It is estimated that more than 90% of all information created today is stored electronically. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure were amended in 2006 to address such electronically stored information, or “ESI”. Effective January 1, 2011, the Wisconsin Rules of Civil Procedures also are being amended to address ESI and confirm that discovery of […]
The President has signed into law the new tax legislation which recently passed through Congress. Generally, the new tax law extends the existing tax rates for two more years, provides a two percent reduction in the payroll tax, and increases the estate tax exemption to $5 million.
The term “buy-sell agreement” means any legally enforceable arrangement by and among a business entity or its owners prescribing limitations on the ability to own and to transfer equity interests. It is the linchpin between a business succession plan and the estate plans of the owners in determining the future ownership and control of a […]
Attorney Randall L. Nash of O’Neil Cannon was recently selected to serve as Chair of the Professionalism Committee of The State Bar of Wisconsin. The priority of the Professionalism Committee is to maintain, reinforce and enhance professional values and aspirations of members of the Wisconsin State Bar. The committee works to improve bar members’ professionalism […]
Fifteen attorneys from O’Neil Cannon have been selected for inclusion on the Wisconsin Super Lawyers 2010 list. Super Lawyers is a peer-nominated award that recognizes the top 5% of outstanding attorneys across the state of Wisconsin. The Super Lawyers are selected using a rigorous, multiphase rating process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third […]
In keeping with the ghostly time of year, I submit the following legal advice for home sellers. The old rule of “buyer beware” has been eroded over the years by court cases involving less than candid sellers and disappointed buyers. These days, the basic rule in home sales is disclosure. A seller is expected and, […]
Prenuptial Agreements are paradoxical. On one hand, you have a couple who is about to marry and commit to spend the rest of their lives with each other. On the other hand, the couple signs an agreement that spells out what legally happens when a divorce occurs. This paradox can produce tension and anxiety. Prenuptial […]
On September 23rd the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5297 Bill that provides tax breaks and other incentives to businesses. It is anticipated that the bill previously passed by the Senate, will be signed into law shortly. Some of the key provisions of the legislation are as follows: Capital gains exclusion. The bill temporarily increases […]
Attorney Jason Scoby of O’Neil Cannon was recently appointed to serve as Chair of the Corporate, Banking and Business Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association (“MBA”). In this role, Attorney Scoby will focus on providing continuing legal education presentations and resources, as well as networking opportunities for attorneys and other professionals in the corporate, banking, […]
The grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) has been a staple vehicle for estate planning since it was first introduced twenty years ago by the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990. A GRAT can effectively transfer property from a grantor to a beneficiary, while greatly reducing the amount of tax the grantor would otherwise owe on the […]
