As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for a legal review of your business’s legal health. Elevate Your Business in 2024: A Legal Checklist for The New Year – Cooper & Huber says, “By adopting a proactive and strategic approach, you position your business for resilience, growth, and sustained success.” Taking care of these essential tasks now can help you avoid surprises in the new year and ensure your business is in great shape to thrive in 2025.
Here’s your end-of-year legal checklist:
1. Review Contracts and Agreements
Ensure that all contracts, leases, and vendor agreements are up to date and reflect your current business relationships. Look for clauses that may need renegotiation or renewal heading into the new year.
2. File Any Necessary Annual Reports
Check your state’s requirements for annual reports or filings. Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties or even jeopardize your business’s good standing.
3. Reassess Your Business Structure
Is your current legal structure (LLC, partnership, corporation) still serving your business goals? If not, now is the time to consult an attorney about making changes for the year ahead.
4. Conduct an Intellectual Property Audit
Ensure that trademarks, copyrights, and patents are up to date and properly registered. If you’ve introduced new products, services, or branding this year, make sure you’ve protected your intellectual property.
5. Verify Employee and Contractor Agreements
Review employee handbooks, contracts, and independent contractor agreements to ensure compliance with labor laws and any changes that occurred this year.
6. Update Your Estate Plan
For business owners, it’s critical to integrate your estate plan with your business succession plan. Ensure your assets and your business are protected for your heirs or successors.
7. Prepare for Tax Season
Work with your accountant and attorney to review tax obligations. Take advantage of any end-of-year tax planning opportunities and ensure that all financial documents are organized for filing in the new year.
8. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Review potential liabilities, such as pending litigation or unresolved disputes. Addressing these before the end of the year can save time and resources.
9. Evaluate Compliance Requirements
Check for new laws and regulations in your industry that may impact your operations in 2025. Updating your policies now ensures compliance and peace of mind.
10. Consult with Your Legal Team
End-of-year is the ideal time to schedule a review meeting with your legal counsel. They can identify any overlooked issues and help you start the new year strong.
At Tressler & Associates, we’re here to help you cross off every item on your checklist. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, planning for taxes, or preparing your business for growth, our experienced team is ready to assist.
Contact us here to schedule your end-of-year legal review. Let’s ensure 2025 is your business’s best year yet!
The holiday season is full of joy and celebration, but it’s also a busy time of year. If you’re buying a home or refinancing, adding a real estate closing to your to-do list can feel like a lot. The good news? With a little planning and the right team by your side, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate your closing with ease during the holidays:
Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible
Holiday schedules can be tricky, with office closures, vacations, and end-of-year deadlines. To avoid surprises, start your closing process early and keep the lines of communication open with everyone involved—your lender, title company, and agent. Being flexible with dates can go a long way in keeping things on track.
Keep Your Documents Organized
Closings require paperwork, and during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to misplace something important. Save time by keeping everything—like proof of insurance, your ID, and any lender documents—together in one spot. Staying organized means fewer headaches for you!
Use Digital Tools When You Can
Busy schedule? No problem. Many closings can now be handled digitally. Tools like e-signatures and virtual meetings can save you time and keep the process moving, even when life gets hectic. At Tressler Title, we’re happy to walk you through these options.
Partner with a Team You Trust
Closing during the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Working with an experienced title company, like Tressler Title, can make all the difference. Our team will guide you through each step and handle the details so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your holiday season.
Be Patient with Timelines
Things can move a little slower during the holidays, and that’s okay. Whether it’s waiting on documents or coordinating schedules, small delays are normal this time of year. The key is to stay in touch with your title company and lender for updates and know we’re all working toward the same goal: a successful closing.
Celebrate the Moment
Whether you’re buying a new home or refinancing for savings, this is a big step worth celebrating. Take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come and the exciting opportunities ahead.
Why Choose Tressler Title for Your Holiday Closing?
We know the holidays are busy, and our goal is to make your closing as smooth and stress-free as possible. With years of experience, a friendly approach, and tools to streamline the process, we’re here to help you close with confidence.Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn how we can make your holiday closing a breeze.
Lebanon, TN — Tressler & Associates is thrilled to share that our founder, Todd Tressler, recently proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Carly Waddell, in one of the most meaningful places in his life— the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Todd took this memorable step in the serene setting of his favorite destination.
The proposal took place with the backdrop of Costa Rica’s iconic coastline, a spot Todd holds close to his heart. The ring, an elegant creation by James Allen, was thoughtfully chosen to mark the beginning of their next chapter together.
At Tressler & Associates, we couldn’t be more excited for Todd and Carly. Todd’s commitment to serving others has always set a high standard within our team, and his love and dedication to Carly are a reflection of the same warmth and authenticity he brings to our firm. Our work family is overjoyed to see Todd’s personal story take this beautiful turn.
Please join us in celebrating Todd and Carly as they begin this exciting new journey together!
When people hear the term “estate planning,” it often conjures images of mansions, luxury cars, and vast financial portfolios. But here’s the truth: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Whether you have a modest home, a savings account, or simply want to ensure your family is cared for, estate planning is essential for everyone at anytime. It’s about protecting what matters most—your loved ones, your assets, and your wishes.
What Is Estate Planning, Really?
Estate planning involves more than writing a will. It includes preparing for the unexpected, making sure your medical and financial decisions are respected, and ensuring a smooth transition of your belongings after you pass. Key elements of an estate plan include:
A Will: Outlines who will receive your property and guardianship plans for any minor children.
Power of Attorney: Names someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to.
Healthcare Proxy or Living Will: Ensures your medical wishes are followed if you can’t communicate them.
Trusts: Useful for families, especially if you want to avoid probate or leave assets to children over time.
Why Estate Planning Matters for Every Family
1. You Control Your Legacy
Without an estate plan, state laws determine who receives your property—and it might not align with your wishes. Even if you have only a few assets, an estate plan ensures the people you care about are taken care of in the way you intend.
2. Protecting Minor Children
If you have children, an estate plan allows you to name a guardian in the event something happens to you. This simple step can prevent the courts from making that decision for you.
3. Avoiding Family Conflicts
Unfortunately, even close families can experience disagreements when a loved one passes without clear instructions. Estate planning helps eliminate uncertainty and reduces the chances of disputes over property or financial matters.
4. Saving Time and Money
Having a plan in place can help your loved ones avoid the lengthy and expensive probate process. Tools like trusts can also ensure that assets transfer smoothly without unnecessary delays.
5. Ensuring Your Healthcare Wishes Are Followed
What if you were incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself? An estate plan can include a healthcare directive that ensures your medical care aligns with your preferences, giving you peace of mind.
It’s Not About How Much You Have—It’s About Who You Love
Estate planning is ultimately about people, not just property. Whether you’re planning for your children, a spouse, or even beloved pets, an estate plan ensures that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.
How We Can Help You Get Started
At Tressler & Associates, we believe that everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes with having an estate plan—no matter the size of your estate. We’re here to make the process straightforward, approachable, and affordable.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our experienced attorneys will guide you every step of the way. Let’s work together to ensure your family and assets are protected the way you envision.
Still want to learn more about what all estate planning entails? Visit this link to learn all about it!
Contact us today to schedule your estate planning consultation and start “Securing Your Peace of Mind.”
