<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Future Counsel Law]]></title><description><![CDATA[Future Counsel Law]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 07:18:13 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Standard Owner’s Policy vs. ALTA Homeowner’s Policy: What’s the Difference?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn the difference between a standard owner’s title policy and an ALTA Homeowner’s Policy, what each covers, and when added protection may matter.]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/standard-vs-alta-homeowner-s-policy-what-s-the-difference</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6973ae804c5d7ca6b9bb318f</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:11:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_e814e161d9fd4418bd56d684228c221b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Impact of the New Inherited IRA Laws on Your Estate Plan?]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you’ve worked hard to build your retirement savings, you want those funds to do more than cover your own expenses — you want them to leave a meaningful legacy. For many people, that means passing an IRA to loved ones. But in recent years, the rules for Inherited IRAs have changed in ways that could create serious tax problems for your heirs if your plan isn’t updated. The SECURE Act of 2019  and related IRS regulations have rewritten the playbook. If your estate plan was crafted before...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/what-is-the-impact-of-the-new-inherited-ira-laws-on-your-estate-plan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">689ba6e21b954e09d4d939e7</guid><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:11:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d57617_963ea4be4af245a78ca2191944f612fd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can I Sue the Seller of My Property for Not Disclosing a Problem?]]></title><description><![CDATA[This blog contains real examples, the applicable Virginia law, and the steps buyers can take to protect a potential claim. You close on your Virginia home and then… the house starts telling the truth. Leaks. Odors. Pests. Mystery stains that were somehow not in the “bright and airy” listing photos. SO:  Can you sue the seller for not disclosing a problem? In Virginia, the real answer is:  you win these cases when you can prove deception , not just defects. Virginia is a caveat emptor ...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/can-i-sue-the-seller-of-my-property-for-not-disclosing-a-problem</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bb042231f039075e2b4680</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d57617_2a9d4c308c634424b9db407897ac6056~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Guide to the New FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (Effective March 1, 2026)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Beginning March 1, 2026, a new federal reporting requirement will affect certain residential real estate transactions across Virginia.  The best way to explain it is that buyers cannot completely hide behind a trust or company to hide property acquisitions from the government.  While a buyer may be able to shield their investment portfolio from the general public, the government will receive a report after closing which discloses who the beneficial owner of the entity is .  Why?  So that when...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/your-guide-to-the-new-fincen-residential-real-estate-reporting-rule-effective-march-1-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f5ef191604ab56c358827</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_ce7e5ddfb04a4de9908058cc9b079141~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do I Need a Trust If I’ve Already Named Beneficiaries?]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the most common conversations I have with estate‑planning clients goes like this: “I want a trust for my house, but my other accounts have beneficiary designations —my IRA, life insurance, investment accounts—so we don’t really need to deal with those, right?” It’s a reasonable question often asked by thoughtful, organized clients who have already taken meaningful steps toward planning. But in many cases, stopping at beneficiary designations creates blind spots—blind spots that only...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/do-i-need-a-trust-if-ive-already-named-beneficiaries</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698600117004b3790551cc4b</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_fde1d28b42084526a7bd50a0ac899a17~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Should I Take Title to My Property?]]></title><description><![CDATA[When buying or receiving property, one of the most important decisions you will make is how title is held. The way a property is titled affects ownership rights, inheritance, creditor exposure, and what happens if co-owners disagree.]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/how-should-i-take-title-to-my-property</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695400a324f088c70a4ebbf7</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_6ccb6f41a65442d893c73c38d82684f0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying and Selling Real Estate with Trusts]]></title><description><![CDATA[So, you've set up your asset protection trust and sealed the deal on your estate plan- recently, or some time ago. OR, you are a Trustee of a trust.  OR, perhaps you are a realtor, and property is held in a family or other trust. What happens when you want to sell?

Whether you're a homeowner, trustee, or real estate agent, understanding how a trust impacts a real estate transaction is essential for avoiding delays, legal issues, and tax pitfalls.]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/buying-and-selling-real-estate-with-trusts</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68812d1e251a639c14868c0e</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:59:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d57617_1ca8983013244ea2ab54750a8e3a4e8a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Closing Costs: Who Pays and How to Reduce Them]]></title><description><![CDATA[Congratulations!  You made or accepted an offer for a property.  You may have heard about "closing costs," but what are they, exactly? ...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/closing-costs-who-pays-and-how-to-reduce-them</link><guid isPermaLink="false">684c86655a220fb240527677</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:38:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_9d4d862b5336416589cf381d9a62b6c1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying a House? You NEED a Survey!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ratified on a house purchase?  What's next?  Getting ready for closing, that's what.  One of the most important decisions is whether or...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/buying-a-house-you-need-a-survey</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68c314a7761c219f823136be</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d57617_770326319788477a9461a20ee7019262~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[FIRPTA: What Every Foreign Seller and U.S. Buyer Must Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[Do you have a non-citizen real estate client? Make sure you are advising them well on the ramifications of investing in U.S. property! Foreign investors continue to play a major role in the U.S. real estate market—but selling that property can come with an unexpected cost. Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) , foreign sellers are subject to a mandatory 15% withholding of the sales price, which must be remitted to the IRS. This withholding requirement often surprises...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/firpta-what-every-foreign-seller-and-u-s-buyer-must-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">687fbb9856d6ad4c0ef00588</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:31:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d57617_6d2f9bf8a2624c4b81b6ebd84aed973f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[For Sale By Owner (FSBO): What You Need to Know as a Seller or Buyer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Selling or buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make. While most homeowners choose to work with a real estate agent, attempt to sell it independently as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) to save on commission fees and maintain full control over the process. However, FSBO isn’t for everyone—it requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of the real estate market. For buyers, encountering an FSBO home means navigating the process with fewer intermediaries,...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/for-sale-by-owner-fsbo-what-you-need-to-know-as-a-seller-or-buyer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">684b2bcbc56add098191ec3e</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_b102e20e83e34d1883adb4811da3826c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Maryland’s Tenant Right of First Refusal (ROFR): What Realtors, Landlords, and Tenants Need to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[Heard of TOPA ("Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act") in District of Columbia?  Well, Maryland has followed suit and set up its own tenant protections.  Here's what you need to know: In Maryland’s evolving real estate landscape, new regulation is reshaping the way rental property sales are handled: the Tenant Right of First Refusal (ROFR) . Often referred to within the industry as “Maryland TOPA” due to its conceptual similarity to D.C.’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), this law...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/understanding-maryland-s-tenant-right-of-first-refusal-rofr-what-realtors-landlords-and-tenants</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68530b2891fef63801b1dfe8</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:31:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_c7127823017d47d9a8c6a3fc8994a64c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Funding Your Trust Is Essential and What Happens If You Don't]]></title><description><![CDATA[Creating a trust is one of the most powerful tools in estate planning, offering control, privacy, and efficiency in managing and passing on your assets. But there’s one vital step that many people overlook: funding the trust. Simply signing your trust agreement is not enough. Without proper funding, your trust cannot serve its intended purpose —and your estate plan will unravel when you need it most. This blog will walk you through what it means to fund a trust, why it's essential, and the...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/why-funding-your-trust-is-essential-and-what-happens-if-you-don-t</link><guid isPermaLink="false">684751ab3f9d19c9670ea8e7</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:31:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_bf37fc3b19514b9fa724d002024d1ede~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Help! My Real Estate Closing Is Going Off the Rails — What Do I Do?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Real estate closings are supposed to mark the exciting finish line of a long buying or selling process. You've negotiated the deal, signed the contract, and made it to the final stretch. But suddenly, everything starts to fall apart — missed deadlines, surprise issues, miscommunication, and rising stress levels. If your real estate closing feels like it's going off the rails, you're not alone. At Future Counsel , we regularly guide clients through everyday and high-stakes real estate...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/my-real-estate-closing-is-going-off-the-rails</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6849db2dc56add09818e2936</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:21:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_02f84376680f49bba783d85cf098af92~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Kind of Trust Do I Need to Protect My Assets?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Protecting your assets isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making sure your hard-earned nest egg is passed down the right way. But with so many trust options available, how do you know which one is best for your situation? Some trusts offer tax advantages, others provide more control over distributions, and some are designed to shield assets from creditors or legal claims. Whether you're planning for retirement, securing an inheritance for loved ones, or protecting your estate from...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/what-kind-of-trust-do-i-need</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67ed31f07ee00aa3084eeefd</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_b1af7f91b4a24de885961d6074517bee~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Make These Mistakes When Hiring a Contractor!]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to home renovations, builds, or repairs, hiring the right contractor can mean the difference between a dream upgrade and a financial and legal disaster. Whether you’re adding a new deck, remodeling a kitchen, or fixing storm damage, you need to do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line. Here’s what you should—and should NOT—do when selecting a contractor for your home project. In this guide, we’ll explore: DOs When Hiring a Contractor DON'Ts When Hiring a...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/hire-the-right-contractor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67d9cbadbb19256df9f202d0</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:43:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_50ce314d20e943a2a066d7b10065a052~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Deed Fits Your Needs?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Does determining which deed fits your transaction leave you scratching your head? Let's ensure you and your team choose the correct deed for your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore: The nuances between General Warranty  and Special Warranty  Deeds The purpose and implications of Quitclaim Deeds The specifics of Deeds of Gift The benefits of Transfer on Death  Deeds Other essential deeds like Deeds of Trust  and Life Estate Deeds 1. General Warranty Deed:  The Gold Standard of Assurance When...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/types-of-property-deeds</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67d9c2189d971fb8326d7725</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:43:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_bc5be419fe334fa5a11e89c25818ba93~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HEMS Trusts for Generational Wealth: Protect &#38; Distribute Assets Wisely]]></title><description><![CDATA[Estate planning is more than just writing a will—it's about protecting your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are financially secure for years to come. One powerful yet often overlooked tool is the HEMS Trust . If you're a resident of Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. , understanding how this trust works can help you make informed decisions that maximize tax benefits, provide asset protection, and ensure responsible wealth distribution. In this guide, we’ll explore: What a HEMS Trust...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/hems-trusts-for-generational-wealth-protect-distribute-assets-wisely</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67a643d9e7e7e3d4584bf5df</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:43:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_cac518bf2e1249399addd80332aae19a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How the Garn-St. Germain Act Protects Homeowners Transferring Property into Trusts]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Garn-St. Germain Act protects homeowners from mortgage due-on-sale clauses when transferring property into a trust. Read to learn more!]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/garn-st-germain-act</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67c5cd0df837bb6abfa4f4ff</guid><category><![CDATA[Asset Protection/Trusts]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:43:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_a952b299157e4ee68fecc54967938a96~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Final Tax: Understanding Taxes After Death]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dealing with the legal and financial ramifications after the passing of a loved one can be complex. One critical area is understanding the taxes associated with death, such as the estate tax and inheritance tax. At Future Counsel , estate planning is one of our core practice areas. This blog post offers an overview of the types of taxes that may be due, providing valuable legal insights to navigate this challenging time and protect your assets. Types of Taxes After Death Practical Tips for...]]></description><link>https://www.futurecounsellaw.com/post/the-final-tax-understanding-taxes-after-death</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67a641ffe280832eb94ad8e2</guid><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:30:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e94bf_f95ca2a8645340e4a2bbd12aa9aedffb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Phoenix S. Ayotte, Esq.</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>