-
10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)
Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and you’re suddenly unable to care for your children. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. In this situation, you’d want to know that your kids will be loved, cared for, and raised according to the values you hold dear. But have you taken the right legal steps to ensure that happens?…
-
The Missing Will Mystery: How Zappos CEO’s Estate Chaos Could Have Been Avoided
Imagine this: You’ve built a business empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, transformed a city’s downtown area, and touched countless lives with your vision and generosity. Then, unexpectedly, you pass away—and nearly five years later, a will you may have created suddenly appears. Meanwhile, your family has been battling creditors, former associates, and mounting…
-
Floyd Found a Home: Have You Made a Plan For Your Pet?
-
Two New Ways to Protect What Matters Most
Introducing the Emergency Essentials Plan and Kids Protection Plan from Mathews Law At Mathews Law, we know that estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the future, but also about making sure the people you love are protected today. That’s why we’re excited to announce two new offerings designed to help families address some of…
-
What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Your Estate Plan
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill, enacting significant changes to the federal estate tax system. The bill permanently increases the federal estate and gift tax exemption to $15 million per person, indexed for inflation beginning in 2026. For years, estate planners and clients alike have been bracing for…
-
Lisa Mathews Admitted to Practice Before the U.S. Supreme Court
Mathews Law is pleased to announce that our founding attorney, Lisa Mathews, has been sworn in as a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. This distinguished milestone represents a meaningful moment in her legal career. Admission to the Supreme Court Bar reflects Lisa’s enduring dedication to legal excellence, ethical…
-
Five Estate Planning Pitfalls You Should Know
Passing down wealth or cherished assets to those you love is a beautiful way of caring for those you love. Common mistakes in estate planning can lead to family conflicts, tax burdens, or other unintended outcomes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid: 1. Failing to Have a Will or Estate Plan One of the most…
-
Mathews Law Is Growing! New Office Opening in Vienna, VA
We’re thrilled to announce that Mathews Law is expanding! Beginning the week of May 26, we’ll be welcoming clients to our brand-new office in Vienna, Virginia. Our Alexandria office continues exactly as it is, and we remain committed to serving our clients there. Whether you’re closer to Vienna or Alexandria, you’ll have the flexibility to…
-
Anatomy of a Will
Wills and trusts are the backbone of estate planning. While wills and trusts differ, they each serve their own purpose. This article will break down the different pieces of a will. (To see the anatomy of a trust, see this article.) Laws vary by state and wills in one state may vary from what’s needed…
-
Gift and Estate Tax Exemption Amounts Increased for 2025
The IRS has announced inflation-adjusted increases to key tax exclusions for 2025, presenting significant opportunities for estate planning. The annual gift tax exclusion has reached a record $19,000 per recipient, and the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption has increased to $13.99 million per individual. These updates offer enhanced flexibility for wealth transfer strategies in…