Minding the Mine Fields: Commercial Leases and Hidden Costs

by e-LawLines | Aug 30, 2012 | Corporate Law, Probate & Estate Planning Law, Real Estate Law, Small Business Law

There are so many variable expenses when starting or growing your business that there is no reason to voluntarily agree to another one, especially when it is often a major expense. That would be the cost of occupancy for your business. And the landlord should want a...

It Might Not Get Easier in the Hereafter; Estate Planning for Digital Assets

by e-LawLines | Jul 24, 2012 | Probate & Estate Planning Law

We are gradually, and grudgingly, learning that our online presence can outlive our physical presence and possibly take on a life of its own. As we begin to move more of our activities — financial, social, work, leisure, creative — to the Internet, the question about...

Y’all Be Careful With Ya’ Language, Ya’ Hear?

by David P. Weiss | Apr 25, 2012 | Litigation, Probate & Estate Planning Law

Ran across a curious news story from Richmond,Virginia.  Apparently, a wife’s father made a $15,000 gift to “Y’all.”  The court, after determining that a number of gifts were made solely to the daughter, sided with the son-in-law that the gift of $15,000 was to both...

Handicap the Horses: Place a Sure Bet With a Qualified Spousal Trust

by e-LawLines | Apr 17, 2012 | Probate & Estate Planning Law, Taxation

Assume that you are married to a self-proclaimed horse handicapper.  Your spouse has acquired this talent unbeknownst to you and has spent considerable time perfecting his or her skill. The financing of this endeavor has proven extremely burdensome, and the luck ran...

A Primer on Guardianship/Conservatorship in Missouri

by e-LawLines | Mar 14, 2012 | Litigation, Probate & Estate Planning Law

With the population aging, the onslaught of some of the conditions that come with aging is increasing.  The need for a guardian/conservator is more prevalent today than in years past. A guardianship is a legal process whereby one individual is appointed by the Probate...

Congressional Magic or Mischievousness: Is the Federal Estate Tax Repealed, or Isn’t It?

by e-LawLines | Apr 16, 2010 | Probate & Estate Planning Law, Taxation

In spite of what you may have heard about taxes in 2010, we believe Ben Franklin’s sardonic proverb, with Will Rogers’ prescient addition, still holds true – this year more than ever. Nothing is certain but death and taxes – the only difference...