Significant Tax Law Changes Proposed – Potential Impact on Your Estate Planning
New legislation has been proposed which will, if it becomes law, cut the estate and gift tax exemption in half, eliminate valuation discounts, and make many traditional estate planning techniques obsolete. While no one can predict with certainty whether this proposed legislation will pass, you should strongly consider acting now if you want to take […]
Sexual Harassment Claims under Texas Law
Governor Abbott signed two new bills (S.B. 45 and H.B. 21) that extend protections for employees alleging claims of sexual harassment under the Texas Labor Code. Both laws become effective on September 1, 2021. These newly enacted laws extend the period during which employees and ex-employees may file a sexual harassment claim, broaden the definition […]
Branscomb Law Lawyers Named to the Best Lawyers in America®2022 List and Three Recognized as Lawyer of the Year
Branscomb Law is pleased to announce that the following lawyers have been recognized in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®: Patrick H. Autry – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law – Litigation – Bankruptcy James T. Clancy Jr. – Commercial Litigation Joseph McKnight Davis- Litigation – Trusts and […]
Ray Miller
Ray Miller (1939 – 2021) Ray Miller was born in 1939 and grew up in Katy, Texas. A gifted student, he excelled at the University of Texas receiving both his undergraduate degree and law degree with honors. In the distinguished class of 1963, he was an associate editor of the law review, a member of […]
Beneficial Ownership Disclosure: What Is It and Why Should You Care
The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain “Reporting Companies” to report “Personally Identifiable Information” associated with their “Beneficial Owners” to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). Congress passed this law because Congress thought the reporting process would help criminal, money laundering, fraud, tax, and terrorism investigations. Reporting Companies Reporting Companies include corporations, limited liability companies, and […]
District Judge Enters Judgment in The City of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas v. Vincent Caldarola, et al.
State District Judge Kirsten Cohoon entered a final judgment in Cause # 19-850, The City of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas v. Vincent Caldarola ,et al., on November 20, 2020. The judgment, which can be viewed here, confirmed that the City–and not the Caldarolas–owned the easements, the well located on the Caldarola property, and all the […]
Branscomb Law Names Three New Members
Branscomb Law announces the promotion of three lawyers to membership in the firm, effective January 2, 2021: Casey Rickard, Clint Buck, and J.D. Egbert.
US Supreme Court Clarifies Automatic Stay Rule Applicable to Retention of Debtor Property
Most financial institutions are well aware of the automatic stay in bankruptcy and have processes in place to avoid the harsh penalties that could accompany a violation. On January 14, 2021, a unanimous* United States Supreme Court handed down a ruling discussing an alleged violation of the stay and clarified the obligations of creditors in […]
Branscomb Law Member Elected to Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
Branscomb Law is pleased to announce that member Michael W. Stukenberg has been elected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (“ABF”). The ABF Fellows constitute a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession […]
Make Gifts Now to Lock in Estate Tax Savings
In 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), which increased the lifetime individual exemption from estate and gift tax to $10 million. The exemption is adjusted for inflation from time to time, so the exemption for 2020 is now $11.58 million (over $23 million for married couples). The TCJA also provides, […]
