Estate planning is all about problem solving and peacekeeping. I love bringing creative ideas to people to help them solve their problems. And at heart, I am a peacekeeper. I am passionate about helping families avoid the court and conflict that so often comes if someone becomes incapacitated or when they die.
About me
I was born and raised in Chanhassen, Minnesota. My parents are retired. My dad was an engineer at Donaldson Company and my mom was a manufacturing floor scheduler for Dristeem. I went to Chaska High School (I graduated before Chanhassen High School was built) and played varsity tennis, going to state my junior year.
I started college in the minor seminary at the University of St. Thomas but left the seminary after a year and a half. I majored in philosophy and psychology. I met my wife in my senior year at UST, and we've been married since 2011. We have three kids: Ben, Elizabeth, and Margaret that we homeschool. My wife majored in philosophy and vocal performance major at UST, along with a minor in education. She has an incredible voice. For our honeymoon, we traveled to Italy and are hoping to make the trip again soon.
I graduated from law school at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2012 near the top of my class and with all the "right" bona fides. I was Magna cum Laude, highest grade in four of my classes, Articles Editor on the Law Review, summer associate at the oldest firm in Minnesota, etc. But at the same time, I knew that I didn't want to have to be the type of attorney who fought all day. Plus, I was TERRIBLE at public speaking. So I looked for a job doing transactional law and found a small estate planning and tax preparation law firm. I loved the clients that I was representing and the work that I was able to do for them. I am really passionate about estate planning and about representing my clients in the absolute best way.
In my free time, I spend a lot of time with family. Every Thursday evening I have dinner with my mother-in-law and father-in-law, as well as my wife's brother, sister-in-law, and our two nieces (one of whom I am a godfather to). On Fridays, my parents watch our kids and join us for dinner. Often my sister (who lives within walking distance with her husband) and niece (to whom I am also godfather) will join us for the day or for dinner. I enjoy reading, do a lot of home cooking, and playing games with my kids.
1. Two professional parents with a minor child or minor children who need to get guardianship nominations in place so they can dictate who will raise their kids if something happens to them.
2. Parents of grown kids who haven't updated their plan since the kids were minors and they were choosing guardians, or who have never done a plan but are now seeing the importance of getting it done.
Qualifying Questions: What are three questions we can ask clients to help pave the way for a referral? List them here.
1. Do you have a will?
2. Did you know that a will is just part of your estate plan?
3. Is there someone in your family that you know you wouldn't want to raise the kids?
Describe How You Would Like To Be Introduced Via Email
TJ Scott is an estate planning attorney located in Bloomington, Minnesota who works with families so their loved ones can avoid court and conflict when they die or if they become incapacitated. TJ serves his clients with care and attention above and beyond the typical estate planner. He educates his clients to fully understand their plan, empowers them to make decisions that will serve their families well, and follows through to ensure that his clients' plans work when they are needed the most. You should connect with TJ!