Current Legal Information

  Let’s be honest, nobody actually likes thinking or talking about what happens after they’re gone. It’s one of those things we know we should handle, but it’s so much easier to just put it off. But estate planning isn't really about your death. It's about making sure you still have a say in how your life's work is handled. It’s about being the person who makes the decisions, even when you aren't in the room to speak up. There was all this stress about tax laws changing, but then the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) came along and locked in a massive $15 million federal exemption. On paper, it looks like a win. But don’t let that big number fool you into thinking the job is done. Complacency is a huge mistake. Even if you aren't worried about federal taxes, you still need to keep your family out of a messy court battle. You still need to make sure your medical wishes are clear and that your hard-earned money doesn't just disappear into the state's hands b...

The power of eminent domain, enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, allows federal, state, and local governments to acquire private property for "public use." This governmental authority, also known as condemnation, underpins numerous projects benefiting the public, such as infrastructure development (roads, bridges), essential public facilities (schools, government buildings), parks, and utilities. More controversially, it has also been applied to certain redevelopment initiatives. While federal law sets the foundational principles, the specific procedures and limited exemptions are defined at the state level. The interpretation of "public use" can differ across states, with some offering stronger safeguards for property owners through constitutional amendments or specific legislation that restricts the use of eminent domain, particularly for private economic development purposes. The Indirect Role of Estate Planning in Eminent Domain Estate pla...