Evergreen Law Group, LLCEvergreen Law Group, LLC2026-05-22T16:47:41Zhttps://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304424/2022/06/cropped-EVERGREEN-favicons-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Creating an estate plan when your first child is born]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476992026-05-22T16:47:41Z2026-05-22T16:47:41ZFor many people, the birth of their first child is also the first time they start considering an estate plan. Even people who do not have children can certainly benefit from a plan, but this is often the catalyst that causes people to think about it more carefully. They want to make sure that things go well for their child, even if they pass away unexpectedly.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to plan for your child’s future. Even though the future in general is unpredictable, having a plan in place can give you stability and peace of mind. Below are two areas to consider.
Setting up a trust
For one thing, it can be complex to transfer assets to someone who is still a minor. They may not be able to access those assets until they become a legal adult.One tactic parents sometimes use to make this transfer is to set up a trust with their child named as the beneficiary. Even if you passed away while your child was still very young, the assets would be held for them in the trust, and a trustee could access the funds and authorize any necessary distributions.
Choosing a guardian
From a practical standpoint, you may also want to consider choosing a guardian in your estate plan. This person would take on many parental roles. They could gain custody rights to your child, provide them with a stable living situation, make medical decisions, make educational decisions and much more. Choosing the correct guardian is one of the best ways for you to know exactly who is going to raise your child if you are unable to do so yourself.
Drafting your estate plan
It is important to carefully consider all of your legal options when making an estate plan. It can help to work with an experienced attorney at this time.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[The importance of accurate values during trust administration]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476972026-05-07T10:23:07Z2026-05-07T10:23:07ZUndervalued assets can diminish a trust’s value
Real estate, business holdings and other significant assets can be challenging for individuals to value. Professional assistance is often necessary to ensure that the fair market value sought when listing assets for sale actually reflects what those resources are worth.
Factors ranging from market conditions to details about individual assets can drastically alter what buyers might agree to pay for specific trust resources. Trustees generally need to take steps that preserve the value of trust resources and maximize what beneficiaries receive from the trust.
The failure to properly value critical assets before selling them could result in the trust losing significant value. Especially in scenarios where the assets liquidated are main sources of funding for the trust, making a reasonable effort to determine an appropriate fair market value and pursue offers from those willing to pay what the asset is worth is a key responsibility.
When beneficiaries realize that a trustee has damaged a trust by selling assets for less than their fair market value or offering them for sale for unreasonably low amounts, they may need to take legal action. The courts can prevent asset transfers, replace a trustee or hold them responsible for the economic impact of their valuation errors.
Reviewing proposed sale terms or disclosure documents outlining the recent sale of trust resources with a legal professional can help those concerned about trust administration take appropriate legal action.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[How proper business formation is integral in your success]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476962026-04-23T10:14:19Z2026-04-23T10:14:19ZStarting a business is an exciting step, but success depends on more than a great idea. The foundation you build at the beginning can shape how your business grows and operates over time.
Proper business formation ensures that your venture is legally recognized and structured for stability. It also helps you avoid costly mistakes that may arise from poor planning or lack of compliance.
Choosing the right business structure
Selecting a business structure is one of the most important decisions you will make. Options may include sole ownership, partnerships or limited liability entities.Each structure affects your personal liability, taxes and management style. Choosing correctly ensures that your business operates efficiently and aligns with your long-term goals.
Registering your business properly
Once you choose a structure, formal registration is required. This step gives your business legal recognition and allows you to operate within the law.Registration often includes filing documents, obtaining identification numbers and meeting local requirements. Completing this step correctly builds credibility and protects your operations.
Securing licenses and permits
Many businesses require specific approvals before they can begin operations. These may depend on your industry, location and type of service.Obtaining the right licenses ensures compliance with regulations and prevents interruptions and also shows customers and partners that your business is trustworthy and legitimate.
Setting up financial systems
A well-structured business requires organized financial systems. This includes opening dedicated accounts and maintaining accurate records.
Maintaining compliance over time
Business formation is not a one-time task. Ongoing requirements such as filings, renewals, and record keeping must be maintained.Staying compliant protects your business from penalties and ensures continued operation without disruption.
Final thoughts
Proper business formation lays the groundwork for long-term success and also influences how your business is managed, taxed and protected.Seeking professional legal guidance can help you make informed decisions, avoid risks and build a strong foundation that supports sustainable growth.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[How to choose a business structure]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476952026-04-06T14:36:29Z2026-04-06T14:36:29ZOne of the first decisions small business owners have to make is what type of business structure they’re going to use. This sounds like it’s just a technical decision, but it’s actually the foundation that determines how your business will function.
The structure of the business affects how you handle taxes, your personal liability, rules for ownership and how the company can raise money. You have to decide how you need to balance practical needs, flexibility and protection.
4 general business structures
Sole proprietorships are the simplest business structure, but these don’t offer any protection. You own the company alone, and there’s no division between your personal assets and the business. This is typically only suitable for low-risk businesses. A limited liability company, often referred to as an LLC, is another simple business structure. This is a bit different from the sole proprietorship because it has a dividing line between your personal assets and the company. There’s a flexibility with taxes because you can claim the LLC’s income on your personal tax return; however, there’s also the option to have it taxed as a corporation. Partnerships are another option, which allows for more than one person to own the company. These require partnership agreements that outline the duties and responsibilities of each partner. Corporations are another business structure. These are highly regulated and complex. There are different types of corporations, each of which has different requirements and benefits. Most small businesses will start out as an LLC or sole proprietorship if there’s one owner. An LLC or partnership is possible when there’s more than one owner. It’s critical that the decision is based on the business’ risk level, tax plan and future goals. Working with someone who can explain the benefits and risks of each option and assist with getting the business set up is beneficial. ]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Why certain assets may not be distributed based on your will ]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476942026-03-24T00:53:35Z2026-03-24T00:53:35Ztwo examples.
Assets with the right of survivorship
In some cases, a surviving spouse will have a right of survivorship, meaning that they automatically inherit a certain asset. This may be true even if it goes against what the will states.
An example could be a family home. A will may say that the home should pass to the adult children, but a spouse who has a right of survivorship to that real estate may get to keep the home themselves.
Life insurance payouts
It is also important to consider life insurance policies, which require a beneficiary designation. When someone purchases a life insurance policy, they need to choose a beneficiary.
Generally speaking, if there is a conflict between this beneficiary designation and the will, the life insurance company will just pay the beneficiary that is listed on the documentation. They are not interested in what the estate plan says, so the beneficiary designation takes precedence.
Addressing complex assets
Ensuring that your estate plan reflects the beneficiary designations you’ve made elsewhere can help prevent confusion and disputes after you’re gone. It’s also crucial to recognize the cases in which something other than your estate plan documents will take precedence. Having experienced legal guidance will help you take the necessary steps to distribute them appropriately.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Typosquatting can be a form of trademark infringement]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476932026-03-05T22:23:32Z2026-03-05T22:23:32ZBrand recognition is important for a company’s success. When consumers recognize the name of a business or its most popular products, brand loyalty often follows.
Companies with successful brands often trademark logos and brand names to prevent infringement by competitors. Other organizations may try to use one brand's success for a quick profit, often by confusing or taking advantage of consumers. Typosquatting is one way that trademark infringement and brand imitation can manifest in the digital economy.
What is typosquatting?
Successful companies often register their names and logos as official trademarks. Other businesses cannot use a trademarked name or logo without infringing on a business’s rights. Companies also often register the domain names associated with their various brands or most popular products. Those hoping to confuse consumers and piggyback off a brand's success might purchase domain names that are incredibly similar but with a simple misspelling. Typosquatting allows a competitor to divert traffic intended for a specific company or brand. Organizations may try to sell similar goods or products after registering a similar domain name to a well-known competitor. Typosquatting not only diminishes an organization’s sales by diverting purchases made by consumers who spell the company name incorrectly, but the organization impersonating another brand can cause real damage to an established brand’s reputation. The failure to deliver products or the sale of substandard products under an intentionally similar and confusing name can lead to consumers blaming the actual brand for the misconduct of a competitor trying to pose as the trusted organization. Fighting back against trademark infringement may require going to court. Businesses affected by typosquatting may need help assessing their situation and taking appropriate action.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[3 key responsibilities of trustees during trust administration]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476922026-02-19T22:17:08Z2026-02-19T22:17:08Z1. Regular communication
Trustees generally need to provide timely and accurate information to beneficiaries of the trust. They generally need to update beneficiaries when there are changes to the trust’s holdings. Regular communications and annual accounting are key responsibilities for trustees.
2. Asset management
Trustees have a fiduciary duty to beneficiaries. Acting in their best interests typically requires the careful preservation and management of trust resources. Trustees should take steps to ensure that they preserve the value of trust resources or obtain a fair market value when liquidating trust assets. Proper management of resources is a critical component of a trustee’s duty to beneficiaries.
3. Compliance with instructions
The trustor may have provided numerous unique instructions regarding the management of trust resources and the distributions made to beneficiaries. Trustees should not impose their own wishes or values on the trust. They should diligently ensure that they adhere to the guidelines provided by the creator of the trust, as well as any applicable laws.
Trustees may need assistance ensuring that they uphold their fiduciary duty and minimize controversies related to trust administration. Getting experienced estate planning guidance can help trustees protect themselves from removal efforts and the risk of financial liability.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[3 tips for discussing your estate plan with your loved ones]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476912026-02-09T01:22:11Z2026-02-09T01:22:11Z1. Do it with everyone at the same time
One reason many people choose events such as Thanksgiving or Christmas to discuss their estate plan is that it might be the only time they have their whole family together. Telling everyone involved at the same time can reduce the chance of accusations of favoritism or incorrect information being passed on to a person who was not there.
2. Timing matters
Let’s say you’ve decided to talk to everyone during a family gathering. Think about what the most suitable time in the day would be -- especially if you suspect that some family members might be unhappy with what they hear. Doing it early in the day could dominate or even negatively affect the rest of the day. However, leaving it until late in the evening could mean that people who have been drinking might react in ways they later regret.
3. Have an idea of what you want to say
While your estate plan will likely cover a lot of things, you don’t necessarily need to discuss them all in the initial conversation. Considering what you do and do not want to cover can help you avoid omitting something important or having the discussion become overly drawn out.
If you have experienced legal guidance with your estate planning, this can help you get the information you need to explain things clearly and answer any questions that might arise.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[What is the purpose of a buy-sell agreement in a partnership?]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476902026-02-07T21:51:27Z2026-02-07T21:51:27ZWhat is a buy-sell agreement?
A buy-sell agreement is essentially a contract outlining the terms for one partner to acquire the other's interest in a shared organization. Buy-sell agreements may impose numerous requirements, such as using a specific valuation method when calculating what the company is worth.
They may impose obligations on the exiting partner to provide transition services. They may also include restrictive covenants to prevent unfair competition. Buy-sell agreements help prevent damaging litigation where partners fight with one another over a proposed buyout.
By establishing terms in advance, the partners make it possible to protect the organization as a whole while balancing each of their interests in a buyout scenario. The terms set in a buy-sell agreement are typically binding once both partners sign, although they only take effect in qualifying circumstances.
Aspiring business owners who have support when creating a business plan and negotiating critical contracts can create documents that effectively protect the organization. Working with a lawyer is often beneficial for those who want to start successful companies and need custom documents for that purpose.]]>On Behalf of Evergreen Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[3 Common Joint Property Mistakes in Estate Planning and How to Avoid Them]]>https://www.evergreenlawgroup.net/?p=476752025-07-31T14:07:24Z2025-07-31T14:07:24ZPlanning for the future is one of the most responsible decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. While estate planning covers a broad range of topics, one area that often catches people off guard is joint property ownership. Though it may seem straightforward, joint property ownership can have significant implications for your estate plan.
Common Joint Property Mistakes to Avoid
1. Failing to Consider Long-Term Implications
Many people add a relative, a spouse, a child, or a sibling as a joint owner without understanding the long-term repercussions. For instance, adding a child as a joint owner to a bank account might seem convenient for managing finances, but it can expose the account to their creditors or disputes in the event of a divorce.How to Avoid It: Consult with an estate planning attorney to explore alternatives, such as granting power of attorney for financial purposes. This allows someone to manage your finances without impacting ownership or risking your assets.
2. Not Regularly Reviewing Ownership Arrangements
Life changes, such as marriages, divorces, or the death of a co-owner, can affect joint property ownership in critical ways. However, many people fail to update their ownership arrangements to reflect these changes.How to Avoid It: Review your estate plan, including joint property ownership, periodically or after major life events. This ensures that your arrangements remain aligned with your intentions.
3. Relying on Verbal Agreements
Relying on informal, verbal agreements between co-owners is a common but risky practice. If disputes arise, verbal agreements rarely hold up in court, leading to unnecessary conflicts.How to Avoid It: Document all property agreements clearly and ensure they are legally enforceable. A qualified attorney can draft documents that reflect your intentions and provide clarity to all parties involved.
The Bottom Line
Joint property ownership can be a valuable part of your estate plan, but it requires careful consideration and proactive planning. A single mistake, such as overlooking state laws or ignoring tax implications, can create challenges for your loved ones down the road. The good news? With professional guidance, you can structure your assets to align with your goals and minimize stress for everyone involved.
How [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] Can Help You
At [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"], we specialize in helping individuals and families create personalized estate plans that protect their assets and honor their wishes. Whether you need to address joint property issues or craft a comprehensive plan, we’re here to help.Call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll ensure your estate plan safeguards what matters most.]]>