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  Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant • Law Firm  Estate Planning Strategies For Protecting Your Assets While many individuals think of estate planning as a way to minimize their taxes, the strategy is also an important way to protect their assets from creditors and beneficiaries. In times of economic turmoil, lawsuits increase as individuals and governments try to claw back losses. In addition, funds received from bankrupt individuals can be sucked into bankruptcy courts. Structured trusts A trust is a legal structure that will protect your assets in the event of your death. It can also help avoid the probate court process. It is important to choose the right type of trust for your circumstances. An attorney will be able to assist you with this process. You may also wish to consider using a legal services benefit plan or legal insurance to help with your estate planning. These plans often come with an attorney network, which can help you save on your legal expenses....

  Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant • Law Firm  What Are the Requirements to Get a Divorce Lawyer? If you're considering hiring a divorce lawyer, you need to understand what you will need to get your case started. You'll need to know which documents you will need, how to interview a lawyer, and how to get legal aid if you can't afford a lawyer. Having an organized approach will help you move through the divorce process and feel more in control, and will save you money. Documents required to hire a divorce lawyer Before hiring a divorce lawyer, make sure you have all of the necessary documents. These documents will be crucial when determining child support and alimony. These documents include income tax returns and pay stubs. You should also have records of any side hustles, such as commissions or tips. If your spouse is self-employed, he or she will need to provide business forms and income tax returns. Before choosing a divorce lawyer, it is important to meet with...

What are the main roles of a family divorce attorney? Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant at  Ascent Law LLC  (2022–present) The first step towards a successful divorce case is choosing a good lawyer. The lawyer should have experience in your type of case, but they should also have a good rapport with you. This will help you trust their counsel and respect their advice. The lawyer must also understand the stress of separation and be able to provide the support and comfort you need during this difficult time. Job growth The number of divorces in the United States is on the rise and divorce lawyers are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of divorce lawyers will increase 10 percent through 2020, right along with the national average. However, job competition will remain strong, as more law students are graduating than there are job openings. As a result, lawyers will need to be flexible and have a range of work experiences. Moreover, ...

  Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant • Law Firm  The Most Basic Step in Implementing a Business Succession Plan Having a business succession plan is a vital part of ensuring the continued success of your business. Without a plan, the unexpected death or disability of a business owner can put your company at risk. Failure to plan for this scenario can result in a chaotic transition and the wrong assumption of responsibilities. A formal, written succession plan should cover several important aspects. It should also be reviewed on a regular basis. One of the first steps in implementing a succession plan is to draft a business plan. This includes a valuation of the business. It should include funding options and methods for financing the business. It should also document the organizational chart, standard operating procedures, and employee handbook. It should also include a description of how the business would function in the event of the owner's death or disability. I...

  Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant • Law Firm  How to Implement Business Succession? Regardless of what type of business you run, it is important to create a business succession plan. Having one in place will ensure the continuity of your operations and help you secure a smooth transition when it comes time to pass the business on. The process of developing a successful business succession plan will involve a number of steps, including drafting a formal business plan, identifying potential successors, evaluating current staff, and hiring new employees. To be successful, your strategy must be comprehensive and include all stakeholders. Having a clear idea of your goals and objectives will make the task easier. The most basic step in implementing a business succession plan is to identify the key roles, positions, and people to be considered for the upcoming transition. This will allow you to evaluate the talent that is currently on your payroll and determine the bes...

  Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant • Law Firm  What to Know About Business Succession Planning? Creating a business succession plan is crucial for the success of your business. It can ensure that an orderly transition occurs in the event of a death or disability. It also helps employees and suppliers to focus on other business matters and stop worrying about the future. There are a variety of ways that you can create a plan. The key is to determine your goals and then find a plan that best suits your needs. One of the most common succession plans involves selling the business to another person. Using an outside buyer can allow you to build on your legacy and continue your brand. However, this option is not always ideal. This option is typically unplanned and can lead to a messy transition. It can be tricky to negotiate the details of a buy-sell agreement, so it is wise to hire an experienced business transition specialist to help you navigate the process. Another ...

  Kimberly Ann Bastes Legal Assistant • Ascent Law LLC  Business Succession - Getting Ready For It Getting ready for business succession is an important part of any business' growth and success. It's a process of developing skills and knowledge about your company, removing any barriers that may stand in the way of you becoming the next CEO, and selling to an outside party. Leaving your business to an outside party can be a daunting prospect, but it can also be the best choice. It can provide a way to exit the business with dignity, while also providing extra funds for your retirement. When you plan to sell your company, the first thing you'll want to do is calculate its value. You can do this through a business appraisal or by relying on a third-party expert. Depending on your business's value, you may find a buyer willing to pay your asking price, or you may be unable to secure one. Next, you'll need to formalize your business succession plan. A good business succe...