Your business has grown to the point where you need help. That is a milestone worth celebrating — and the moment your legal obligations change significantly. Most "first employee" checklists you'll find online are written for a national audience. They cover the federal basics and stop. New Mexico layers several requirements on top of federal law that apply from your very first hire, and Albuquerque adds its own wage rules that just changed. This guide walks through the obligations in the...

Two jurisdictions claim to be first. Wyoming says it was the first government anywhere to give a DAO a legal home, in 2021. The Marshall Islands says it was the first sovereign nation to do the same, a year later. Neither claim is wrong, and neither answers the question a DAO with contributors on five continents actually has to answer: which one, if either, should hold the treasury? This piece compares the two leading "DAO LLC" statutes — Wyoming's and the Marshall Islands' — on three things:...

If you've ever joked that your dog is the only family member who deserves your money, Wyoming law is prepared to take you seriously. But there's a right way and a wrong way to do it, and the wrong way is more common than you'd think. Let's walk through the mechanics. The Problem: Your Pet Is Property Start with the uncomfortable legal reality. In the eyes of the law, your dog, cat, or horse is personal property — legally closer to your pickup truck than to your children. Property cannot own...

Intellectual property and data rights are among the most technically complex and financially consequential issues in federal aerospace and defense contracting. When companies deliver technical data or computer software developed in whole or in part with government funding—or in collaboration with national laboratories—the allocation of rights can significantly affect both current contract performance and future commercial opportunities. Understanding the governing rules, anticipating...

For many Wyoming families, animals are not incidental property. A horse may be central to a family's identity. Cattle may anchor a ranching operation. A dog may be the animal everyone loves. But when a person dies, animals create immediate confusion. Who owns them now? Who can move them? Who has authority to deal with the brand inspector, veterinarian, boarding facility, or family member already in possession? This article focuses on a single question: when the owner dies, who gets the...

In the aerospace, directed energy, and defense technology sectors, speed matters. Traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracting can deliver rigor and predictability, but it often moves too slowly for today’s rapid technology cycles. Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) offer a powerful alternative for prototyping and early-stage development, allowing the Department of Defense to engage more quickly with both traditional and non-traditional contractors. Regions with strong...

Federal investment in aerospace, directed energy, and defense technology is creating meaningful opportunities for companies that can move quickly, protect sensitive information, and operate within the federal procurement framework. But in these sectors, technical capability alone is rarely enough. Contractors also need disciplined systems for conflicts of interest, cybersecurity, data rights, sourcing restrictions, and teaming arrangements before a promising opportunity becomes a compliance...

Wyoming is one of a minority of states that allows a person to create an irrevocable trust, name themselves as a discretionary beneficiary, and still shield the trust assets from most future creditors. That structure is the Wyoming Qualified Spendthrift Trust (QST) — Wyoming's version of a domestic asset protection trust (DAPT), codified at Wyo. Stat. §§ 4-10-510 through 4-10-523. A QST can be a powerful planning tool, but it is not a magic shield, and the trade-offs are real. Below is a...

As an entrepreneur in Albuquerque, you’re full of big ideas and ready to grow your business. But when it’s time to raise money by selling stock or other investments, you’ll run into something called securities laws. These rules can feel like a puzzle, with pieces at both the federal (U.S.) and state (New Mexico) level. Don’t worry—this guide will explain the basics in a way that’s easy to understand, while still giving you helpful information about raising capital the right way. What Are...

An estate plan is a way to help make sure your wishes are followed related to what happens to your property, money, or even minor children when you’re not around. Normally, you’d want to hire a lawyer to help with this because it can get complicated. But if you’re in a hurry and need something basic right now, here’s how you can put together a bare-bones estate plan in about 20 minutes. Just remember, this is not the best way, and you should really get a lawyer to do it properly when you can. ...

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal paper that lets someone you trust make decisions for you, particularly if you can’t. It’s like picking a backup person to step in when you need help. Setting one up is a big deal, so here are some simple things to consider to make sure it works the way you want. 1. Who Should You Pick? The person you choose—called your “agent”—needs to be someone you trust without reservation. This could be a family member or a close friend. They’ll handle things like...

If you’re starting a business in Albuquerque, one big decision is choosing how to set up your company. Two popular options are an S Corporation (S Corp) and a C Corporation (C Corp). They’re both corporations, but they work differently—especially when it comes to taxes, ownership, and growth. Here’s a breakdown of the differences and why you might pick one over the other. What’s a C Corp? A C Corp is the “classic” corporation. It’s a separate legal entity from its owners, meaning the...

A transfer on death deed is a simple tool you can use in New Mexico to pass your house or land to someone after you’re gone. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand. A Transfer on Death Deed (or TOD Deed for short) is a legally recorded deed that says who gets your real property—like your home—when you pass away. You write it up while you’re still alive, and it only takes effect after you’re not here anymore. Until then, you’re still in control of your property. You can live in it,...

Running a small business in Albuquerque is exciting, but taxes can feel like a heavy burden. One tax that hits many business owners hard is the self-employment tax. This tax covers Social Security and Medicare, and it’s something you pay when you work for yourself instead of a company. In 2025, the rate is 15.3% (of 92.35%) of your net earnings—12.4% for Social Security (up to an income limit of $184,500) and 2.9% for Medicare (no limit). That can add up fast! The good news? There are legal...

If you have a child with a disability, you probably worry about their future. How will they be taken care of when you’re not around? One smart way to plan for this is by setting up a special needs trust . It’s like a safety net that holds money or property for your child, making sure they’re supported without disrupting other help they might get. Let’s break it down. A special needs trust is a legal tool that lets you put money aside for your child. Someone you trust, called a trustee ,...

If you’re starting a small business in Albuquerque, one of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is choosing a business structure. This is like choosing the foundation for your house—it affects how you pay taxes, handle paperwork, and protect your personal assets if something goes wrong. Don’t worry if it sounds complicated; we’ll break it down into simple steps so you can figure out what works best for you. What’s a Business Structure Anyway? A business structure is just the legal...

If you live in Teton County, Wyoming, and are thinking about your estate plan, you might want to consider using a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC is a business structure that can protect your personal assets and help you pass wealth to your family in a smart way. Here’s why and how it could work for you. Why Use an LLC in Your Estate Plan? Protect Your Assets An LLC keeps your personal money and property separate from your business or investment risks. For example, if you own rental...

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you couldn’t make decisions for yourself? Maybe you’re healthy now, but life can throw curveballs. That’s where a power of attorney comes in. It’s like a backup plan that lets someone you trust step in to help you if you’re unable to handle things. It’s not just for old people—it’s for everyone! Let me explain why it’s so important and share some real-life “what if” stories to show how it can save the day. What’s a Power of Attorney Anyway?...

When it comes to planning for the future, two words often come up: will and trust . They both help you decide what happens to your assets—like your house, money, or even your favorite painting—after you’re gone. But they work in different ways. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand! What’s a Will? A will is like a letter you write to tell people what you want to happen with your things after you pass away. It’s a simple document where you say, “I want my wife to get everything,”...

An estate plan is like a roadmap for what happens to your money, house, and other assets after you’re gone. It’s a smart thing to have, but it’s not something you set up once and forget about. Life will often change, and your estate plan will need to change as well. Here are the most common life events that mean it’s time to take a fresh look at your plan. Getting Married or Divorced When you get married, you probably want your spouse to inherit some or all of your things. If you don’t...