There is a common misconception when it comes to estate planning: only people with significant wealth need an estate plan. In fact, an estate plan is simply a set of documents that tells the world what we want to happen…
Read MoreThe federal estate tax exemption is currently $12.06 million per taxpayer. However, in 2026, the exemption amount is set to decrease to $5 million, indexed for inflation (estimated to be between $6-$7 million). The current high threshold means many estates…
Read MoreIf you are interested in making charitable contributions without the complexity of establishing a private foundation or a charitable trust, you may consider giving through a donor-advised fund (DAF). What is a Donor Advised Fund? Essentially, a DAF is an…
Read MoreFor family businesses organized as limited liability companies, an operating agreement is critical to maintaining ownership within the family, providing clear direction to management in the face of complicated family dynamics, and offering stability when individual family members wish to…
Read MoreA significant term in most commercial leases is the right or obligation of landlord or tenant to remodel the leased premises during the lease term. When negotiating and drafting such a lease provision, it is important to address: (a) which…
Read MoreIn a commercial lease setting, one of the most often overlooked (but critically important) lease provision is the method of allocating and measuring the square footage of the leased premises.
Read MoreIn Matter of Estate of Rathbone, the Washington State Supreme Court held that the trial court did not have the authority to construe an ambiguous provision in a non-intervention Will (1). Rathbone involves a dispute among three brothers (Todd, Glen,…
Read MoreAs craft breweries often merge retail and industrial leasing concepts, they face a unique set of legal issues when negotiating a commercial lease agreement for their production facility and/or tasting room. License/Permit Contingencies and Permitted Use Provisions are Critical First…
Read MoreDebt Acceleration Generally Commercial and residential loan documents typically give the lender the option of accelerating the debt following an event of default. In other words, if the borrower fails to pay, or if some other event of default occurs,…
Read MorePop culture sometimes provides us with valuable lessons about the importance of estate planning. For example, as Trusts & Estates magazine pointed out, at the heart of the first season of the hit show Empire was a story of the trials and…
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