R. Bruce Laing

I do estate planning for first and second marriage couples and for unmarried couples, including same-sex couples. I draft special trusts to hold residences and other jointly owned properties that are coordinated with co-habitation agreements and individual estate plans. I also draft third party special needs trusts fo protect minor and adult children who have special needs. I also draft Family Limited Partnerships, LLC's and post-divorce trusts to hold special assets after divorce.

I do business planning with and without associated estate planning. I favor LLCs and Family Limited Partnerships. I draft buy-sell agreements and help with business succession planning. I also draft specialized plans for Family Law property divisions when it is not practical, or does not make sense to liquidate a business because of a divorce.

Real estate ownership and division are an integral part of both estate planning and marital agreements, including pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Taxes, Reassessment, liability protection, and ease of sale or division depend upon the existence of clear, well thought out agreements between owning parties. The alternative is frequently lengthy, expensive and unsatisfying litigation. It pays to plan ahead.