The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a mechanism by which concerned citizens can request specific information regarding the running of government. The federal government, federal agencies, and others that receive federal funding are obligated, with certain exceptions, to disclose information upon request. For state agencies, the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act gives…
When planning an estate, one aspect your trusts and estates attorney will consider is the location of your property, particularly real property, when setting up your trusts. This is especially true when you want the trusts to run for a long period of time and control your assets for the benefit of your children and…
If you’ve been involved in business litigation in Utah, you know how time-consuming and stressful the legal process can be. You and your employees are expected to appear multiple times for depositions and trial and these appearances can stretch into multiple days for complex or hard-fought cases. Further, your company resources are being used to…
Even with the most comprehensive estate planning, it is still a good idea to do a pour-over will. While the bulk of your assets may be distributed without the probate process, any assets not included in the plan, such as your personal effects, money in your individual bank account, or a new car you just…
Many businesses now keep records that are almost completely digital, meaning that they are saved on computers or in the cloud and can, by accident or intentionally, be erased at the push of a button. However, a business that is facing or involved in litigation needs to put a digital information preservation strategy in place.…
If part of your wealth lies in the ownership of a business, then you may be looking for how to pass on that business to your loved ones. This is especially true for businesses such as rental and real estate holding companies and others that require less management to generate income. For many business owners,…
Business owners often seek to represent their business in court. Attorneys can be expensive and, especially for minor issues, self-representation may seem like the best course. This could backfire on a business and it may even be illegal, especially when handling litigation where larger sums of money or specific types of issues are in dispute.…
A wonderful way to give to charities you support, from your favorite local mission to the college that helped you gain the skills you needed to succeed in life is to leave a gift to that charity in your estate. When discussing your estate plan, you should mention your desire to give to charity and…
From time to time, different Utah agencies choose to audit businesses in the state. Audits are conducted by a number of different state agencies looking into various different aspects of your businesses. They serve as a routine way for the agency to check and ensure your business, as a sample of the state’s businesses, is…
Estate planning, especially when handling larger estates, complex family situations, or unique assets, often involves setting up and funding various types of trusts. Utah law on trusts and estates has its own unique quirks that make it important to have an experienced estate attorney help you determine the best way to organize your assets in…