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...

A founder decides to raise $200,000. A former colleague will put in $75,000. Two family friends will contribute the rest. In exchange, they will receive minority interests in the company. It feels like a private business transaction. Legally, it may also be a securities offering. That distinction matters because federal and New Mexico securities laws generally require an offer or sale of securities either to be registered or to qualify for an exemption from registration. Being a small...

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,...

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...

When someone passes away, their belongings—like money, a house, or a car—need to be passed on to the people they wanted to have them. This process often involves something called “probate.” But do all wills in Wyoming have to go through probate? Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can understand how it works. What Is Probate Anyway? Probate is like a legal checkpoint. It’s when a court makes sure a person’s will is real and follows the rules. The court also checks that debts, like...

Running a small business in Albuquerque can be rewarding, but disagreements between shareholders (or members or partners) can cause headaches. These conflicts might pop up over money, business decisions, or who’s in charge. Luckily, there are ways to solve these problems and even prevent them by setting up smart rules in your founding documents. Here’s what you need to know. Common Ways to Resolve Shareholder Conflicts Talk It Out (Negotiation) The simplest way to fix a disagreement is for...

As an entrepreneur in Albuquerque, you might be thinking about raising money to grow your business. One option is an intrastate offering—selling shares or investments only to people in New Mexico. This can be a smart way to keep things local, but it comes with rules from both the state and the federal government. What’s an Intrastate Offering? An intrastate offering means you’re only asking New Mexico residents to invest in your company. The idea is simple: keep it in-state, and you might...

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 your net earnings—12.4% for Social Security (up to an income limit of $168,600) and 2.9% for Medicare (no limit). That can add up fast! The good news? There are legal steps you can...

Have you ever thought about who should get your favorite necklace, that old family rocking chair, or maybe a special painting after you’re gone? In Wyoming, there’s a simple way to make sure your personal stuff goes to the right people without a lot of fuss. It’s called a personal property memorandum , and it’s like a wish list you can add to your will. Let’s break it down in an easy way! What Is It? A personal property memorandum is a piece of paper where you list out specific things you...

In Wyoming, a handwritten will is sometimes called a “holographic will.” It’s legal, but there are some rules it has to follow. First, the whole thing must be written in the person’s own handwriting—no typing allowed. Second, they have to sign it themselves. That’s it! Wyoming doesn’t even require witnesses to watch the signing, which makes it different from some other places where witnesses are a must. This rule comes straight from Wyoming statute, which says a holographic will is okay if...

Starting a business can be exciting, and choosing the right structure is a big first step. A general partnership is a popular option for people teaming up to run a business together. It’s easy to set up and gives owners flexibility, but it also comes with risks. Pros and Cons of a General Partnership A general partnership has some great benefits. It’s simple to form—less paperwork is required compared to corporations. You and your partners can split the profits however you agree, and the...