Northwoods Law Group is a distinguished Minnesota law firm specializing in elder law and special needs planning, founded in 2021 by attorneys Laurie Hanson and Laura Zdychnec. Drawing on decades of collective experience, the firm provides compassionate and comprehensive legal counsel to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families, standing out for its dedicated focus on complex issues related to aging, disability, and long-term care.
The firm’s approach is rooted in tailoring strategies to each client’s unique goals and circumstances, empowering informed decision-making through practical, forward-thinking solutions. With deep expertise in cognitive differences such as autism, dementia, and ADHD, the attorneys at Northwoods Law Group avoid one-size-fits-all services, instead meeting clients where they are. The team is actively involved in the legal community, contributing to continuing education and holding leadership roles in organizations like the Special Needs Alliance, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship (MAGiC).
Services Offered
- Estate Planning
- Trusts
- Medical Assistance (MA)
- Estate and Trust Administration (Fiduciary Representation)
- Guardianship
- Conservatorship
- Special Needs Planning
- Long-Term Care Planning
- Incapacity Planning
- Government-Benefits Planning
- Supported Decision-Making
- Substitute Decision-Making
- Probate
- Court Representation (Guardianship, Probate, and Trust Matters)
Serving clients throughout Minnesota via virtual technology and in-person consultations, the firm offers flexible meeting options including Zoom, telephone, and its St. Louis Park office. The attorneys are fluent in addressing the needs of seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families, ensuring accessibility regardless of geographical constraints.
