There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch I have address this topic several times in the past, but it is a continuing problem and one of my personal pet peeves. While in the past, many trust salesmen used the offer of a free meal to discuss a LIVING TRUST SEMINAR, today the preferred …
Most of us get together with our families at this time of year. It is a perfect time to make sure we communicate with our loved ones that we have a written plan and where to find it. A well-crafted, up-to-date estate plan will help to protect you and your family. Yet, Forbes reports that …
Believe it or not, we are at the end of November and as the year draws to a close, families and businesses face unique legal considerations that require careful attention. Ensuring that your affairs are in order before the new year can prevent complications, reduce liability, and position you for success in the months ahead. …
Estate administration is the management and settlement of an estate by a personal representative approved by the court. Estate administration may not be necessary when the deceased person’s (decedent’s) estate is so small that no action is necessary to distribute the property to the beneficiaries or heirs. However, estate administration is required in most other …
I missed getting an article out in September on Alzheimer’s disease, September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. However, this is a subject close to my heart because my father, Oliver James Moak, suffered from this condition. Over time, the disease can change a loved one into a seemingly different person. Caring for a loved one with …
While it is rare, there are sad situations in which families fight after someone dies. Even more rare are disputes that arise between parents and their children while still living. Most people have been raised to be respectful to their parents and elders. However, in today’s world, I fear respect is becoming a preciously rare …
Whether you like the “Big Beautiful Bill” or not, it has resolved an important estate tax issue. Before the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), the Federal estate tax exemption set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was set to sunset or end on December 31, 2025. However, the BBB has raised the Federal …
It comes to me as second nature, but when you are entering a real estate deal, you should hire an attorney. I am amazed at how many verbal land sales and homemade contracts I see. Homemade deeds with incorrect or insufficient legal descriptions are common as well. If you are going to invest your hard …
When most business owners think about estate planning, they’re usually focused on one thing: what happens to the business after they’re gone. And while planning for succession is essential, there’s another scenario that often gets overlooked—what happens if you’re still alive but unable to run your business? Incapacity isn’t just about catastrophic accidents or permanent …
Not too many folks in our area are farming, however, there are tree farms and a lot of ranching families. Farming and ranching aren’t just jobs. They’re a way of life, often passed down through generations. But without a proper estate plan in place, that legacy can slip away—sometimes in just one generation. All too …
