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Scott Maki

Scott Maki

Maki Law Firm - Affordable Minnesota Estate Planning
  • Immigration Law, Estate Planning, Criminal Law
  • Minnesota
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Biography

My focus is on providing affordable Immigration and Estate Planning Services to everyone throughout Minnesota. Criminal Defense cases are accepted on a limited basis depending on location.

Nation-wide immigration services include visa applications (Fiancé-Marriage, Student, Work, etc.) to the United States and throughout Asia, naturalization, USCIS applications/requests for additional information (Forms I-129F, I-130, etc.). Other immigration areas may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

I offer a full range of Minnesota Estate Planning Services for single individuals as well as couples. The most popular services I offer include Wills, Revocable Trusts ("Living" Trusts, NFA "Gun" Trusts, Pet Trusts) and Irrevocable Trusts (Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and Special Needs Trusts). Additionally, Trustee and Executor/Administrator Services may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

MN Criminal Defense cases accepted at all state court trial levels. Appeals may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

The Maki Law Firm is a Solo-Practice Firm - meaning there is only one attorney. Because of only employing support staff when absolutely needed, my overhead is greatly reduced - resulting in unmatchable low fees for my clients while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Additionally, this approach means unmatched personal service as you will not be speaking or working with assistants or paralegals - all of your meetings and correspondence will be only with me - Attorney Scott A. Maki. I was born in Minneapolis and raised on Northern Minnesota's Iron Range so I am familiar with issues that are most important to Minnesotans regardless of locale or upbringing.

Contact Me here or visit my website to contact me with your Immigration, MN Estate Planning, or Minnesota Criminal Defense questions.

Practice Areas
Immigration Law
Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation Defense, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Violent Crimes
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free consultation to determine if I will be able to help you.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    You will find my fees reasonable. Flat-fees whenever possible. Payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Minnesota
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Thai: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney
Maki Law Firm
- Current
Practiced several areas of law before becoming exclusively an Estate Planning/Asset Protection Law Firm.
Education
University of North Dakota School of Law
J.D. (2007) | Law
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University of Minnesota - Crookston
B.S. (2002) | Natural Resources Management
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Honors: Deans List
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Northland Community & Technical College
A.A. (2000) | Criminal Justice
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Honors: Graduated with Highest Honors (4.0 GPA)
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Awards
Life Member
Disabled American Veterans - DAV
Living Organ Donor
Mayo Clinic Transplant Team
Certified Member of American Mensa
American Mensa
Army Achievement Medal (x4)
U.S. Army
Earned 4 AAMs while serving as an Artillery Paratrooper 1990-1993.
Professional Associations
Minnesota State Bar Association
Member
Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
None
None
Speaking Engagements
None, N/A
Certifications
Teaching License
Ministry of Education - Thailand
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
ITTT
Member
MN Bar
P.O.S.T. - Peace Officer Standards and Training
MN Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
Websites & Blogs
Website
Maki Law Firm
Legal Answers
16 Questions Answered
Q. What happens if property is disposed according to "the deceased <lineal> descendants" ? Note the word "lineal".
A: Great question. It seems you are referring to "intestate succession", meaning the died without a valid will. Rather than "lineal" the term typically used is "class." Distributions in intestate succession are done by class. Since Bob and Alice are in the same class - children of the decedent's - and are the class closest to the decedent's, the distribution would end with them. So using only the facts given in your example, the correct answer would be A. I hope my explanation was clear. Thank You for your question!
Q. What happens if we can't locate my mom's will after she passes?
A: Unfortunately, if you cannot find her Will, her estate will be treated as if there never was a Will. Her estate will then follow the MN rules of Intestate Succession.

Here is a link to the MN Rules, if that helps: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-101

Thanks for the question and Best Wishes!
Q. What need to be done to protect my property from state.
A: Thank You for your question. The best way to ensure your heirs inherit your property while protecting it from creditors - especially medical providers and the like, is to transfer it into an Irrevocable Trust.

The Trust will then own the property, not you. This is important because if you have any control over the property, then you creditors will have access to it as well.

Please note, even if you tranfer ownership of your property into an Irrevocable Trust, you can still retain the right to live in, use and enjoy your property for the remainder of your lifetime.

Also, for this to be most effective, the Irrevocable Trust needs to be established and the property transferred into it at least 5 years before entering a long-term healthcare facility (assisted living/nirsinf home) where you would Minnesota Medicaid.

If you need further assistance, please see my Justia profile for the link to my website and contact info.

Thanks again for your question and best wishes. I hope I was of assistance.
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Contact & Map
Maki Law Firm
3523 45th ST S
Fargo, ND 58104
Telephone: (218) 461-4654
Monday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed (Today)
Notice: Email contact preferred. I work by myself without a receptionist. If you call, you may need to leave a message. I will get back to you asap. I apologize for any inconvenience.