LEGAL UPDATES

Buy-sell agreements: A smart business decision also makes estate planning sense

Do you own a business with one or more individuals? Undoubtedly, your interest in the business represents a substantial part of your net worth and is likely your “pride and joy.” So it’s normal…

Making lifetime gifts continues to be a smart estate planning strategy

With the federal gift and estate tax exemption now at a record high $11.58 million for 2020, most estates aren’t taxable. But that doesn’t mean making lifetime gifts isn’t without significant benefits — even…

Dennis Monroe discusses uneven restaurant industry recovery in Restaurant Business podcast

In the current challenging business environment, some restaurants are struggling to survive while others are flourishing. How do we account for this dichotomy? MMB’s Dennis Monroe joins Jonathan Maze of Restaurant Business in “A…

Divorcing? Revise your estate plan

If you’re going through a divorce, you probably feel a little overwhelmed by all the legal and financial items you must attend to before the marriage termination is final. These tasks can be difficult,…

Five good reasons to turn down an inheritance

You may use a qualified disclaimer to refuse a bequest from a loved one. Doing so will cause an asset to bypass your estate and go to the next beneficiary in line. What are…

Because of COVID-19, college-aged children need a basic estate plan

It’s August, and that means it’s time to get ready to go back to school for many students. If your child recently graduated from high school and is heading to college in the next…

Avoid “bad blood” among family members: Protect your will from legal challenges

You’ve probably seen it in the movies or on TV: A close-knit family gathers to find out what’s contained in the will of a wealthy patriarch or matriarch. When the terms are revealed, a…

Fortify your assets against creditors with a trust

You may think of trusts as estate planning tools — vehicles for reducing taxes after your death. While trusts can certainly fill that role, they’re also useful for protecting assets, both now and later….

Family matters: Estate planning considerations if you have adopted children or unadopted stepchildren

If you have adopted children or unadopted stepchildren, estate planning is critical to ensure that your property is distributed the way you desire. Adopted children Adopted children are placed on an equal footing with…

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