
Understanding How Property Taxes Work
Property taxes are a fundamental component of local government revenue and play a crucial role in funding essential services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. However, taxpayers are often confused (and rightfully so) with how property taxes are calculated and what exemptions may apply. If you have specific questions about property taxes in your area, we advise consulting with...

Understanding the Role of a Trustee – Responsibilities and Legal Duties
In the world of estate planning, the role of a trustee holds paramount importance. Trustees are crucial people or entities entrusted with managing assets on behalf of beneficiaries as per the terms of a trust. Their responsibilities are significant and extend to various legal and fiduciary duties that ensure the proper administration of assets. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this...

Estate Planning Basics: Differences Between a Medical Power of Attorney and Financial Power of Attorney
In the realm of estate planning, understanding the distinctions between various forms of powers of attorney is essential. Two crucial types that often require distinct considerations are the medical power of attorney (MPOA) and the financial power of attorney (FPOA). While both these designations involve granting decision-making authority to another individual, they operate in distinct...

Understanding Mechanics Liens
A mechanics lien is a crucial legal tool for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and others in the construction industry to secure payment for their work and materials. The following post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mechanics liens, covering what they are, how they work, and the steps involved in filing and enforcing them.
What Is a Mechanics Lien?
A mechanics lien, also...

Understanding Closely Held Businesses: Do You Need One?
In the realm of business entities, closely held businesses play a unique role. They are often the preferred choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to maintain control over their operations while limiting their exposure to outside investors. In the following post, we will explore what closely held businesses are, their key characteristics, and whether or not you need one for...

Gifting Techniques for Today’s Estate Planning
Estate planning has evolved significantly in recent years, with individuals increasingly focusing on gifting as a key strategy to transfer wealth to their heirs while minimizing tax implications. Gifting techniques have become more sophisticated, and they now require careful consideration to ensure they align with your financial goals and the ever-changing legal landscape. Let’s take a look at...

When a Personal Representative Can’t Locate a Beneficiary
In the intricate world of estate administration, a personal representative’s responsibility is to ensure the smooth distribution of assets to an estate’s intended beneficiaries. However, what happens when a beneficiary cannot be located? This situation can introduce complexities and legal challenges that require careful navigation.
Duty of the Personal Representative
A personal...

Key Considerations When Acquiring a New Business
Acquiring a new business is definitely an exciting undertaking. However, the acquisition process is often complex and you need to keep several considerations in mind to protect yourself and your assets. While every acquisition is unique, and the legal complexities can vary widely, you should keep the below issues in mind.
Key Considerations
The following are the most important thoughts to...

Choosing the Right Business Structure: The Power of Partnerships
Starting a business is an exciting venture that requires careful consideration of numerous factors, with one of the most crucial being your business structure. The structure you choose will have significant implications for your company’s operations, taxes, legal liability, and overall success. Among the various business structures available, partnerships stand out as a popular and...

What to Do When a Personal Representative Isn’t Fulfilling Their Duties
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When a loved one passes away, the appointment of a personal representative, also known as an executor or administrator, is crucial for managing the decedent’s estate and ensuring that his or her final wishes are carried out. However, there are situations where the personal representative may not fulfill their responsibilities adequately. This can cause...