The ball has dropped on Times Square, the Rose Bowl is over, and the final strains of Auld Lang Syne have faded away. Time to turn to what’s new and what’s coming in 2010.

practicelaw

The Uniform Conveyancing Blank Task Force drafted and approved a couple of new and revised Uniform Conveyancing Blanks (UCBs). An Affidavit of Trustee Regarding Certificate of Trust or Trust Instrument for Business Entity Trustee Minn. Stat. Section 501B.57 is now posted on the site (UCB 90.1.4). In addition, non-substantive tweaks were made to the Quit Claim Deed Reserving Lien in Marriage Dissolution (Divorce) Judgment and Decree (UCB 10.3.7), Certificate of Trust for Business Entity Trustee Minn. Stat.  Section 501B.56 (UCB 90.1.2), and Affidavit of Trustee Regarding Testamentary Trust Minn. Stat. Section 501B.57 (UCB 90.1.5).During 2010, the Uniform Conveyancing Blanks will be posted in Word version, with the UCB identifying information stripped off the form header. You will then have a choice  — completing the UCB fillable PDF or customizing your own form. The absence of the UCB identifying information will tip you off when you’re not presented with a uniform form for review.

Another exciting addition to practicelaw this year will be a much expanded set of criminal law forms.

The Residential Real Estate Committee of the MSBA Real Property section is also hard at work on an updated version of the Addendum to Purchase Agreement: Buyer’s Home Inspection Contingency (Form 18).

mndocs

Before Greg left for Italy, he added the revised HUD-1 and a set of probate claims forms to mndocs. More probate forms will be added to mndocs in 2010.

Other MSBA online services

Previously a print version of the popular Bench and Bar Directory was published and mailed out to members. In January, we are rolling out the inaugural edition of the online Directory, packed with useful material on courts, law-related organizations, and the MSBA as well as member listings.

Also in January, keep an eye out for the a new and improved online version of Bench and Bar, the MSBA’s monthly publication.

Lastly Legal News Digest has a new editor – Karol Engstrom Narum took the editorial reins after Pat Everheart moved to Tennessee.

The MSBA sections are hard at work hosting informative CLEs on timely topics. (Speaking of Bar Association educational events, the ABA recently released information about its popular tech show held every March in Chicago. Promises to be above zero degrees by then!)

And then some

Last but by no means least, some new state laws took effect January 1, impacting yard waste, baby bottles, nonresident trail fees and of special interest to lawyers: changes to guardianship law (Minn. Stat. Sections 524.5-601 to 524.5-903) and probate disclaimers (Minn. Stat. Sections 524.2-1101 to 524.2-1116).

For a nice discussion of the changes to disclaimer law, check out member Boyd Johnson’s blog.

As we move through 2010, we’ll keep you posted on these projects and more, but wanted to let you know what’s new and on the way in our neck of the woods and also let you know about some other wood necks as well. We’ve got lots of plans, but sadly, none involve losing weight or exercising. Happy New Decade.