Understanding Joint Trusts: A Survivor’s Trust vs. A Decedent’s Trust When it comes to estate planning, many married couples choose to share almost everything, including their finances. This often leads to the decision of using a joint living trust instead of two separate ones. While separate trusts offer greater flexibility, a joint trust can be…
Two Out of Three Americans Die Without a Will. Don’t Be One of Them. Nearly two-thirds of Americans pass away without a will, a legal situation known as dying intestate. When that happens, you lose your voice. Instead of your wishes guiding what happens to your money, property, and loved ones, state law takes over…
Equal or Fair? How to Decide What Makes Sense for Your Estate Plan One of the most emotionally complex questions families face during estate planning is whether children or grandchildren should be treated equally or fairly. While the question sounds simple on the surface, the answer is often deeply personal and shaped by family relationships,…
Who Gets Grandma’s Necklace, Your Wedding Ring, or That Handwritten Recipe Book? Most estate plans answer who gets the house or who receives the bank account, but what about the items that carry your heart, not just your net worth? In 2026, families are realizing that the biggest conflicts rarely come from money. They come from…
Funding Your Revocable Trust A Critical Step Many People Miss Many individuals today choose to implement their estate plan through a revocable living trust. One of the primary advantages of a revocable trust is that it helps keep your assets out of the probate process after death. However, that benefit only works if your assets…
What Is Trust Decanting? When a bottle of wine is decanted, it is poured from one container into another to improve its quality.Trust decanting works in a similar way. When a trust is decanted, the accounts and property from an existing trust are distributed into a new trust with updated and more favorable terms. Because…
The Holiday Conversation That Could Save Your Family From Future Conflict As the holiday season approaches, families across the world will gather to celebrate, share cherished memories, and enjoy each other’s company. While the holidays are meant to be filled with joy, love, and laughter, they can also bring underlying tensions to the surface—especially when…
Build Your Business on the Right Legal Foundation Starting or transitioning a business is not just about having a great idea. It is about having the right legal foundation. At Ruddy Law Firm, we guide business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs through every stage so your business is protected today and positioned for growth tomorrow. Corporations…
The Importance of Efficient Record-Keeping for Small Business Owners For small business owners, efficient record-keeping is not just a best practice—it’s a critical component for success and sustainability. In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying on top of your records isn’t just about maintaining organization; it’s about ensuring your business remains compliant, financially healthy, and able…
Secure Your Business’s Future: 3 Essential Steps to a Successful Succession Plan As a successful business owner, you’ve poured years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice into building your company. You’ve mastered the art of sweat equity and know the value of perseverance. But what happens when you can no longer run your business due…