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.

Not All Communication Apps Are Created Equal in Custody CasesMinnesota courts increasingly want co-parent communication ...
06/17/2026

Not All Communication Apps Are Created Equal in Custody Cases

Minnesota courts increasingly want co-parent communication documented through approved platforms.

Court-friendly apps:
📱 OurFamilyWizard - The gold standard. Timestamped, uneditable, courts can access directly
📱 TalkingParents - Similar features with certified records
📱 Coparently - Good tracking with downloadable records

Why regular texting falls short: ❌ Screenshots can be challenged as doctored ❌ Context can be selectively excluded ❌ Deleted messages create gaps

If your co-parenting relationship is contentious, switching to a court-approved app is worth the subscription fee.

3 TERMS EVERY BUSINESS CONTRACT MUST INCLUDE 📄A contract without these is a lawsuit waiting to happen:1. Payment Terms S...
06/15/2026

3 TERMS EVERY BUSINESS CONTRACT MUST INCLUDE 📄

A contract without these is a lawsuit waiting to happen:

1. Payment Terms Spell out exactly when payment is due, how much, and what happens if someone pays late. "Net 30" means payment within 30 days. Late fees should be specified upfront.
2. Termination Clause How can either party end the agreement? How much notice is required? What happens to ongoing work or payments? Never enter a contract you can't exit.
3. Dispute Resolution What happens if things go wrong? Will you try mediation first? Which state's laws apply? Litigation is expensive - many contracts require arbitration or mediation first.

Bonus: Include a clear scope of work so everyone knows exactly what's expected.

Verbal agreements aren't worth the paper they're not written on.

Yeah, and now it's your word against theirs.They said: "I'll pay you $10,000 when the project is done." They meant: "I'l...
06/12/2026

Yeah, and now it's your word against theirs.

They said: "I'll pay you $10,000 when the project is done." They meant: "I'll pay you $10,000 if I'm completely satisfied."

Without a written contract: Payment terms are fuzzy. Scope creep is inevitable. Disputes become "he said, she said." Proving anything in court is nearly impossible.

Real example: Designer did $15,000 of work based on a phone call. Client refused to pay. No written contract = no proof = no payment.

The rule: If it's worth more than $500, get it in writing. "But I trust them!" Trust doesn't pay your bills when things go sideways.

"Can't we just sign over the house to avoid probate?" No. Here's why:When real estate is titled in a deceased person's n...
06/10/2026

"Can't we just sign over the house to avoid probate?"

No. Here's why:

When real estate is titled in a deceased person's name alone, it MUST go through probate before ownership can transfer. Even if:
🏠 All the heirs agree who should get it
🏠 The will clearly states who inherits it
🏠 Everyone wants to avoid the hassle

Why the court is involved: Property ownership is a matter of public record. The county recorder's office needs legal proof that ownership has validly transferred. A probate court order provides that proof.

The exception: If the property was held in joint tenancy, in a living trust, or as community property with right of survivorship, it can transfer without probate.

This is why estate planning matters. Planning ahead can help your heirs avoid probate entirely. Already dealing with inherited real estate? Let's discuss your specific situation.

If something happened to you tonight, who would raise your kids? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Without a will naming a guardian, a judge decide...
06/08/2026

If something happened to you tonight, who would raise your kids? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Without a will naming a guardian, a judge decides. That could mean family fighting in court, your children going to someone you wouldn't choose, or months of uncertainty for your kids.

Naming a guardian in your will is the single most important thing young parents can do. It takes 30 minutes and gives you complete peace of mind.Your kids deserve that certainty.

Two best friends started a business together.Before they launched, they did something smart: They hired an attorney and ...
06/05/2026

Two best friends started a business together.

Before they launched, they did something smart: They hired an attorney and created a partnership agreement.

Everyone told them: "You don't need that. You're best friends!" "A contract means you don't trust each other." "That's a waste of money." 10 years later, they're still: ✅ Best friends ✅ Successful business partners ✅ Speaking to each other

Why? Because they documented everything upfront:
🔒 Ownership percentages
🔒 Roles and responsibilities
🔒 How decisions get made
🔒 What happens if someone wants out
🔒 How to resolve disputes

The contract PROTECTED the friendship. That $1,500 operating agreement was the best money they ever spent. Put it in writing. Stay friends. Build something great.

Are you and your partner protected?

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.

Address

11222 86th Avenue N
Maple Grove, MN
55369

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

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