Resources

Franchise and multilevel marketing (MLM) businesses are often attractive because they offer people the chance to start a small business with a well-known brand and an established business model. However, they present different estate planning challenges than other types of small businesses because the rights and obligations of franchisees and multilevel marketers are spelled out in contractual agreements. What Is a Franchise? When you purchase a franchise, you are purchasing a unit from a company …

If a loved one has recently died or become mentally incapacitated, finding the person’s estate planning documents is essential. The estate planning process and associated documents are critical to making decisions on the loved one’s behalf, gaining access to accounts, and discovering your deceased loved one’s wishes regarding how to distribute the individual’s money and property. Properly prepared documents have significant legal power to help you handle these vital tasks. However, despite the importance of …

In early 2020, married actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson became honorary citizens of Greece.  The president of Greece bestowed this honor upon them due in large part to their humanitarian work in the country after a deadly wildfire swept through Athens in 2018. Hanks and Wilson spend considerable time in Greece as it is one of their favorite spots for extended vacations, so when this honor was offered to them, they graciously accepted. Although …

Considering the myriad of trusts available, creating the right estate plan can seem daunting.  However, that is what we, as estate planning attorneys, do every day. We know the laws and will design a plan which addresses your specific situation.  Here is a look at the basics of ten common trusts to provide you with a general understanding of the options available. There will not be a quiz at the end. When you meet with …

In the hectic and sometimes dangerous world that we live in, it is an unfortunate fact of life that accidents happen and people get hurt. The U.S. legal system is designed so that those who suffer injury through the avoidable fault of others can seek compensation for those injuries. Sometimes injuries are so severe that the injured individual receives a significant sum of cash through a settlement or court judgement. Such a sudden and large …