator costs $3,500. Fighting about valuation in court? That'll run you $50,000+.

YOUR BUSINESS NAME ISN'T PROTECTED UNTIL... 🛡️You register your trademark. Here's what people get wrong:❌ Forming an LLC...
06/01/2026

YOUR BUSINESS NAME ISN'T PROTECTED UNTIL... 🛡️

You register your trademark. Here's what people get wrong:
❌ Forming an LLC doesn't trademark your name
❌ Buying a domain doesn't trademark your name
❌ Using a name first doesn't automatically protect it

What DOES protect your business name:
✅ Federal Trademark Registration - Protects your name nationwide for your specific industry
✅ State Trademark - Protects your name within your state (cheaper but limited)
✅ Common Law Rights - You get some protection just by using the name, but it's limited and hard to enforce

When should you trademark? If your brand has real value and you plan to grow, trademark it. If someone else registers your name first, you could be forced to rebrand entirely.

Don't build a brand you don't own.

Got hit while in an Uber? Hit BY an Uber? The insurance situation is a nightmare.Rideshare coverage depends on whether t...
05/29/2026

Got hit while in an Uber? Hit BY an Uber? The insurance situation is a nightmare.

Rideshare coverage depends on whether the driver was:
📱 App off = driver's personal insurance
📱 App on, no passenger = limited Uber/Lyft coverage
📱 Passenger in car = full $1M+ policy kicks in

And that's before we talk about whether the rideshare company is actually liable.

These cases require someone who knows how to navigate multiple insurance policies. That's not your average attorney.

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.

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

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