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Jon began his practice of law in 1980 and was a sole practitioner until 1983. From 1983 until 1996 he was a partner in the Hopkins law firm of Berg & Leaf. For the next ten years, Jon was the principal of Jonathan W. Leaf, P. A., practicing on his own and with his wife, Cindy Monturiol. After a year and a half with Schleck & Associates PA in Plymouth, Jon resumed his solo practice in March of 2008 with offices near Highways 7 and 101 in Minnetonka. Jon practices primarily in the areas of real estate law, estate planning and probate.
Whether a client comes to Jon for help regarding a real estate matter, preparation of estate planning documents or to probate the estate of a family member, he works to resolve the issue and to help clients achieve their goals in a manner that is cost-efficient, effective, compassionate and confidential.
Real Estate. Jon represents individuals, investors, contractors, developers and entities in all aspects of real estate law from residential real estate transactions to complex commercial real estate issues.
Contracts for Deed. Jon is one of the most experienced contract for deed lawyers in the State of Minnesota. He has appeared before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and successfully argued on behalf of a client involving contract for deed cancellation issues. Jon has represented clients in hundreds of contract for deed transactions from the initial purchase agreement negotiation and preparation, through the title examination and closing, to the post closing issues, including cancellation of the contract for deed when that is necessary. He has the knowledge and expertise to handle these cases efficiently and in the manner most likely to achieve his client's desired result.
Jon handles contract for deed issues for purchasers, sellers and investors, including negotiation and preparation of purchase agreements, representation at closings, conducting of closings, amendment and extension issues, cancellation issues, federal and state tax lien issues, bankruptcy issues, eviction issues and title correction issues. He has represented many contract for deed holders in canceling contracts for deed, including related ancillary services such as Bankruptcy Court "lift-stay" motions, tax lien issues, Unlawful Detainer (or Eviction) actions and Torrens Proceedings Subsequent following the cancellations.
Title Issues. Throughout his career, Jon has been involved in correcting title problems both pre and post closing. He has a significant amount of experience in the examination of real estate titles for the preparation of title opinions and in the course of issuing title insurance commitments and policies for purchasers and lenders of residential and commercial properties as an agent for Attorney's Title Guaranty Fund. He has handled many problems involving clearing the title prior to closings and clearance of title problems after closing, including Torrens Proceedings and actions to quiet title.
Contractors and Developers. Jon has represented contractors and developers in all aspects of their real estate transactions. He was recently involved in representing a developer in a public/private condominium development involving complex title issues. The matter involved correction of title problems, the abandonment and relocation of a public alley, title registration of a portion of the development parcel that was not Torrens, consolidation of parcels, purchase of the combined parcel and coordination of the platting process, three dimensional Registered Land Survey and Condominium plat.
Estate Planning. For over 30 years, Jon has been helping individuals and small business owners review their estate plans and prepare the most appropriate estate planning documents to address their needs and accomplish their goals. By providing exceptional personal service combined with his extensive experience, Jon is able to help his clients achieve their goals in a very efficient and cost effective manner.
His approach is to first clearly understand his clients’ wishes and goals, and then to help determine the most appropriate methods to achieve the desired result. For married clients with minor children, the most important goal is usually to ensure sure that the children are provided for and cared for. For individuals who own real estate in different states, the priority may be to avoid multiple probate proceedings in each state. Probate avoidance and/or privacy may be the biggest concern for others. Clients with large estates may be most concerned with limiting estate taxes. Parents of children with disabilities may be in need of Supplemental or Special Needs Trusts. The benefits of powers of attorney and health care directives will be discussed with every estate planning client. Every client's circumstances are unique and Jon ensures that every client's estate plan is prepared to fit their individual needs and goals.
Jon is licensed to practice law in both Minnesota state and Federal courts. He is a member of the Minnesota State and Hennepin County Bar Associations. Jon enjoys his duties as a soccer and swim dad. He is a member and past-president of the Southwest Sertoma Club, a service organization that raises money for speech and hearing related service projects.
Born in Mankato, Minnesota, Jon graduated from Hopkins Lindbergh High School, received his bachelors degree from the University of Minnesota and his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. Jon enjoys camping, fishing and visits to Costa Rica whenever possible. Jon now lives in Minnetonka with his wife and three children.
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