Malone, Ault & Farell

06/23/2026

Never sign a mortgage closing document that you do not fully understand. If the terms look different than what you agreed upon, you have the right to pause the process. Walking away from a closing has legal consequences, but signing a bad contract is even worse. Have a real estate attorney review your documents to protect your deposit and your future. Contact our firm today for a consultation.

You don’t have to sign anything unless you're satisfied with the terms. However, you may be able to make corrections to the terms instead of walking away.

06/23/2026

Many homeowners think a reverse mortgage will help their family cover costs after they pass away. The truth is that reverse mortgage credit lines lock up immediately upon death and the loan becomes due. If you want to protect your home and ensure your family has the cash they need for estate taxes, we need to talk. Contact our office to build a proactive estate plan.

Learn how the 2026 estate tax change affects homeowners with reverse mortgages and why heirs can’t use a credit line to pay estate taxes.

06/22/2026

When closing a business, simply signing a private contract with your partners is not enough to end your legal obligations. You must file a formal statement of dissolution with the state to protect yourself from future liabilities and notify the public that the partnership is officially over. Understanding your state's specific filing rules ensures that your legal rights are fully protected during the shutdown.

The end of a partnership is usually difficult for a number of reasons. Here's how to end a partnership on good terms.

06/18/2026

Bought your first home? Single Gen Z women should pair homeownership with an estate plan—at minimum a will, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney—to make sure your house and finances go to who you choose and avoid probate headaches.

Despite purchasing what might now be their biggest asset, women are less likely than men to have any estate planning documents in place.

06/16/2026

Inheriting a home with a mortgage can raise important questions about ownership, loan obligations, taxes, and estate administration. Learn more about the financial and legal considerations that may affect your options as an heir.

In many situations when a family member passes away, beneficiaries inherit both a home and the mortgage that goes with it.

06/15/2026

From choosing a business structure to drafting contracts and maintaining regulatory compliance, legal decisions can affect a company at every stage of growth. Learn more about the role business lawyers play in helping businesses navigate legal challenges and opportunities.

What does a business lawyer do? Learn how they guide companies on contracts, compliance, and disputes to protect and support business success.

06/11/2026

Estate planning does not always require leaving equal inheritances to every beneficiary. Learn more about the legal and personal considerations that may influence decisions regarding unequal distributions in a will.

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/planned-giving/2026/january/passing-unequal-shares-in-your-will

06/09/2026

Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your precise wishes rather than being left to a probate court's discretion. A comprehensive plan protects your loved ones by naming guardians for minor children, minimizing tax liabilities, and preventing family inheritance disputes.

Learn why estate planning is essential for protecting assets, avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, naming guardians, and preventing inheritance disputes.

06/08/2026

If your business experiences a corporate data breach, you must act immediately to secure your operations, fix technical vulnerabilities, and consult legal counsel to navigate federal and state compliance laws. Under strict state and federal notification guidelines, companies are legally required to swiftly notify law enforcement, credit bureaus, and affected individuals to minimize the risk of identity theft. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/data-breach-response-guide-business

06/08/2026

In a standard real estate transaction, closing costs are divided between the buyer and seller to cover vital transfer expenses like loan origination and title insurance. Recent industry rule changes have shifted how agent commissions are handled, making real estate broker fees a direct and essential point of negotiation for both parties.

Who pays closing costs in a home sale? Uncover common buyer and seller responsibilities and the negotiable components of these financial logistics.