BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

Estate planning used to be mostly about physical property—your home, your car, your bank accounts, and the family heirlooms you want to pass down. But today, a large part of your life lives online. From social media accounts to cloud storage, cryptocurrency to online banking, your digital footprint is bigger than you may realize. When those assets are left out of an estate plan, it can create unnecessary stress, delays, and confusion for the people handling your affairs.

Digital assets aren’t always obvious to your family

Most people assume their loved ones will simply “figure it out,” but digital assets often have no physical trail. There’s no paper statement, no safe deposit box, and no stack of documents in a filing cabinet. Without clear instructions, your executor may not even know certain accounts exist. This becomes a major problem if those accounts hold value—like crypto wallets, investment apps, or digital payment platforms.

Even non-financial assets matter. Email accounts,...

Planning for what happens after you're gone isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a fun weekend project, which is why DIY wills can look tempting. They seem quick, cheap, and straightforward—until they’re not. Estate planning attorneys see the fallout from these homemade documents all the time, and the pattern is surprisingly consistent: small mistakes turn into big problems. If you’re thinking about writing your own will, here’s what experts say you should know before you grab a template and fill in the blanks.

The language has to be exact—guesswork isn’t an option

A will is a legal document, and the law doesn’t leave much room for “close enough.” Online templates assume every family looks the same and every situation is simple. In reality, the wording has to be very specific. A single unclear sentence can lead to a court battle or assets going to the wrong person. Estate attorneys spend years learning how to draft language that holds up under scrutiny because judges interpret wills litera...

Buying commercial real estate is a major investment—often involving complex contracts, large sums of money, and long-term financial commitments. While it might be tempting to rely solely on your broker or standard contract templates, overlooking a legal review can cost you far more down the line. Having a lawyer review your commercial property purchase agreement isn’t just a formality—it’s essential protection for your business, your finances, and your future plans.

1. Commercial Contracts Are Complex

Commercial property purchase agreements are not like residential ones. They’re longer, denser, and packed with clauses that can significantly affect your rights and obligations. A lawyer who specializes in commercial real estate understands how to interpret these provisions and spot potential pitfalls.

For instance, certain clauses may allow the seller to back out under specific conditions or limit your recourse if there are undisclosed issues with the property. Without legal expertise...

Selling commercial property can be a long, detailed process—and when a buyer suddenly backs out or fails to deliver on their promises, it can leave you frustrated, uncertain, and potentially out of pocket. Whether it’s a missed deposit, financing issues, or outright withdrawal, knowing how to respond can protect your investment and get your sale back on track.

1. Review the Contract

The first step is to go back to the signed purchase agreement. Commercial real estate contracts often include specific timelines, contingencies, and remedies if one party defaults. Check for:

• Deposit terms: Is there an earnest money deposit, and what conditions allow you to keep it?
• Financing contingencies: Did the buyer’s failure stem from not securing financing within the agreed period?
• Default clauses: These outline what happens if the buyer breaches the agreement—whether that means forfeiting deposits, paying damages, or allowing you to terminate the deal.

If the contract is clear that the buy...

As the year wraps up, landlords often focus on taxes, maintenance, and tenant renewals—but it’s also the perfect time to make sure your rental business is legally buttoned up. A few simple checks now can help you avoid fines, disputes, or legal surprises later. Whether you manage one unit or several, this year-end legal checklist will help you close the year on solid ground.

1. Review Your Lease Agreements

Start by pulling out your active leases and reviewing the details. Make sure each lease is current, signed by all parties, and includes any updates that reflect your property’s latest policies or local regulations. Check renewal dates and notice periods, and confirm that rent increases (if any) comply with your area’s rent control or notice laws. If you’ve used different versions of lease templates over time, consider standardizing them for consistency going forward.

Read more: Common Mistakes in Drafting Lease Agreements for Rental Properties

2. Verify Tenant and Property Reco...

Selling a home can feel like an emotional and financial marathon. Between cleaning, staging, and negotiating with buyers, it’s easy to forget that the legal side of the process can trip you up at the finish line. Many sellers assume that once they find a buyer, it’s smooth sailing—but unexpected legal issues can delay or even derail the sale. If you want to close with confidence, it’s essential to prepare early and understand what legal pitfalls to avoid.

1. Double-Check the Property Title

One of the most common last-minute problems is a title issue. You might not even know there’s a problem until it surfaces during escrow. Liens, unpaid taxes, boundary disputes, or missing signatures from co-owners can all prevent a clean title transfer. Before listing your home, order a preliminary title report or ask your agent to help you get one. If anything unusual shows up, you’ll have time to resolve it instead of scrambling right before closing.

2. Review Your Disclosures Carefully

Every...

Expanding a family business is an exciting milestone. It’s a sign that your hard work, reputation, and brand have reached a point where growth is the natural next step. But before signing a new lease, hiring more staff, or entering new markets, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications of expansion. A solid legal foundation protects your family’s legacy and ensures the business continues to thrive as it grows.

Choose the Right Business Structure

When a family business expands—whether by opening new branches, adding partners, or entering new industries—its original structure may no longer be the best fit. For example, a small sole proprietorship might need to transition into a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) to protect personal assets and simplify ownership transfers. Consult a business attorney or tax advisor to determine the best structure for your goals. This decision affects taxes, liability, and how ownership is shared among family members.

Read more: Ho...

Family businesses are the backbone of many economies, built on hard work, shared values, and long-term vision. But as founders age and the next generation steps up, the challenge becomes not just maintaining success—but passing it on effectively. Without a clear succession strategy, even the strongest businesses can stumble during transitions. The key lies in planning early, communicating openly, and preparing the next generation to lead confidently.

Start Planning Early

Succession planning shouldn’t wait until retirement is around the corner. In fact, the best time to start is when business is stable. Early planning allows for thoughtful decision-making and time to mentor future leaders. Create a timeline that outlines how leadership responsibilities will gradually shift, giving successors the opportunity to learn and grow under the current leadership’s guidance. This approach reduces uncertainty and helps maintain operational continuity.

Identify and Develop the Right Successor

C...

Tenant complaints are part of managing any rental property, but how you handle them can make or break your relationship with tenants—and even your reputation as a landlord. In California, where tenant protection laws are particularly strong, addressing issues promptly and professionally isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Here’s how landlords can handle complaints effectively, stay compliant, and maintain a positive rental environment.

1. Encourage Open and Easy Communication

The first step in handling tenant complaints is making it easy for tenants to reach you. Provide clear contact information and multiple ways to report issues—whether by phone, email, or through a property management portal.

Encouraging tenants to report problems early prevents small issues from turning into big ones. A leaking faucet, for instance, is a simple fix today but could become a costly water damage claim if ignored. More importantly, being responsive builds trust. Tenants who feel heard are more ...

When unexpected events hit—like a natural disaster, pandemic, or supply chain disruption—contracts can make or break your business’s ability to survive. Strong contract clauses don’t just define what’s supposed to happen when things go right; they protect you when things go wrong. Here are the key provisions every business owner should understand and include to stay secure during times of crisis.

1. Force Majeure: The “Act of God” Clause

This is the most well-known crisis-related clause, and for good reason. A force majeure clause frees both parties from liability if extraordinary events prevent them from fulfilling their contractual obligations. Think natural disasters, wars, government shutdowns, or pandemics—events beyond your control.

To make this clause effective, it needs to be specific. Instead of vague phrases like “unforeseeable circumstances,” clearly list what qualifies: epidemics, cyberattacks, labor strikes, and other relevant risks. Also, include requirements for promp...