Studies[1] have shown that the largest contributing factors to generational loss of wealth are a lack of communication and trust among family members and the failure to prepare heirs.[2] Often, fear is what underlies the lack of communication and trust that inevitably leads to unprepared heirs. Following are some of the fears that prevent people from communicating with their loved …
Why Is My Trust So Long?
When you met with an attorney a few weeks ago, perhaps all you expected was a simple will. Maybe you thought that, with your situation, the work should be easy and the documents should be few. But now that you have finished working with the attorney, your parting gift is a large binder filled with hundreds of pages. You may …
Ask Cari: Q & A on Farm/Ranch Estate and Succession Plan
How can the property and finances be split if a succession plan is Not in place? If you don’t have a plan in writing with a Last Will and Testament, Trust and/or business formation documents (e.g., Operating Agreement or Bylaws) then the law will decide for you. Everybody has an estate plan- it’s what the “default rules” are in your …
What Happens to a Limited Liability Company After a Member Dies?
Death is almost always a complicated event for the survivors, who have not only emotional but also logistical considerations to manage. However, when an owner (typically called a member) of a limited liability company (LLC) dies, it exacerbates the difficulties for the surviving members. In addition to bearing the loss, they must determine whether the LLC can or even should …
3 Minute Survey on Farm Estate Planning
I am working on a video series on farm estate, business and succession planning. I would like to get a better feel for what is actually happening in this arena in agriculture. I have a quick 26 question survey on the topic and it would mean a lot to me if you would take a few minutes to answer these …
Ag Law Today: Estate Planning While Keeping USDA Federal Farm Programs in Mind
Excited about this episode of Ag Law Today featuring our very own Stephanie Bradley Fryer, our Texas Of Counsel attorney. We are talking farm estate planning and its effects on USDA federal farm programs — a combo discussion that you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or iTunes!
Episode 4 of Ag Law Today: Last Will and Testaments
Hear me discuss all things Last Will and Testaments on this week’s Ag Law Today along with Deborah Kaminetzky, who has been a mentor of mine since the infancy of my law practice (you have her to thank for my matrimonial part of my law practice). Listen as Deborah bestows her wisdom to us.
5 Things Every New Mother Needs to Know About Wills
As a new mother, you naturally want to ensure your new baby’s future in every way. For many new mothers, infancy is a time for celebrating new life, and making a will is the last thing on their minds. For others, the process of bringing new life into the world sparks intense feelings of wanting control and needing organization. Regardless …