BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

Updating your estate plan is an essential part of ensuring that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are taken care of according to your intentions. Estate planning is not a one-time task; it requires regular review and adjustment to reflect changes in your life and the law.

Here are key factors to consider when updating your estate plan.

Changes in Family Dynamics

Marriages and Divorces

If you or your beneficiaries have married or divorced, it is crucial to update your estate plan to reflect these changes. This includes updating your will, trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your current wishes.

Births and Adoptions

The arrival of new family members, whether through birth or adoption, should prompt an update to your estate plan. You may want to include provisions for their care and specify how assets should be allocated to support their future.

Deaths

The death of a beneficiary or ...

Creating a trust for your home involves transferring ownership of your property into a trust, which can offer various benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these pros and cons can help you decide if this estate planning strategy is right for you.

Pros of Putting Your House in a Trust

Avoidance of Probate

One of the most significant advantages of placing your home in a trust is the ability to avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person's assets, which can be time-consuming and costly. By placing your house in a trust, it bypasses probate, allowing for a more efficient transfer of property to your beneficiaries.

Discover: What Are Probate Delays?

Privacy

Probate proceedings are public records, meaning anyone can access information about your estate. A trust, on the other hand, is a private document. This privacy can be beneficial for those who prefer to keep their financial affairs confidential.

Control and Flexibility

A trust allows you to sp...

When renting a property, both landlords and tenants enter into a legally binding agreement, typically outlined in a lease. Adhering to the terms of this lease is crucial for maintaining a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship. However, lease violations are common and can lead to disputes, financial penalties, and even eviction. Here are the most common rental lease violations that tenants should avoid and landlords should be aware of.

Unauthorized Occupants

One of the most frequent lease violations is the presence of unauthorized occupants. Tenants often allow friends, family members, or significant others to move in without informing the landlord. Most leases specify the number of occupants allowed, and adding someone without permission can lead to increased wear and tear on the property and potential safety concerns. Tenants must ensure that any long-term guests are approved by the landlord to avoid breaching the lease terms.

Unapproved Pets

Many leases have strict policies r...

When selling a home, transparency is paramount. Sellers are legally obligated to disclose certain information about the property to potential buyers. These disclosures are essential to ensure a fair transaction and to protect both parties from future legal disputes. Here's an in-depth look at the key disclosures sellers must make when selling a home.

Structural and Mechanical Issues

One of the primary areas of concern for buyers is the structural integrity of the home. Sellers must disclose any known issues with the foundation, roof, walls, or other structural components. This includes past repairs or any ongoing problems, such as leaks, cracks, or pest infestations. Mechanical systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning, must also be disclosed if they have defects or require significant repairs.

Read more: Construction Defects and How They Affect Real Estate Transactions

Environmental Hazards

Sellers must inform buyers about any environmental hazards asso...

Estate planning is an important process that ensures the proper management and distribution of your assets after your death. An often-overlooked aspect of estate planning is the role that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can play.

HIPAA, primarily known for protecting patient privacy and healthcare information, can significantly impact your estate planning, particularly in terms of accessing medical information and making healthcare decisions.

Here’s how HIPAA can affect your estate planning and the steps you can take to ensure your plans are not disrupted.

Understanding HIPAA

HIPAA, enacted in 1996, sets national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and other personal health information. It applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that conduct certain healthcare transactions electronically. Under HIPAA, these entities must ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protecte...

Deciding whether to sell your business or keep it is a significant and multifaceted decision that involves various legal considerations. Understanding these legal aspects is crucial for making an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals and personal circumstances.

Here's a closer look at the key legal factors to consider.

1. Business Structure and Ownership

The legal structure of your business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.) plays a significant role in the selling process. Each structure has its own set of rules and implications for selling.

For instance, selling a corporation often involves transferring shares, whereas selling a sole proprietorship might mean transferring assets. Understanding the legal ramifications of your business structure is essential for a smooth transition.

2. Valuation and Due Diligence

Before selling, it's imperative to have an accurate valuation of your business. This involves a thorough assessment of assets, l...

Running a small business involves managing numerous tasks, one of which is handling taxes. Navigating the complexities of the tax system can be challenging, and small business owners often make mistakes that can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. Here are some common tax mistakes to avoid to ensure your business stays compliant and financially healthy:

1. Failing to Separate Personal and Business Finances

One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is not keeping personal and business finances separate. This can complicate bookkeeping and make it difficult to track business expenses accurately. It’s crucial to have a dedicated business bank account and credit card. This separation simplifies accounting and helps you accurately claim business expenses on your tax return.

2. Misclassifying Employees as Independent Contractors

Correctly classifying workers is essential. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can lead to penalties and back...

Protecting foreign assets in estate planning requires meticulous planning and a comprehensive understanding of international laws. Here are several strategies to help ensure that your assets located abroad are safeguarded and transferred according to your wishes:

1. Understand Local Laws and Tax Implications

Each country has its own set of laws regarding inheritance and taxation. It's crucial to understand these regulations to avoid potential legal issues. Engaging a local attorney who specializes in estate planning can provide invaluable insights into local inheritance laws, tax obligations, and any other legal requirements that might affect your assets.

2. Create an International Will

A traditional domestic will might not be recognized in other countries. Creating an international will, which complies with the laws of each country where you hold assets, ensures that your estate is administered according to your wishes. An international will should be clear, precise, and adhere to...

Families often find themselves in need of legal assistance for a variety of reasons throughout their lives. From planning for the future to resolving disputes, legal services play a crucial role in ensuring that families' rights and interests are protected. Here are some common legal services that families can avail themselves of to navigate life's complexities.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is essential for families to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. This service includes drafting wills, setting up trusts, and establishing power of attorney. A well-drafted estate plan can help minimize tax liabilities, avoid probate, and ensure a smooth transition of assets. Legal professionals can also assist in updating these documents to reflect changes in family dynamics or financial situations.

Read more: Reasons You Need An Estate Plan

Family Law

Family law encompasses a wide range of issues, including divorce, child custody, and ad...

The death of a parent is a deeply emotional and challenging time for any family. Amidst the grieving process, disputes among siblings regarding the division of the estate can add further stress and strain to familial relationships. To minimize conflicts and ensure a smooth transition of assets, careful estate planning is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to address and prevent sibling disputes after a parent’s death through effective estate planning.

Importance of Clear Communication

One of the primary causes of sibling disputes is the lack of clear communication regarding the deceased parent’s wishes. It’s crucial for parents to discuss their estate plans with their children beforehand. Open and honest communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is aware of the parent’s intentions. Parents should explain their decisions and the reasoning behind the distribution of assets to avoid any surprises that might lead to conflicts.

Read more: Beneficiary Des...