Out-of-State Property Requires Special Attention in Estate Plan
Commonly called “Probate,” the laws that dictate the handling of a person's assets after their death usually depend on the state in which they reside. However, when it comes…
Commonly called “Probate,” the laws that dictate the handling of a person's assets after their death usually depend on the state in which they reside. However, when it comes…
Are you confused about the Health Care Directive? Is it the same as a Power of Attorney for Health Care? And what about a Living Will, DNR, or POLST? These…
Securing a source of capital for a new or existing business can be a challenge. Consider a common scenario: Diana has a promising idea for a new business and possesses…
When setting up a business, conventional wisdom dictates that the business be set up in a legal entity providing limited liability protection, like a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This is…
Individuals seeking to start or grow a business often look to acquisition strategies to achieve those goals. Once a prospective Buyer has identified a potential business to acquire and once…
Naming a beneficiary on your investment account might seem like a smart way to avoid probate—but it could actually disrupt your estate plan. In this video, Beau Ruff explains why removing transfer-on-death (TOD) designations from non-retirement accounts can improve estate liquidity, simplify asset distribution, and ensure your will works as intended. Learn how centralized control and thoughtful planning can better serve your heirs and your legacy.
Adding your child to your bank account might seem like a simple way to ensure they can help manage your finances—but it could create more problems than it solves. From unintended disinheritance and gift tax issues to exposing your assets to your child’s creditors, joint accounts come with hidden risks. In this video, Beau Ruff explains why a power of attorney is often a safer, smarter alternative for granting access without giving up ownership.
Do you own rental property, a vacation home, or commercial real estate? Placing income-producing real property into a Limited Liability Company (LLC) could be one of the smartest legal and financial moves you make. In this video, Beau Ruff explains how an LLC can protect your personal assets, reduce liability, and even simplify estate planning—especially for out-of-state properties. Learn the key benefits, potential pitfalls, and why forming an LLC before you buy might save you time and trouble later.
If you're married and living in Washington state, your estate plan might be missing a powerful yet simple tool: the Community Property Agreement. Despite Washington being a community property state, assets don’t automatically transfer to a surviving spouse upon death. This one-page document can streamline your estate plan, ensuring your wishes are honored and your spouse is protected. Learn how it works, when it’s right for you, and why it might be the most cost-effective estate planning move you can make.
In the world of asset protection, one well-known concept to mitigate risk is to transfer the obligation for payment of a valid claim to another person. This risk mitigation is…