As family businesses grow, many reach a point where outside investment becomes a practical way to fund expansion, improve operations, or support succession planning. But bringing in outside capital often raises concerns. How do you maintain control? What happens to the family’s long-term vision? And how do you align a new investor’s...
Evaluating Opportunity Zone Investments: Legal and Tax Considerations
If you're looking to reduce capital gains taxes while making a long-term investment, Opportunity Zones may sound appealing. These zones were created to attract capital to underdeveloped areas by offering investors significant tax incentives. While the potential benefits are real, it’s important to understand the legal and tax rules that come with...
Legal Challenges in Multi-Generational Family Businesses
Running a family business across multiple generations is both rewarding and complex. When relatives are involved in day-to-day decisions, disagreements can become personal, succession can be uncertain, and legal risks may increase. At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we help Pennsylvania family businesses protect what they’ve built while planning for a successful...
What Happens to Your Loved One’s Estate Immediately After They Pass Away?
There are few things more emotionally traumatic than losing a loved one. Our close relatives are such a major part of our lives, and when they pass away we are faced with having that absence in our lives. Nevertheless, there are things you are going to have to attend to when your...
7 Questions to Ask a Business Attorney
If you and your business are seeking legal representation, you are going to want to find out about the attorney and law firm you are considering retaining. This involves having one or more meetings at which you will need to find out as much as possible about the firm. This is to...
What are the Rules for Inheritance in Pennsylvania?
Many people here in Pennsylvania have taken steps to address their estate planning. These folks have drafted wills or created trusts that will ensure that their assets go to their assigned heirs or beneficiaries upon their death. But a surprising number of people haven’t done this, trusting the future of their loved...
Guidelines for Drafting a Business Contract
Business contracts are a key part of making sure you get what you bargained for when you make a deal. Where in the past, many businesses could get by on a handshake, in today’s world, if you don’t get it in writing, then you may be setting yourself up for bigger problems...
Benefits of Having a Business Lawyer Present When Signing a Contract
Many experienced business owners have been through contract negotiations and think they can save a few dollars by not hiring an attorney. While this may work out for them, they could be taking an unnecessary risk since they may be missing the many benefits of having a business lawyer present to help...
Taxes and Incentives for New Pittsburgh Businesses
Pittsburgh is not only a great place to live, but also a wonderful city to do business. This is why we have seen so many new businesses start here or relocate to Pittsburgh. If you are considering opening a new business here or moving an existing one to Pittsburgh, then you may...
The Pros and Cons of Living Trusts
Sometimes a last will and testament is not enough for your estate planning and you need more protection, control, and tax benefits than can only be provided if you set up a living trust. However, while many think a living trust only makes sense for high net worth individuals, it can provide...