Law Office of Phillip L. Beard, Ltd.

05/28/2026

Estate planning puts you in control of your assets and care—start with an inventory, update beneficiaries, and set durable powers of attorney and health‑care directives. Review regularly and consult an estate‑planning attorney for a confidential, state‑specific review.

For estate planning, take inventory, account for family needs, establish directives, review beneficiaries, note state tax laws, weigh getting help and reassess.

05/26/2026

Did you know that outdated beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts or life insurance policies can completely override your trust? Do not let a simple paperwork mismatch misdirect your inheritance. Check out these five vital trust rules and call us to update your plan.

Seniors should review these five revocable living trust rules before June to avoid probate mistakes, tax confusion, and Medicaid surprises.

05/25/2026

Corporate transparency is now a baseline expectation for lenders and investors, not just government red tape. Murky ownership structures can stall transactions and delay venture funding. Read why clear governance matters and let us fortify your legal infrastructure.

https://www.incorp.com/resources/knowledge-base/new-era-corporate-transparency

05/23/2026

Stepparent adoption is both a legal process and an important family decision that can create lasting legal rights and responsibilities. Learn more about the steps involved and what families can expect during the adoption process.

A stepparent must get consent from both biological parents, submit a petition to the court, attend hearings, and take other steps to adopt their stepchild.

05/21/2026

Estate planning involves more than simply filling out forms or using online templates. Learn more about the role an estate planning attorney can play in helping protect your assets and long-term wishes.

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate-planning/lawyers-role/

05/19/2026

Your financial advisor can tell you why you need a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) to protect your wealth, but only an experienced estate planning attorney can legally build it. Read this excellent breakdown on the power of SLATs, and contact our legal team when you are ready to execute your plan.

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/protect-assets-with-a-SLAT

05/18/2026

Contracts set expectations—and hidden risks—so don’t rely on templates alone. Key clauses (scope, payment, termination, dispute resolution, indemnities) can make or break a deal; contact us for a contract review to protect your business.

A business should know what makes a contract enforceable and understand key provisions beyond the main deal, such as termination and dispute resolution.

05/16/2026

The "Right of First Refusal" sounds like a great way to maximize time with your kids, until your ex uses it to micromanage your personal life. If you are dealing with a high-conflict co-parent, this popular custody clause might actually backfire. Read the pros and cons, and contact our firm to draft a parenting plan that protects your peace.

Learn more about right of first refusal and how it commonly works in child custody agreements.

05/14/2026

Beneficiary forms on retirement accounts, life insurance, and POD/TOD accounts generally control who receives those assets — review and update your beneficiary designations after major life events to avoid unintended outcomes.

Most Americans believe their will distributes their estate, but that's not the case with retirement accounts, life insurance, and more.

05/12/2026

The 2026 tax laws offer massive wealth-saving opportunities, but your financial advisor can’t do it alone. Advanced strategies like SLATs, GRATs, and Dynasty Trusts require expert legal drafting to actually work. Read this breakdown of the new rules, then contact our attorneys to legally secure your assets.

Don't wait until it's too late! Get your estate planning strategies in place before 2025. Visit Citizens Private Bank to find out how you can prepare.

05/11/2026

Registering a federal trademark with the USPTO gives you stronger nationwide rights than state or common‑law use — if another business is using your name, preserve evidence of first use and consult a trademark attorney about cease‑and‑desist options and enforcement.

If another company takes your business name, you may want to consider speaking to a business lawyer to decide the best strategy to take. Learn next steps in this guide.