BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

When a veteran passes away, they leave behind more than memories of service and sacrifice—they leave a legacy. One of the most meaningful ways to honor that legacy is by ensuring their loved ones receive the support and benefits they’ve earned. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs designed to help surviving spouses, children, and dependents achieve financial stability and access essential services during a difficult time.

Financial Support for Families

The most recognized form of support is the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This tax-free monthly payment is available to surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related condition. It can help offset the loss of income and provide ongoing financial security for families adjusting to life after loss.

Additionally, surviving family members may be eligible for Survivors Pension, a needs-based benefit for low-income, unremarried s...

When money and property change hands—whether it’s a real estate deal, a business purchase, or even an online sale—trust becomes the cornerstone of the transaction. But trust alone isn’t always enough. That’s where escrow steps in. Escrow offers a neutral, legally protected space where both parties can safely complete their side of the agreement before any funds or assets are released. It’s not just a convenience—it’s a legal safeguard that protects everyone involved.

What Is Escrow?

At its core, escrow is a legal arrangement in which a neutral third party holds funds, documents, or assets until all agreed-upon conditions are met. Think of it as a digital or legal “holding pen.” The escrow agent (or company) follows the terms laid out in the contract and only releases the assets once both sides fulfill their obligations.

Escrow is commonly used in real estate, business acquisitions, online marketplaces, and intellectual property transfers, but its protection applies to any transactio...

Most business owners plan for growth, taxes, and even retirement—but few stop to think about what happens if they suddenly can’t run the business due to illness, injury, or mental incapacity. It’s not a pleasant thought, but it’s one of the most important “what ifs” you can prepare for. Without a plan, your absence could lead to confusion, financial losses, or even the collapse of the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

The Reality of Incapacity

Incapacity isn’t limited to old age. It can happen at any time through an accident, stroke, or sudden illness. If you’re the key decision-maker or the face of your company, your temporary or permanent inability to work could bring operations to a standstill. Payroll, contracts, and client relationships might suffer, and employees may be left uncertain about what to do next.

When that happens, who has the legal authority to step in? Without clear documentation, even your spouse or business partner might not have the right to sign checks,...

Estate planning is often focused on wills, trusts, and asset distribution. But one crucial area that’s frequently forgotten involves your medical privacy—the rules set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. If your estate plan doesn’t address HIPAA regulations properly, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress and confusion when making healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Why HIPAA Matters in Estate Planning

HIPAA was designed to protect your private health information from being shared without your consent. While that’s good for privacy, it can create complications when family members or agents need access to your medical records during an emergency or while managing your healthcare decisions.

Let’s say you’re incapacitated, and your healthcare agent needs to make decisions about your treatment. Without proper HIPAA authorization, doctors and hospitals might refuse to share medical details—even with your spouse or adult children. This lack of acc...

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and the excitement of finding “the one” can sometimes overshadow important details. While it’s true that buyers are expected to do their own due diligence through inspections and research, sellers also carry legal obligations. These disclosure requirements are designed to protect buyers from unexpected surprises—and in some cases, costly repairs or legal battles.

So, what exactly are sellers required to tell you before you sign on the dotted line?

Known Defects Must Be Disclosed

One of the most universal requirements is that sellers must disclose known material defects. These are issues that significantly impact the property’s value, safety, or usability. Examples include:

• Roof leaks or structural damage
• Mold or water intrusion
• Electrical or plumbing problems
• Foundation cracks
• Pest infestations

Even if the home looks picture-perfect, the law expects sellers to be upfront about hidden issues they ar...

Leadership changes are among the most vulnerable moments in a company’s life cycle. Whether it’s the retirement of a founder, the promotion of a rising executive, or the transfer of ownership to the next generation, transitions often bring uncertainty. Studies consistently show that many businesses either falter or collapse during this period—not because the company lacked talent, but because the handover wasn’t planned with enough foresight. The good news is that legal planning can turn what is often a stumbling block into a smooth, strategic process.

Why Leadership Transitions Fail

Several common pitfalls explain why businesses struggle when leadership shifts:

1. Lack of succession planning.

Many business owners delay creating a succession plan, either due to optimism, discomfort with the topic, or an assumption that a replacement will naturally step in. Without a roadmap, the organization may scramble, leaving decision-making fragmented.

2. Ambiguity in roles and authority.

If...

Being part of the “sandwich generation” means living between two sets of responsibilities: caring for aging parents while also supporting children, whether they’re still at home or starting their own adult lives. It’s a role full of emotional and financial challenges. Add estate planning into the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can care for your loved ones today while building a lasting legacy for tomorrow.

Acknowledge the Dual Role

The first step is recognizing the unique position you’re in. Unlike previous generations who may have only supported one side of the family at a time, today’s middle-aged adults often juggle medical bills for parents, tuition costs for kids, and their own retirement planning. Estate strategies need to reflect these layered obligations. That means looking beyond just “who inherits what” and focusing on long-term financial security.

Start With a Solid Foundation

Begin by ensuring you have core documents in place: a wi...

Keeping inheritances private matters to many families — whether to protect beneficiaries from unwanted attention, prevent opportunistic claims, or simply spare loved ones a media spectacle. Privacy won’t happen by accident; it takes careful planning and the right legal tools. Here’s a clear, practical guide to keeping inheritances out of the public eye.

Start with a trust, not just a will

Wills become public during probate in most jurisdictions. A revocable living trust (or other appropriate trust type) transfers assets outside probate, so the details don’t enter the public record. Trusts also allow you to set conditions, stagger distributions, and name a private trustee to manage communications. Work with an estate attorney to choose the trust structure that fits your goals.

Read more: What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Use beneficiary designations and joint ownership smartly

Accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death bank accounts ...

For many property owners, few legal concepts are as unsettling as eminent domain. The idea that the government—or in some cases, a private entity acting under government authority—can take private property for public use may seem alarming. Yet eminent domain has long been a part of property law, balancing individual ownership rights with the needs of society. Understanding how it works is essential for any property owner who may face this situation.

Defining Eminent Domain

Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner receives just compensation. This authority stems from the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that no person shall be deprived of property without due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use without fair payment.

Public use is broadly defined. Traditionally, it included roads, schools, and government buildings. Today, it can also extend to utilities, ...

Commercial real estate development is one of the most lucrative yet complex areas of business. Whether you’re planning to build an office tower, shopping center, or mixed-use facility, the path from idea to completion involves a labyrinth of contracts, regulations, financing arrangements, and negotiations. While developers often focus on design, location, and profitability, overlooking the legal side can put an entire project at risk. This is why having proper legal guidance is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Navigating Zoning and Land Use Laws

One of the earliest hurdles in any real estate development is ensuring the land is suitable for your intended use. Zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use restrictions vary significantly by city or municipality. Without a lawyer’s guidance, developers may unknowingly violate these rules, leading to costly delays or even lawsuits. Legal experts help evaluate the site, identify restrictions, and, when necessary, assist in obtaining ...