Law Blog

As we enter 2025, it's important to stay informed about the current federal estate and gift tax laws, including annual exclusion limits and significant changes anticipated by the end of this year. Annual Exclusion Amount The annual exclusion amount for gifts in 2025 allows individuals to give up to $19,000 per recipient without incurring gift tax or needing to fi...

Ending the year well can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean achieving a personal goal or completing a major project. For others, it might mean spending time with loved ones or taking some time to rest and recharge. Regardless of what it means to you, there are some general tips that can help you end the year on a positive note: ...

"In light of a recent federal court order, reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN and are not subject to liability if they fail to do so while the order remains in force. However, reporting companies may continue to voluntarily submit beneficial ownership information reports." --FinCEN The Corporate Tr...

The Fifth Circuit has removed the nationwide injunction concerning Corporate Transparency Act reporting. The Fifth Circuit’s decision overrides the earlier nationwide relief granted by the district court. Litigation will continue in this matter, but, as of now, the CTA/BOI reporting requirements are active and enforceable. However, FinCEN has granted certain e...

Beginning in 2014, many of you probably read my blog regarding having a checkup for you and, if you have one, your business. This does not involve the doctor, but it does involve all the other professionals in your personal and business life. Based on positive feedback, I have made this an annual tradition. Some of you said “What a great idea! I am definitely go...

Buying a Home and Not Married?  Arizona Co-Habitation Agreements May be the Answer If you're in a long-term, committed relationship but are not married, buying property together in Arizona can be tricky. Without a formal marriage or legal contract, the rights to property, finances, and other assets may not be clearly defined. This is why a co-habitation agreement...

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) plays a vital role in protecting the U.S. and international financial systems, as well as people across the country, from illicit finance threats like terrorist financing, drug trafficking, and money laundering.  The CTA levels the playing field for tens of millions of law-abiding small businesses across the United States and...

Many people create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure smooth estate distribution. However, these benefits only apply if you properly "fund" your trust, meaning you must transfer assets into it. Establishing a trust without funding the trust is like installing a safe but never placing your valuables inside. What Is Funding a Tru...

The people you associate with help determine your future. They matter when people think of you, so choosing wisely is important. Depending on your position, you may or may not be able to choose co-workers, but you can choose who to spend time with both inside and outside of your company. These choices shape your path to your success (or lack thereof) so you need to...

We’re just past Thanksgiving 2024.  It has been another busy, fast, and crazy year. In thinking about writing about being thankful or gratitude, I can’t say it better than I have before, so here is my annual blog for the week of Thanksgiving. And of course, every day of the year is a good day to show gratitude to others and to be thankful. This is a good time...