I. Form of Ownership. A good estate plan should include a review of how your assets are titled. The form of ownership can affect the availability of estate tax exemptions, creditors’ rights, and which document controls how the asset is distributed at your death. II. Last Will and Testament. A written Will is a legal...Read More
Choosing a Legal Structure for Your Social Enterprise At Catalyst Law, we define a “social enterprise” as any organization that has elements of “doing well financially by doing good.” Under this definition, social enterprises can take many forms – from strictly for-profit businesses to nonprofit organizations, with several options in between. This six-part series will...Read More
A “zebra company” is one whose business model strives for both purpose and profit. We’re thrilled when we have an opportunity to help zebra companies develop the legal structure they need to have a dual-impact mission. And we are proud to be a zebra company ourselves, dazzling* brightly with the other zebra companies we know. At...Read More
Benefit companies now enjoy a new tax advantage over traditional corporate entity types. In October 2016, the IRS announced that benefit companies’ advertising expenses are deductible as a business expense, even when the payment is made to a nonprofit organization.[1] In 31 states, businesses have the option to incorporate a business as a “benefit company.”...Read More
Common Reason #3: I do not have enough time or enough money to hire an estate planning lawyer. Q: How much do you pay your financial planner on an annual basis? A: You either pay by the hour, or you pay at least 1% annually based on your total assets under management. For example, if...Read More
Common Reason #2: I do not want to contemplate my own death It is difficult to think about one’s own demise, but whether you plan for it or not, eventually someone will need to sort out your estate. If you do not put a plan in place, state law dictates what will happen with your assets...Read More
Common Reason #1: I do not have enough money to be concerned about estate planning. The reality is that just about everyone needs an estate plan.* State law provides a contingency plan in case you die without a will (“intestate”), but there is no backup plan if you become incapacitated and unable to manage your financial...Read More
Do you need an estate plan? Absolutely (but we’re biased). If you don’t believe us, you are in good company: According to Forbes , 62% of adult Americans, ages 45 – 54, do not have wills. For women in this age group, the number is slightly higher – 67%. For the baby boom generation, the...Read More
Recently Portland Business Journal featured Catalyst Law, placing emphasis on one type of client served by the firm: “The trio will unite its expertise in business law, estate planning and nonprofits to help social startups at Hatch and beyond with the complexities of operating businesses. They have special expertise in marrying for-profit enterprises with nonprofit...Read More
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.
Kofi Annan
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all content, laws change frequently and may vary by jurisdiction. You should not act or rely on any information found on this site without first seeking the advice of a qualified attorney who is familiar with your specific legal situation.
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