When Ian Burke, a mail carrier, heard that Floyd, a 70-pound dog he’d befriended on his delivery route, had ended up in a shelter after his owner’s death, he didn’t hesitate. Burke arrived at the animal shelter before it opened to be first in line to adopt Floyd and give him a new home. It’sContinueContinue reading “Floyd Found a Home: Have You Made a Plan For Your Pet?”
Category Archives: General
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 ofContinueContinue reading “Two New Ways to Protect What Matters Most”
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 forContinueContinue reading “What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Your Estate Plan”
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, ethicalContinueContinue reading “Lisa Mathews Admitted to Practice Before the U.S. Supreme Court”
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 mostContinueContinue reading “Five Estate Planning Pitfalls You Should Know”
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 main office in Vienna, Virginia. Our Alexandria office will continue to operate as a satellite location, and we remain committed to serving our clients there. Whether you’re closer to Vienna or Alexandria, you’llContinueContinue reading “Mathews Law Is Growing! New Office Opening in Vienna, VA”
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 neededContinueContinue reading “Anatomy of a Will”
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 inContinueContinue reading “Gift and Estate Tax Exemption Amounts Increased for 2025”
What Does the Trump Victory Mean for the Estate Tax Exemption?
The outcome of the recent election has some Americans asking how the federal estate tax exemption might be affected. This is an especially important topic for estate planning, given that the current exemption rate is set to change unless new legislation is enacted. At Mathews Law, we’re here to help you understand the current law,ContinueContinue reading “What Does the Trump Victory Mean for the Estate Tax Exemption?”
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: Which Is Better?
When it comes to estate planning, trusts are powerful tools that offer several key benefits, such as avoiding probate, reducing estate taxes, and providing privacy. However, not all trusts are created equal. The two main types are revocable and irrevocable trusts, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here, we’ll explore the differencesContinueContinue reading “Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: Which Is Better?”