Most people usually think about who will receive their retirement and bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, real estate, and other valuable possessions upon their death. However, a person’s personal property (their stuff) can also be a source of value that needs to be addressed. When looking to start or continue your estate planning journey, ask yourself the following questions about …
Should You Share Your Estate Planning Details With Loved Ones?
When you decide to create a comprehensive estate plan, there are many things to consider. One is whether to tell your loved ones about your plan and how much information to share with them. Estate planning can be a complex and sensitive matter, so your choice may depend on your unique relationships with loved ones and your family dynamics. Sharing …
3 Examples of When an Irrevocable Trust Can—and Should—Be Modified
Did you know that irrevocable trusts can be modified? If you did not, you are not alone. The name lends itself to that very misconception. However, the truth is that changes in laws, family, trustees, and finances can frustrate the trustmaker’s original intent when the trust was created. Or, sometimes, an error in the trust document is identified. When this …
Balancing the Scales: Motherhood and Law with Quinn Dalan
The Billable Mom with Cari Rincker, Episode 09 In this episode of The Billable Mom, Cari speaks with Quinn Dalan, an attorney and the executive director of Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services, a legal aid nonprofit organization. Quinn shares her journey from law school to becoming a “billable mom,” balancing a demanding legal career with the responsibilities of motherhood. Tune …
Do Not Leave Your Trust Unprotected: 6 Ways a Trust Protector Can Help You
Trust protectors are commonly used in the United States. Essentially, a trust protector is someone who serves as an appointed authority over a trust that will be in effect for a long period of time. Trust protectors ensure that trustees maintain the integrity of the trust, make solid distribution and investment decisions, and adapt the trust to changes in law …
Testamentary Trusts: The Best of Both Worlds
You have several different options when it comes to creating the right estate plan. Some people believe that a revocable living trust is the best way to go, while others think that a last will and testament (commonly known as a will) is best under certain circumstances. Others may find that a combination of both—through the use of a testamentary …
Ask Cari: How the New Corporate Transparency Act could Affect Your Small Business
Small businesses have been rushing to better understand the implications of the newly enacted Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which entered into effect on January 1, 2024. The CTA applies to over 32 million businesses in the United States, including many companies that filed a document with any secretary of state office. The CTA includes a new reporting requirement for small …
Navigating and Balancing the Complexities of Work and Family Life with Amber Miller
The Billable Mom with Cari Rincker, Episode 8 In this episode of The Billable Mom, Cari Rincker speaks with Amber Miller, a partner at Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, LLP. Amber helps clients with agricultural and business law matters, specializing in property rights and real estate, entity formation and corporate law, contract drafting and negotiations, while also assisting clients with federal …
Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Business Lawyer for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
The Billable Mom with Cari Rincker, Episode 7 In this episode of The Billable Mom, Cari Rincker speaks with Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Founder and Managing Attorney of Ankhi-Krol Law, based in New York City. Shahrina is a seasoned attorney specializing in business contracts, trademark, and copyright law for entrepreneurs and small businesses. She shares insights into building a successful law …
Part II of II: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Fairness in Solar Leases
Welcome back to the second part of our series on solar leases. As a renewable energy attorney, I’m committed to helping landowners navigate solar lease agreements while mitigating risks and ensuring fairness. In this blog, we’ll continue our exploration of essential considerations for landowners interested in solar energy projects. Understanding Termination and Cleanup Obligations Solar lease agreements often have asymmetrical …
Part I of II: Maximizing Benefits and Protecting Interests in Solar Leases
As a renewable energy attorney with experience in solar energy leases, I understand the importance of maximizing benefits while protecting the interests of landowners. Solar energy projects offer landowners a lucrative opportunity to diversify their income streams. However, it’s crucial to navigate solar lease agreements with caution to ensure they adequately protect your best interests. In this blog, we’ll explore …
Nonjudicial Settlement Agreements: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Some trusts are irrevocable as soon as they are created, which means that, in general, the trustmaker (the person who created and funded the trust) cannot terminate or modify it and take back the money or property that it holds. You may wonder why anyone would want an irrevocable trust, but irrevocable trusts can provide some very important benefits, particularly …