Despite their popularity as estate plan anchors, revocable living trusts do not guarantee “happily ever after” for families. Though the assets in a trust by-pass the public process of probate, that does not automatically ensure smooth and prompt distribution. Conflicts...

In the world of civil litigation, a trial court verdict is not necessarily the last word. For small business owners and contractors, the conclusion of a trial can spark a "second round" in the appellate courts, especially when the disagreement...

In most families, when a loved one passes away, the goal is to honor their legacy and intentions and ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of assets. Unfortunately, however, sometimes confusion, concerns, conflicts or other challenges can lead to probate...

Even though we all know we should organize our affairs, put estate plans in place, and communicate our intentions and plans to loved ones, most of us avoid these difficult to-do list items. As a result, conflicts over assets can...

Construction for manufacturing is steadily pushing forward around the country–and not only in areas known for consuming national headlines. Big awards were recently announced in Spokane, Washington, Flint, Michigan and Kilgore, Texas. Catch-up on spending in the manufacturing sector as...

Before reggae legend Bunny Wailer, aka Neville O'Riley Livingston, died earlier this year at the age of 73, he had made a will and appointed co-executors. In the will, he named each of his thirteen children as beneficiaries. Conflict has...

When you execute the will of a family member or friend, you are likely to find yourself coping with high levels of emotion as well as the legalities of the probate process, as you honor your fiduciary responsibilities. Estate experts...

The U.S. Department of Labor has regulatory and investigatory authority under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), works to ensure “the security of the retirement, health, and other workplace-related...

The playbook for ERISA lawsuits is undergoing a major rewrite. Moving past standard fights over high fees and poor fund performance, plaintiffs’ lawyers are now targeting the underlying machinery of plan administration—from actuarial formulas and forfeiture distribution to day-to-day operations....

Effective estate planning is about much more than creating the legal documents that organize your affairs: it’s about designating the individuals who become responsible for carrying out your plans. Those you choose to serve as your power of attorney, executor...