Probate is the legal process overseen by the court for managing a deceased person's estate, which can often be lengthy and public. Many people want to avoid probate to maintain privacy and make the process easier for their families. While trusts are a common way to avoid probate, other methods ar...
To combat illicit activities, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) took a step forward. As of January 1, 2024, FinCEN now mandates that certain businesses within the United States disclose crucial information regarding their beneficial owners. This...
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is one law that will influence many companies, and it went into effect on January 1, 2024. This new legislation was designed to increase the level of transparency in business ownership to prevent illicit financial activities. By addressing the need for more op...
In an increasingly digital world, our clients often wonder what will happen to their digital accounts, such as Facebook, Gmail, or Apple accounts after they pass away. Unfortunately gaining access to those accounts without any pre-death planning can be taxing and costly to clients and their loved...
A massive settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) will create significant shifts within the US real estate market. This development results from a class-action lawsuit, and it could redefine how we buy and sell properties throughout the country—and not just here in Michigan. Th...
As the holiday season approaches, the last thing on most people's minds is estate planning. However, taking some time to consider your estate during this festive time can provide you and your loved ones with invaluable peace of mind. In this blog, we'll explore estate planning tips tailored for the holidays, ensuring that you can cherish the moments with family and friends without worrying about the future.
Starting a business partnership is an exhilarating venture, full of hopes, dreams, and the potential for success. In the early stages, it's easy to focus on the exciting aspects of your collaboration: innovative ideas, shared goals, and the promise of growth. However, it's essential not to overlook the importance of the less glamorous side of business – legal documentation. When entering a business partnership, having your contract reviewed by a legal expert is a critical step that modern entrepreneurs should not neglect. In this blog, we'll explore why involving a legal expert is a must in today's fast-paced and often complex business world.
Michigan business owners, brace yourselves for important changes in the regulatory landscape. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has recently rolled out new requirements that will affect how business owners in this region register with their agency. These changes are part of a broa...
During the typical back-to-school routine, very few people think about estate planning. This may be because many people equate estate planning with end-of-life decisions. However, it is important to recognize that estate planning also helps people prepare for the possibility of being incapacitate...
One of the first blogs we published on our website was about changing how you view prenuptial agreements. Although we encourage you to go back and read it, it centers on breaking down some of the myths surrounding them. People envision the monied spouse handing their fiance a document and asking ...
If you have never been involved with a real estate transaction, the due diligence period occurs after you accept an offer. Even though buyers make an offer after touring the house once or twice, they don't fully understand what you are receiving. This is why there is a due diligence period. It al...
In a previous blog post, we explained what contracts were, why business owners should utilize them, and why they are something to embrace instead of being feared. Although we will stick with the topic of contracts, we will approach them from a new perspective, namely that of the employees. Due to...
We hire attorneys for a variety of reasons. Maybe you're starting a new business, have concerns that a competitor is infringing on your trademark, or are trying to resolve a contentious probate matter. Whatever the reason, it can be extremely easy to let your personal legal matter command your atte...
Apple's trademark is worth almost $30 billion. Before you dismiss the concept of trademarks because your business isn't as big as Apple, we want to point out that this company registered its first mark in 1979—just a few years after it was started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald ...
Because it has happened gradually, you may not have realized how much the world has changed. If you are in your forties, you likely have memories of typewriters, word processors, and receiving copies of AOL CDs in the mail. Technological growth happens exponentially, and it develops quickly. We...
At Hamilton Law, PLC, we have significant experience working with contracts. When you have a command over properly drafting and understanding how to read contracts, it doesn't matter if they are for employment purposes, a transaction, or whether they are attached to a large or small business. T...
The core of this topic is not centered around gossip, but it highlights how common it is for people to pass away without a will. One of the most common reasons people forego estate planning or even create a basic will is because they assume they don't have enough assets to warrant it. Althoug...
Although you have likely heard the term “litigation” before, you may not fully understand what it means or what the process looks like. Fortunately, most people will never have to experience it. It can be mentally exhausting and stressful. There is also the fear of the unknown because what mo...
We are looking at the importance of estate planning before you travel for two distinct purposes. First and foremost, it is an important step to ensure you are protected. Though we will explain how and why in a moment, that is the primary goal. Additionally, to learn why it is so critical, you mus...
ADR is the common abbreviation for alternative dispute resolution. ADR can not only deliver you a solution while saving you the cost and time associated with civil litigation, but it can give you more of a voice. Appeals aside, when a judge makes a decision, it's final. There is no room for fur...
You will accumulate assets that you have legal ownership over during your lifetime. Your name is on the title of your car, the deed to your home, and you—and perhaps your spouse—are the only ones who can access your bank accounts. There are levels of protection to ensure that what we own cannot...
Your business is more than its product or service. People build companies based on shared values and standards. There's a certain feeling and mindset that people enter into when they use your product. For instance, Jeeps may draw consumers seeking adventure and exploration. Businesses use words...
The term 501(c)(3) is pulled directly from Title 26 of the U.S. Code, referred to as the IRS tax code. These apply to taxes, but there is a specific section dedicated solely to non-profit organizations—which is section 501(c)(3). Any organization that meets the criteria can be exempt from pay...
When you form a company, you should meet with a business law attorney to discuss your different choices for entities. The purpose of doing so is to ensure your personal assets remain separate from your business assets. For example, imagine that someone opens a bookstore without forming a Limi...
A will doesn't prevent your assets from passing through probate. Before we explain why, it is important to note that we are not trying to dissuade you from creating a will. They are precious estate planning tools. The attorneys at Hamilton Law draft wills for our clients, and we wouldn't do s...
