Thomas P. Stanton
Associate | Attorney
Meet Thomas P. Stanton
Thomas P. Stanton is an estate planning attorney at Klemp and Stanton, where he helps individuals and families create clear, practical plans for the future. His practice focuses on wills, trusts, and estate planning strategies designed to give clients peace of mind and confidence that their families will be protected.
Tom works closely with clients to understand their goals and guide them through the estate planning process in a way that feels approachable and manageable, especially for those navigating it for the first time.
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, and Probate Support
Tom’s practice is centered on estate planning, including wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. He also assists with probate-related matters and supports more complex planning needs alongside the firm’s broader team.
His approach is grounded in helping clients take a proactive stance, putting plans in place now to avoid confusion, conflict, or unnecessary complications later.
Helping Young Families Plan with Confidence
Tom has a particular focus on working with young families and parents with minor children, clients who often know they need an estate plan but are unsure where to start. As a parent himself, he understands the importance of planning for the unexpected and ensuring that children and loved ones are cared for according to a family’s wishes.
He regularly works with clients in similar life stages, helping them think through key decisions such as guardianship, asset distribution, and long-term planning.
A Clear, Educational, and Reassuring Approach
Tom believes that effective estate planning starts with understanding. Many clients come in feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, and he prioritizes breaking down complex concepts into clear, straightforward language so they can make informed decisions.
Rather than relying on legal jargon, Tom focuses on practical explanations and real-world examples. His goal is to ensure that clients not only have a plan in place, but also fully understand how it works and why it matters.
He also emphasizes transparency and predictability throughout the process. With flat-fee pricing and complimentary initial consultations, clients know what to expect from the beginning, without surprises or unnecessary stress.
A Long-Term Partner for Clients and Families
As part of the next generation of attorneys at Klemp and Stanton, Tom is committed to building long-term relationships with clients and their families. He works closely with financial advisors and other professionals, helping ensure that estate plans evolve alongside clients’ lives and financial goals.
Clients value his accessibility, responsiveness, and commitment to providing thoughtful, individualized guidance, whether they are creating their first estate plan or updating an existing one.
Background and Personal Interests
Tom earned his Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where he served as Treasurer of the Business Law Society and was a member of Parents Attending Law School (PALS). He began working with Klemp and Stanton as a law clerk in 2021 and has continued to grow his practice with the firm as an attorney.
Outside of the office, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and children, following Minnesota sports, participating in trivia, and staying active through golf and other outdoor activities.
Education
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Juris Doctor
Saint John’s University
B.A., Political Science (Pre-Law Focus)
CEA CAPA Education Abroad
Study Abroad Program
College Year in Athens
Study Abroad Program
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
Experience
Type of Client: John and Jane Doe
Client’s Issue: Children that are all minors, do not want to inherit outright if John and Jane pass away unexpectedly.
My Approach: Implement a testamentary trust within their revocable trust to control distribution to their children.
Result: Instead of inheriting a large sum of money at 18 if the parents passed away, the kids will not have set distributions at certain ages, or can ask the trustee for early funds for good cause.
Media & Presentations
- Estate Planning 101 Seminar at Community Education across the Metro
News + Insights
Independent Contractor or Employee? Common Misclassification Mistakes in Minnesota
Hiring an independent contractor can be a practical way to bring in additional help without adding a permanent employee. But just because someone works on a contract basis, sends invoices, or receives a 1099 doesn't necessarily mean they're legally an independent...
How Minnesota Courts Determine Parenting Time
When parents separate or divorce, one of the biggest questions is how much time each parent will spend with their children. Who will have the children during the school week? How will weekends and holidays work? What happens if the parents can't agree on a schedule?...
What Happens at a Minnesota Probate Hearing?
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to figure out an unfamiliar legal process. If you've been notified of a probate hearing in Minnesota, you may be wondering what the hearing involves, whether you need to attend, and what decisions the court will...
What Is an Indemnification Clause and Why Is It Important?
Business contracts establish more than what each party has agreed to do. A good contract should also address what happens when something goes wrong — and who may be responsible for the resulting costs. That is where an indemnification clause comes in. ...
What Does a Personal Representative Do During Probate?
When someone dies, there are often many practical and financial matters that still need to be handled. Property must be identified, bills and taxes may need to be paid, important documents must be located, and remaining assets eventually need to be distributed to the...
What Is a Purchase Agreement and Why Does It Matter?
When you buy or sell a business, real estate, equipment, or another significant asset, agreeing on the price is only part of the deal. The parties also need to agree on exactly what is being purchased, what each side is responsible for, what must happen before...
Buying Commercial Real Estate: Legal Issues to Consider Before Closing
Buying commercial real estate can be an important investment for a business. You may be purchasing a building for your company's operations, acquiring property as an investment, or buying land for future development. Whatever the reason, there is more to consider than...
What Documents Are Needed for a Minnesota Estate Plan?
When people think about estate planning, the first document that usually comes to mind is a will. A will is important, but a complete estate plan often involves more than deciding who receives your property after you die. Estate planning can also address who manages...
What Minnesota Employers Need to Know About Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
ESST isn't just another employment policy. It's a legal requirement for most Minnesota employers. Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law gives eligible employees the right to earn paid leave for certain health- and safety-related reasons. While the law has...
What Is Probate in Minnesota?
Probate has a reputation for being complicated. In reality, it's simply the legal process for settling someone's estate. If you've recently lost a loved one, you've probably heard the word "probate" more than once. Friends, family members, and even the internet often...