We focus our practice on two primary areas, being Business and Wealth Management:

From Start...
There are many different types of entities that are used when starting a business. At Pawlan Law, LLC, we take the time to learn your business needs and discuss the various options available so that you may make the best decisions for your future. Ownership, management, taxation and liability protection are among the factors we consider when selecting the best business entity for you.

Purchasing an established business can present many opportunities as well as some risks and challenges. Decisions must be made on how to accomplish the purchase due to the various liabilities and tax implications encountered.

We consider more than just the business issues when starting or purchasing an enterprise. Due to our extensive background and experience in Wealth Management, we excel in utilizing different strategies during this process to reduce risks and avoid taxes.

To Finish...
Time passes by quickly when you run your own business and before you know it, the time has come to move on. Determining whether the company will be run by family, key-employees or others should be addressed early in order to secure the future of your company.

There are numerous ways to transfer a business and with our counsel, you can achieve your goals and enjoy your next endeavor. Estate, gift and income taxes are all considered when structuring your exit.

And In Between.
At Pawlan Law, LLC, we often act in the role of in-house counsel for our clients. Our unique knowledge and responsiveness allows us to represent all types and sizes of businesses from sole practitioners to businesses with operations located throughout the world.

As general counsel, we provide a full spectrum of transactional services. Some of our service areas include commercial contracts, employment matters, maintenance of the company's books and records, real estate and trademarks in addition to every day matters. We also have an extensive network of professionals we can access in special circumstances.

Estate Planning
Estate planning is more than just the distribution of your assets. A proper plan acts as a guide to managing your wealth and as a statement and legacy to your heirs. It communicates your vision and values for your family's future.

The primary documents that communicate your message are typically a Last Will and Testament, Living Trust, Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Health Care. These documents can also be used to avoid gift taxes, estate taxes and probate. Wealthier and complex estates start with these documents and utilize more advanced techniques, such as charitable, grantor retained, insurance and intentionally defective trusts.

Paying gift and estate taxes is voluntary and it is your decision as to how much, if any, you wish to pay. Failure to properly plan may expose your estate to a 45% federal estate tax in addition to possible state estate taxes.

Asset Protection Planning
A well-protected estate does not hide your assets from discovery. Instead, it is structured in a way that discloses the title and location of each asset while restricting anyone else's access to it. Many asset protection plans can also shift taxes to lower tax brackets.

The implementation of your plan depends on the value and the types of assets you own, your exposure to liabilities and the presence of potential creditors.

Family Limited Partnerships/LLCs
Family limited partnerships and limited liability companies are entities that should be considered by individuals with substantial wealth or liability exposure. These entities can be used to protect your wealth from creditors in addition to protecting your family from the entity's liabilities. They can also be an important tool in transferring value to your descendants while taking advantage of the various tax laws.

Trust Administration
Administrating a trust requires the proper interpretation of its terms and the fulfilling of its directions. It also involves establishing a team of experts who properly manage the assets and have the ability to interact with the beneficiaries in an empathetic and professional manner. Representing a trust can be very similar to being counsel to a business and a variety of experience and knowledge is essential. We represent many trusts and beneficiaries in all aspects of a trust's administration.

Our attorneys also serve as trustee for numerous trusts. We are responsible for many businesses and millions of dollars in assets that are controlled by these trusts.

Probate
Probate is a legal process that settles a decedent's estate. A probate court will confirm the appointment of the estate's executor who then settles claims against the estate and distributes assets to the beneficiaries. Probate is also the forum for will contests, fiduciary challenges and other disputes with the estate. The attorneys and staff at Pawlan Law, LLC can guide loved ones through this process in a compassionate and efficient manner.

Most estates attempt to avoid the probate process due to the added costs and time incurred in settling its affairs. In some situations, probate can be advantageous as it can reduce an estate's exposure to creditors. We offer the guidance necessary to decide which option is more advantageous to you.