Tips to Protect Yourself During a “For Sale by Owner”
Buying a home is one of the most important investments you will ever make but there are some risks that come with this reward. If you plan on buying a home that is a For Sale by Owner, you need to be prepared to handle some of the work a real estate agent would usually help you with. Use these three tips to protect yourself during this process. Do Your Research If you’re planning on living in this home for the foreseeable future, you want to make sure this investment is your dream home instead of a neighborhood nightmare. Compare …
How to File Taxes While Getting a Divorce
While your marriage is dissolving, filing taxes is probably the last thing on your mind, but ignoring these state and federal requirements may lead to a different kind of heartache down the road. This guide is not meant for married couples that are in love limbo; this is for pairs who are intent on parting ways. If your divorce is not finalized by December 31st, you need to decide how you want to file. Here are the three most common filings for still married and legally separated couples to find the best option for you. Joint Return Before the ink …
Special Needs Trusts: How to Take Care of Your Loved One After You’re Gone
You may dedicate your entire life to raising a special needs loved one but do you know how they’ll get by after you’re gone? Family members and friends with special needs require extra care and protection that you will no longer be able to provide when you pass away. Make sure your final wishes are clear by knowing which Special Needs Trust (SNT) is best for your beneficiary. First-Party Trusts Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be a tremendous help in affording basic needs but it may not be enough to provide your loved one with the lifestyle you envisioned. A …
The Five People You Need to Meet With Before Buying Commercial Property
Some of the most successful people in the world attribute their accolades to the team that backs them. This entourage of experts is particularly important when investing in commercial real estate. Here are the five people you need to meet with before buying commercial property. Investors Commercial properties are typically incredibly expensive and if you don’t want to tie up all your assets you’ll likely have to join forces with other investors. It’s crucial to meet with these future business partners beforehand to ensure your goals and priorities are in sync. Current Owner Sometimes going straight to the source can …
Why Securing General Counsel is Right for Your Business
Trapeze artists fly through the air with ease, mostly because they’ve made the same maneuvers thousands of times. But they also know that safety nets are always in place. Wouldn’t you want the same protection for your business? Hiring a general counsel for your business is like securing an invisible safety net that can protect your company from a serious fall. These safety nets provide security, reassurance, and the ability to take risks. Here are three reasons your business needs a general counsel and the traits you should look for in an attorney. Knowing Your Business You likely don’t go …
How a Living Trust Can Save Your Loved Ones Thousands in Property Taxes
Passing your home down to your loved ones after you pass away might be a dream of yours but this generous act could end up being a taxation nightmare for them. Luckily, you can help your beneficiaries avoid financial heartache by protecting this asset in a living trust. Here’s how to save your loved one thousands of dollars in taxes when they inherit your home and the mistakes you must avoid. Step-Up Basis Rule The value of a home typically increases with time but so does the amount of tax you must pay on the gain. However, there is a …
The Traits You Should Look For in a Family Law Attorney
You could have the most intelligent attorney in the country, but if they aren’t reliable and responsive, you are working with the wrong representation. The character of your counsel can be especially crucial when handling sensitive cases like family law. Remember the helpful acronym C.A.R.E. while searching for a family law attorney. Compassionate With family law cases, it is likely that you will have to share some personal life details with your attorney that you have never even told your closest friends. Entrust this information with an attorney who is not only smart, but also sympathetic towards your situation. If …
Three Things Your Business Must Do Before Submitting Taxes
The Olympics may still be months away, but the race to get your taxes in on time is rounding the final lap. While your personal tax returns might feel like your top priority, it’s just as important to make sure your business’ paperwork is in order. Here are three things you must do before submitting your business taxes this year. Get Organized Before you fill out a single line on your IRS tax form, collect every receipt that can be considered a business earning or expense. This can entail everything from bistro bills where you took a client (expense) to …
Why You Should Hire Heritage Law
With dozens of law firms in a twenty-mile radius of your home, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with options. Unfortunately, not all law firms are created equal and the legal professionals you entrust with your case could mean the difference between celebration and strife. Here are three reasons why you should hire Heritage Law to represent you. Reliable Our law firm’s success depends entirely on the ability of our lawyers to anticipate, avoid, and resolve legal problems for our clients on favorable terms. Our clients rely on us to represent them in the best way possible; a task …