Posts written by buteralaw

Now You See It . . .(An Exercise in Illogic)

One of the stranger recent announcements of the federal government was that it had created an Office of Misinformation. After considerable protest, it was proclaimed that – never mind! – the office had been disbanded. Or had it been? If by definition their job is to… Continue reading

Child Support – Are You Getting Enough for Your Kids?

If you are receiving child support payments as part of an agreement or as part of a court order, you may not be getting as much as the law provides you. If you are paying child support, you may be paying more than you have… Continue reading

Identity Theft Update

Despite the growing public awareness of the crime of identity theft- when someone uses your personal information to gain credit in your name – the number of cases continues to grow at an alarming rate. Identity theft takes money from businesses, increases the cost of credit… Continue reading

The Queen’s English — Hope Springs Eternal

The misuse of the word hopefully continues unabated. To say “Hopefully, Bill will remember to get milk at the store” is to say that when he remembers the milk, Bill will be full of hope. This is not what the speaker intended; what was intended… Continue reading

It’s Better To Give…

In 2001, Americans gave an estimated $203 billion to charities. Since many of you contributed to this figure, it might be worth reviewing some charitable giving options that also carry favorable income and estate tax advantages. One income tax advantaged strategy appreciated that we can… Continue reading

Divorce and the Equitable Distribution of Property

If divorcing couples cannot agree on how to divide their property, either party has the option to request an “equitable distribution hearing.” A count for equitable distribution can be included in the initial divorce complaint. At an equitable distribution hearing, husband and wife will present… Continue reading

Ch Ch Ch Changes…

Every so often we devote our attention to some of the changes that have occurred around BBC&B: Walt Reed has joined us in our estate planning and administration department. Walt brings with him a high level of expertise in planning estates of all sizes, with… Continue reading

The Queen’s English

The general rule is that the word different (which is an adjective) should be followed by from, though in common usage than is often used. The “purists” apparently argue that the rule is unbending, and the use of than is always incorrect. The use of… Continue reading

Tax Advantaged Savings for College

Congress enacted Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to provide individuals with a tax-favored vehicle to save for college expenses. Section 529 plans are sponsored by states and allow an individual to contribute regardless of their income level. The earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals… Continue reading

An Overview of Corporations

A corporation is created by statute and possesses all of the privileges, responsibilities, and rights of a natural person, including the right to due process, equal protection, and attorney-client privilege. A corporation is a legal entity separate from its officers, directors, and shareholders. It has… Continue reading