Blogs

Estate Planning

What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for the Estate Tax Exemption

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the Opportunity, Balance, and Better Budget Act , better known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” One of the most consequential provisions in this sweeping legislation is Section 70106, which directly affects high-net-worth individuals and families by permanently extending and expanding the federal estate and gift tax exemption. What Section 70106 Does This section makes several key changes: Permanently extends the federal estate and gift tax…

July 11, 2025

Construction

Northern Virginia Development Fees Surge Towards Full Cost Recovery

Northern Virginia jurisdictions are implementing significant fee increases ranging from 5% to 25% during 2024-2025, with most localities targeting 100% cost recovery for development services. This fundamental shift from taxpayer-subsidized services to developer-funded operations represents the most substantial fee restructuring in nearly a decade, driven by mounting budget pressures and aging technology infrastructure across the…

July 9, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

Maryland’s New Assumable Mortgage Law in Divorce Cases: What You Need to Know About House Bill 1018

When going through a divorce, dividing property can often be one of the most challenging parts of the process—especially when it comes to the marital home. A new Maryland law, House Bill 1018, aims to make that process easier by requiring lenders to allow one party to assume the mortgage on a jointly owned home, rather than requiring a refinance. The law goes into effect on October 1, 2025, and includes retroactive provisions that may apply to existing divorce judgments. If you own property in…

July 9, 2025

Employment Law

The Growing Need for Elder Care Benefits in the U.S.

Listening to a recent Marketplace Business News podcast, I was surprised to learn of recent data that reveals a significant shift in the caregiving landscape: for the first time, more adults in the U.S. are now providing informal care for their elderly relatives, spouses, or neighbors than for their preschool-aged children. This demographic and social…

June 24, 2025

Business and Financial Services

Yes, Virginia, You Do Have to Respond to That Civil Investigative Demand

Receiving a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the Office of the Virginia Attorney General can be a jarring experience. Whether you are the target of an investigation or an innocent third party, receiving a CID can leave you feeling uncertain about your next steps. But let’s be clear: a CID is not something you can…

June 23, 2025

Business and Financial Services

What’s New in HUBZone? A 2025 Update on Program Changes and Compliance

In early 2022, we outlined the requirements for businesses seeking and maintaining HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification. Since then, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a number of key regulatory changes and policy updates that materially affect HUBZone participants. From revised maps to clarified compliance standards, these changes are reshaping how small businesses…

June 23, 2025

Employment Law

What Federal Employers and Employees Need to Know About OPM’s 2025 Merit Hiring Plan

In furtherance of Executive Order 14170, issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently released a sweeping Merit Hiring Plan that will significantly alter how the federal government hires and evaluates candidates for employment. If you’re a federal employee, HR specialist, or contractor working with government agencies…

June 17, 2025

Estate Planning

Choosing the Right Trustee: What Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Dispute Can Teach Us

When iconic singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett passed away in 2023, few expected that his carefully crafted estate plan would become the subject of controversy. But in a recent petition filed in Florida, Buffett’s wife, Jane Buffett, alleges that a co-trustee of her late husband’s estate slashed her income from the trust to less than 1%, acted with hostility, and failed to be transparent. Now she’s asking the court to have that co-trustee removed. This case is a cautionary tale for anyone…

June 12, 2025

Construction

No Surprises, No Excuses: How Construction Firms Should Prepare for the Rise in Worksite Immigration Raids

With immigration enforcement actions ramping up across job sites nationwide, contractors and developers can no longer afford to ignore developing a response plan in advance. If ICE shows up at your jobsite or office, you need to understand the law and your obligations. You need to develop a coherent response plan and convey that plan…

June 10, 2025

Business and Financial Services

Building a Great Nonprofit Board: No Tourists, No Ghosts, No Dead Weight

There is a lot of mythology in the nonprofit world around what makes a great board of directors. Does it take prestige names or deep pockets? Some start by using friends or family. None of that matters if your board isn’t actively engaged, aligned on mission, vision, and values, and capable of respectfully challenging each…

June 9, 2025