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Estate Planning, Business, & Probate Resources
How to Handle an Estate When a Loved One Passes Away Unexpectedly

How to Handle an Estate When a Loved One Passes Away Unexpectedly

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is heartbreaking, and amidst the grief, you may find yourself responsible for managing their estate. If they didn’t have a clear estate...
Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs

What Happens to Your Business if You Pass Away? Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs

As a business owner, you’ve worked hard to build something meaningful. You’ve invested time, money, and effort into growing your company, but have you thought about what...
What Happens if You Inherit Debt

What Happens if You Inherit Debt

Inheriting money or property from a loved one can be a bittersweet experience, but what happens when you inherit their debt? Many people worry that they will...
estate planning for couples

Estate Planning for Couples: Love + Legal Protection

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, commitment, and the future you’re building together. But true love isn’t just about flowers and chocolates – it’s about ensuring...
The Cost of Probate & How to Decrease It

The Cost of Probate & How to Decrease It

Probate, the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, is often associated with costs that can eat into the value of the estate. From court fees...
Minimize Family Disputes Through Estate Planning

Minimize Family Disputes Through Estate Planning

Estate planning is about more than just dividing assets; it’s about ensuring peace for your loved ones when you’re no longer there to guide them. A well-crafted...
Probate explained

Probate Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide to Estate Administration

The word “probate” often conjures feelings of confusion or stress, but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased...
Estate Administration 101

Estate Administration 101: What Happens After the Will is Read?

The reading of a will is often depicted as a dramatic event in movies, with a lawyer unveiling surprises to gathered family members. In reality, estate administration...
Planning for the Unexpected Steps to Protect Your Family

Planning for the Unexpected: Steps to Protect Your Family

For those with young families, life can be filled with joy, chaos, and everything in between. While we often focus on the day-to-day challenges, it’s essential to...
Estate Planning for Military Families & Veterans

Estate Planning for Military Families & Veterans

Military families and veterans face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Whether it’s the nature of military service, frequent relocations, or specific benefits available to...
Top 5 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid in 2024

Top 5 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid in 2024

Estate planning is a crucial step in securing your family’s future and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, many people either put...
Importance of Asset Protection

The Importance of Asset Protection

Protecting your assets in today’s world is more important than ever, especially for Mississippi residents facing unique risks and challenges. Whether you’re running a small business, managing...
The Legal Aspects of a Family Business

The Legal Aspects of a Family Business

Running a family business can be rewarding, but it also comes with unique legal challenges. From structuring the business to managing family dynamics and succession planning, it’s...
Long Term Care Planning Mississippi

Long-Term Care Planning: What Every Family Needs to Know

As we age, planning for long-term care becomes an essential aspect of financial and estate planning. Long-term care refers to a range of services designed to meet...
Estate Planning Tips for Entrepreneurs

Estate Planning Tips for Entrepreneurs

Estate planning, often set aside by busy entrepreneurs, is crucial for safeguarding personal assets and ensuring the continuity of business operations after your departure. This proactive step...
Mississippi Pet Trusts

What is a Pet Trust, and Should I Have One?

For many of us, pets are cherished members of the family, providing companionship, love, and joy. But have you ever wondered what would happen to your furry...
Cybersecurity and Estate Planning

Cybersecurity and Estate Planning

In today’s digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. From social media accounts and online banking to digital photo albums and cryptocurrencies, our digital footprint...
tax implications of inheriting real estate

Tax Implications of Inheriting Real Estate

Inheriting real estate can be a significant financial boon, but it also comes with a variety of tax implications that can impact your financial situation. Understanding these...
Benefits of a Living Trust in Avoiding Probate

Benefits of a Living Trust in Avoiding Probate

When planning for the future, ensuring that your assets are transferred smoothly to your loved ones after your passing is a crucial consideration. One effective tool for...
Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving

Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving

Charitable giving is a meaningful way to support causes you care about while also enjoying significant tax benefits. For individuals engaged in estate planning, charitable contributions can...

Tax-Efficient Estate Planning

When it comes to securing your financial legacy, understanding the intersection of estate planning and tax efficiency is paramount. Whether you’re safeguarding a family business, passing on...
Estate Planning for Special Needs Families

Estate Planning for Special Needs Families

Navigating life as the parent of a child with special needs comes with unique challenges and joys. Among these challenges is ensuring that the long-term wellbeing of...
Legal Considerations for Expanding Your Company

Legal Considerations for Expanding Your Company

Expanding your company is an exhilarating phase. It’s a testament to the hard work, resilience, and vision that have propelled your business forward. However, amidst this excitement,...
Succession Planning for Family-Owned Businesses

Succession Planning for Family-Owned Businesses

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of our economy, representing the hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of generations past and present. However, without proper succession planning, these...
Estate planning for blended families

Estate Planning for Blended Families

Blending families can add friendship, love, and fun to life, but it can also introduce unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. With careful consideration and...
The ABCs of Estate Planning

The ABCs of Estate Planning

Estate planning often conjures images of lavish mansions and sprawling estates, reserved for the old and wealthy. Yet, this misconception belies the universal truth: everyone has an...
Tax-Saving Strategies for Small Business Owners

Tax-Saving Strategies for Small Business Owners

Navigating tax regulations can feel like trekking through a dense jungle for small business owners. Each step, filled with potential pitfalls or hidden escapes, demands attention and...
Legal Tips for Loved Ones with Alzheimer's or Dementia

Legal Tips for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s or dementia within a family is a journey marked by emotional complexities and critical decisions. As an elder law firm, we’ve seen...
Rights of Senior Citizens

Rights of Senior Citizens

Navigating the golden years brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. As an elder law attorney, it’s my mission to ensure that senior citizens are well-informed...
Medicare and Medicaid Basics in 2024

Medicare and Medicaid Basics in 2024

As we enter 2024, understanding the evolving landscape of Medicare and Medicaid is more critical than ever, especially for seniors and their families planning for healthcare needs....
2024 Retirement Changes

2024 Retirement Changes: What You Need to Know

As we step into 2024, it’s vital for those planning for retirement to be aware of the significant changes implemented by the Internal Revenue Service and under...
How to Set up a Trust

How to Set up a Trust

Setting up a trust can be a pivotal step in managing your estate for the benefit of future generations, and it’s a cornerstone of comprehensive estate planning....
Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance

Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance

As we age, the likelihood of needing some form of long-term care increases significantly. The prospect of requiring assisted living, nursing home care, or in-home care can...
Guardianship v. Conservatorship

Guardianship v. Conservatorship

The terms “guardianship” and “conservatorship” often come up in legal discussions surrounding the care and management of individuals who cannot make decisions for themselves. While they might...
How to Avoid Probate Pitfalls

How to Avoid Probate Pitfalls

Navigating the complexities of estate planning is crucial, not just for your peace of mind, but for the security and well-being of your loved ones. Among the...
5 Reasons to Hire a Small Business Lawyer

5 Reasons to Hire a Small Business Lawyer

The path to entrepreneurial success is paved with challenges, and navigating the legal landscape can often be one of the most daunting. Whether you’re in the early...
Minimize Estate Taxes for Your Heirs

Minimize Estate Taxes for Your Heirs

Planning for the future involves more than accumulating wealth; it’s about securing a lasting financial legacy for your loved ones. Minimizing estate taxes is a critical aspect...
How to Budget for Long-Term Care Expenses

How to Budget for Long-Term Care Expenses

Long-term care is a subject many people avoid until they’re confronted with the reality of aging or an unexpected health crisis. While we all wish for a...
what is probate

What is Probate, and How Can I Avoid It?

Navigating the intricacies of estate planning can be overwhelming, especially when one encounters the term “probate.” For residents in Mississippi, understanding what probate is and, more importantly,...
Estate Planning Documents

What are the Main Documents in an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is not just about deciding who gets what when you’re gone. It’s a comprehensive process ensuring that your assets are protected, your family’s needs are...
Legal Tips for Seniors

Essential Legal Tips for Seniors

A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Elder Law in Mississippi As we age, our priorities shift, and so do our legal needs. The realm of elder law, which...
planning ahead for healthcare

Planning Ahead for Health Care: Long-Term Care and Advance Health Care Directives

As we age, it’s important to plan for the future, especially when it comes to long-term care and medical decisions. Long-term care encompasses a range of services,...
How to Maximize Your Tax Deductions in Mississippi

How to Maximize Your Tax Deductions in Mississippi

*This information was accurate at the time of writing. However, tax laws and deductions change frequently. Please verify eligible deductions with your accountant. When it comes to...
Estate Planning for Parents

Estate Planning for Parents of Minors

Estate planning is a vital step in securing the future of your children, especially when they are still minors. As a parent, it’s essential to have a...
Estate Planning Mistakes

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Estate Planning

Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. However, many people make common...
Cory Lancaster - Elder Law Attorney

Advocating for Seniors: My Journey to Elder Law

As an experienced estate planning attorney, I chose to specialize in elder law because I believe that this area of law offers a unique opportunity to make...
The Benefits of a Living Trust

The Benefits of a Living Trust

If you’re considering estate planning in Mississippi, it’s essential to understand all of the available options and how they can benefit you and your loved ones. While...
Common Business Law Issues

5 Common Business Law Issues and How to Avoid Them

Business owners don’t always have the time or resources to properly manage their legal affairs, leaving themselves vulnerable to potential problems. Fortunately, learning about the most common...
Mississippi Tax Law A Guide for Business Owners

Mississippi Tax Law: A Guide for Business Owners

Taxes can be a complex and confusing topic for business owners. This is especially true in Mississippi, where the rules and regulations surrounding taxation vary significantly from...
Probate Process in Mississippi

What is the Probate Process in Mississippi?

As a Mississippi estate planning law team, we understand that thinking about the future can be overwhelming, but planning for it is essential. One of the most...
Start a business in 2023

How to Start a Business in 2023

The world of business is constantly changing, and the year 2023 will be no different. With technology advancing at an ever-increasing rate, it’s important for entrepreneurs to...
2023 Retirement Plan Changes

Federal Retirement Plan Changes in 2023

For those planning for their future retirement and/or approaching retirement age, it’s vital to understand changes going into effect in 2023 that could affect the way you...
Tax Planning Tips 2023

Tax Planning Tips to Start in 2023

Tax planning is an important aspect of your overall financial planning, as it helps you make the most of your money by minimizing the amount of taxes...
Estate Planning Strategies for High Net-Worth Families

4 Practical Estate Planning Strategies for High Net-Worth Families

Individuals with high net worth have several unique considerations to address when it comes to ensuring their estate is handled properly. If you own a high net-worth...

What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?

The Baby Boomer generation is the fastest-growing age group in the US. Upon entering their senior years, this group faces a unique variety of concerning issues that,...

Federal Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Updates for 2023

Due to changing IRS rates year-to-year, it’s wise for those planning to maximize the value of their estate for the benefit of their loved ones to stay...

Mississippi Estate Tax Guide

When considering estate planning, it’s critical to consider the tax implications of the decisions that you’re making. Building awareness about how taxes could affect you and your...
Estate Planning During Recession

Estate Planning During a Recession

Many people prefer to pinch their pennies during a financial downturn, and we understand why many consider estate planning a luxury. It’s reasonable to want to avoid...
Business Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Business Owners

An estate plan is an essential tool for anybody looking to protect and control their hard-earned wealth and assets. This is especially true for business owners. Whether...
Do I need a living trust in Mississippi

Do I Need A Living Trust?

While creating a will is an important and well-known part of estate planning, to make sure your assets and loved ones are truly protected when it comes...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Gun Trusts: Targeted Estate Planning

If you have a gun collection, your estate plan may be missing the mark if it fails to include a specially drafted gun trust. The typical estate...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Does My Business Need a Registered Agent?

A registered agent is someone that you as a business owner designate to accept legal papers if your company is sued or named in any type of...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

8 Things to Consider When Selecting a Caregiver for Your Senior Parent

As a child of a senior citizen, you are faced with many choices in helping to care for your parent. You want the very best care for...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Do I need to file a DBA for my small business?

Selecting a name for your business can be challenging. It must be unique, memorable and representative of your product or service. Depending on the name you ultimately...

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Similarities and Differences

With such similar sounding names, many Americans mistake Medicare and Medicaid programs for one another, or presume the programs are as similar as their names. While both...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

People. The Essential Component of Your Estate Plan’s Success

Properly drafted estate planning documents are integral to the success of your legacy and end-of-life wishes. Iron-clad estate planning documents, written by a knowledgeable attorney can make...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Preparing Your Family for an Emergency during School Hours

Every family should establish a clear plan to handle an emergency that occurs during school hours. Unfortunately, many parents mistakenly believe that filling out the school’s emergency...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Avoid Family Feuds through Proper Estate Planning

A family feud over an inheritance is not a game and there is no prize package at the end of the show. Rather, disputes over who gets...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Planning Pitfall: Probate vs. Non-Probate Property

Transfer of property at death can be rather complex.  Many are under the impression that instructions provided in a valid will are sufficient to transfer their assets...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

8 Reasons Young People Should Write a Last Will and Testament

Imagine if writing a last will and testament were a pre-requisite to graduating from high school. The graduate walks across the stage, hands the completed will to...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

You’ve Finally Done Your Healthcare Directives – Now What?

Healthcare directives are vitally important. These important documents can mean the difference between your health care wishes being carried out or family members fighting over whether a...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Umbrella Insurance: What It Is and Why You Need It

Lawsuits are everywhere. What happens when you are found to be at fault in an accident, and a significant judgment is entered against you? A child dives...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

If You’re 70 and Have Considerable Assets, Should You Consider Medicaid Planning?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to implement Medicaid planning.  If you’re in good health, now would be the prime time to...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Overview of Life Estates

Establishing a Life Estate is a relatively simple process in which you transfer your property to your children, while retaining your right to use and live in...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Negotiating a Commercial Lease? Be Sure to Address These Issues

When it comes time for your business to move into a new commercial space, make sure you consider the terms of your lease agreement from both business...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

How to Avoid Piercing the Corporate Veil

Many business owners establish corporations to shield themselves from personal liability for business debts and protect their personal assets from creditors of the company. When established and...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Common Estate Planning Myths

Estate planning is a powerful tool that among other things, enables you to direct exactly how your assets will be handled upon your death or disability. A...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

6 Events Which May Require a Change in Your Estate Plan

Creating a Will is not a one-time event. You should review your will periodically, to ensure it is up to date, and make necessary changes if your...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Beware of “Simple” Estate Plans

“I just need a simple will.” It’s a phrase estate planning attorneys hear practically every other day. From the client’s perspective, there’s no reason to do anything...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Can My Employer Enforce a Covenant Not to Compete?

Many employers require their employees to sign agreements which contain covenants not to compete with the company.  The enforceability of these restrictive provisions varies from state-to-state and...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Should I Incorporate My Business?

The primary advantages of operating as a corporation are liability protection and potential tax savings. Like any important decision, choosing whether to incorporate involves weighing the pros...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Should I Transfer My Home to My Children?

Most people are aware that probate should be avoided if at all possible. It is an expensive, time-consuming process that exposes your family’s private matters to public...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Which Business Structure is Right for You?

Which entity is best for your business depends on many factors, and the decision can have a significant impact on both profitability and asset protection afforded to...
Mississippi Estate Planning Lawyer

Don’t Risk it: Protect Your Finances From Coronavirus Complications

Many Americans spend a lot of time and effort in managing their finances. While most are worried about how the coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact their income—whether that’s...