Legal Experience with Roots in Southwest Minnesota
Gilk Legacy Law PLLC is an estate planning law firm that develops creative and advanced solutions. Our legal experience and expertise addresses the complicated and difficult succession planning and protection challenges for businesses, farms and people.
To develop a plan, you need a team.
Start with us.
Jennifer L.J. Gilk, Founder
Hello. I’m Jennifer L.J. Gilk, founder, Gilk Legacy Law PLLC.
As a native Minnesotan, I grew up on a century dairy farm in the Lincoln County community of Tyler. I was raised to walk bean fields, throw hay bales, butcher chickens, as well as feed and milk the cows. I watched my parents manage our farm, especially through the Farm Crisis of the ‘80s. When it was time to go to college, I pursued an education to follow my dream of staying in agriculture and protecting our way of life.
Following my graduation with honors from Drake University Law School, Des Moines, IA, my husband Tim and I moved back to Minnesota where I have been practicing law, primarily for farmers, since 1993. We live in Redwood Falls and have three children.
Legal Experience that makes a difference.
For more than two decades I have practiced law, primarily assisting farmers and business owners navigate the complex process of succession planning. I get the business and financial side of farming. Together we can help you address the challenges and opportunities related to income and estate tax laws, cash flow and debt management, protection of USDA programs and payments when using entities, and tile easements and agreements. I understand the average lifespan of a hog barn and when it starts to nickel and dime you to death with repair costs, along with all the other details that make up the daily business rhythms of farming.
It’s important I provide clients with different options to accomplish their goals, and we work through the pros and cons of each possible solution. I never present just one way to do something.
I strive mightily to keep abreast of all the law changes in my practice areas and belong to a number of professional legal groups in Minnesota that stay on top of the latest laws, opportunities and challenges that face my clients in farm estate matters.
I formed Gilk Legacy Law PLLC to serve Southwest Minnesota, especially those facing the imminent transition from a lifetime of running a farm or business, and the legal, financial and real estate challenges you face looking ahead to retirement.
To handle these complex issues, I am able to draw from my own legal experience as well as an extended network of financial and real estate professionals who, if necessary, are able to provide perspective as I develop the right plan for each family. I am also happy to work with your own long-time advisors and professional team.
Please contact my team, and we'll get started on a plan to protect your legacy.
Jennifer L.J. Gilk, owner
Jenni Schmidt, Legal Assistant
Hello. I’m Jenni Schmidt, Legal Assistant, Gilk Legacy Law PLLC.
I am here to assist you during your estate planning process, from start to finish. Whether you need help knowing what to bring to your appointment, understanding the estate planning process, or what follow up is needed after you sign, I will be there to guide you. I will help you with the details and get answers to your questions. Together we will title your assets and name your beneficiaries to assure they flow through your customized plan. With your input and my organizational skills, you will feel satisfied that your plan is complete and everything is in place for your loved ones. I am committed to keeping your plan on track and making sure your planning process is an exceptional experience.
I am a native Minnesotan. I graduated from Totino-Grace High School in the Twin Cities, before attending St. Could State University, where I met my future husband, Jeff. After graduation, we married and moved to Redwood Falls, where Jeff manages his family’s construction company. We raised our four children here, and now enjoy visiting them in their new hometowns.
Jessica Stoterau, Legal Assistant
Hello. I’m Jessie Stoterau, Legal Assistant at Gilk Legacy Law PLLC.
I am the first face you’ll see when visiting our office. I will set up your appointments and get you prepared to meet with Jennifer Gilk. I make sure our team has everything we need to keep your goals on track. My other focus is real estate transactions and entity formation. I strive to ensure accuracy of your legal descriptions and titling. And if you are forming an entity (LLC, Corporation or Family Limited Partnership), I will assist you every step of the way – from information gathering to tracking annual business meetings. My goal is to give you peace of mind, knowing every detail is in place. I love helping clients throughout the planning process and seeing their relief and gratitude when they finalize their estate and business plans.
I grew up in rural Redwood Falls as the youngest of six children in a family construction business. I enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and hiking through Redwood Falls’ beautiful Ramsey Park. I am an avid Vikings fan and enjoy cooking and baking for my fellow fans, friends and family. I am married to a Lineman / Firefighter / US Navy Vet. We enjoy hunting, fishing, motorcycle rides, grilling, sports and spending time with family. We have one child in college, one recently graduated, and three in high school.
Beth Toland, Estate and Trust Administration Legal Assistant
Hello. I’m Beth Toland, Estate and Trust Administration Legal Assistant at Gilk Legacy Law PLLC.
It is a difficult time when a loved one dies. Administering your loved one’s estate can be confusing and stressful. As an estate and trust administration legal assistant, I am here to help you throughout the process. It can be cumbersome, but I will help you with any questions or concerns along the way. I will assist in drafting all paperwork needed to comply with statutory requirements, work with financial institutions to gather asset information, assist with any asset liquidation and prepare a plan of division to distribute assets to beneficiaries. I am committed to working efficiently and timely to insure you and the heirs have an exceptional experience.
I grew up in Springfield and have always been fond of rural Minnesota. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have 3 children. I am proud to say that my husband is a Military Veteran. I enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, quilting, and spending time with family and friends.