Phoenix couple with children from a prior marriage died without wills or a trust and left assets in their individual names as tenants in common. DeAngelis Legal opened informal probates for each spouse’s intestate (without a will) estate. The probates allowed the appointed personal representative with the power to take control over the property and [...]
Scottsdale couple was unsatisfied with the estate plan recently drafted by another firm and had a gut instinct that something wasn’t right. DeAngelis Legal reviewed the plan and the couple’s intentions and made significant recommendations to minimize income tax liabilities, increase flexibility and facilitate administration upon a death of each spouse. DeAngelis Legal has dealt [...]
Scottsdale clients with adult children expanded their real estate investment and development activities and desired to formalize their corporate structure to maximize their estate tax, income tax and creditor protection benefits of the structure. Working with the client’s CPA, DeAngelis Legal advised the client on the various alternatives and choice of entity issues, created a [...]
DeAngelis Legal updated the core estate planning documents for four different families. From simple wills to complex trusts, regardless of the plan, it should be reviewed at least every five years. Recent estate tax law changes reduced the need for complex asset allocation provisions and shifted the emphasis to preserving income tax benefits. These subtle [...]
Eventually, everyone needs help. It is common for an elderly parent to request that an adult child or other third party sit in on the estate planning meeting and be included in the correspondence as a matter of convenience. In the past, we would meet privately with the parent to identify any indicia of undue [...]
Scottsdale corporate and estate planning client desired to start a new commission-based business. DeAngelis Legal worked with the client to select the type of entity, LLC or corporation, and how its income would be taxed. DeAngelis Legal also created the formation documents and made sure the new entity fit within the client’s overall corporate and [...]
Unmarried Scottsdale couple desired to purchase a personal residence together, but wanted their respective families to receive the financial benefit from the investment upon their death. DeAngelis Legal worked with the client to create a tenants in common agreement, which addressed who would be responsible for managing the property, how expenses related to the property [...]
Estate Planning Update July 2026 2026 Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: remains $19,000 per donor, per donee. 2026 Gift and Estate Tax Exemption: increased to $15,000,000 per person this year (an increase of $110,000 per individual or $220,000 for a married couple) and made permanent. Marital Deduction for Transfers to U.S. Spouse: remains unlimited. 2026 Generation [...]
In today’s evolving workplace, clarity and consistency are essential for building strong employer-employee relationships. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is a well-drafted employment agreement. Far from being just a formality, an employment agreement plays an important role in protecting businesses, setting expectations, and fostering long-term success. What is an Employment Agreement? [...]
High net worth Scottsdale couple sought assistance with creating a structure and strategy to make lifetime gifts to their children. DeAngelis Legal advised the clients on the varying interests of their children in the family business and income and estate tax issues. We also worked with the client’s bookkeeper, accountant and banker to design, draft [...]
