As seen in Smart Money: Financial Considerations Before Divorce

Divorce is not just an emotional separation, it’s a financial transaction with long-term consequences. As an attorney who helps clients navigate the process, I’ve seen that the individuals who fare best are those who prepare early, understand their finances, and make decisions with clarity rather than emotional reactions. Before you file or even before you decide whether to, consider the following foundations of financial planning. The more informed you are, the more control you retain over your future.

1. 1. 1. Understand Your Current Financial Situation
2. Know the Difference Between Community and Separate Property
3. Prepare for Tax Implications
4. Consider the True Cost of Keeping the House
5. Reevaluate Insurance, Debt, and Credit
6. Factor in Income Changes and Earning Capacity
7. Assemble a Team of Professionals

Divorce is as much a financial process as it is a legal and emotional one. Approaching it like a business negotiation, grounded in facts, supported by professionals, and focused on future stability, rather than based on emotions, can transform a turbulent transition into a stepping-stone for the next chapter of life. Preparation is not pessimism; it’s protection. Whether reconciliation is still on the table or separation feels inevitable, understanding your financial reality is the best first step toward whatever comes next.

See the full article on Page 8 of Smart Money here.

Allison MacKenzie is proud to have been voted runner up in Northern Nevada Business Weekly’s 2025 Best in Business competition in the Law Firm category.

Best in Business is Northern Nevada Business Weekly’s yearly contest which invites community members to nominate and vote for outstanding businesses in Northern Nevada highlighting top performers in philanthropy, customer service, finance and more.

Check out the 2025 Best in Business Magazine HERE.

Allison MacKenzie Attorneys & Counselors at Law are proud to be awarded the Bob Crowell Community Ambassador Award at the Boys & Girls Club 32nd Annual Luau on September 13th, 2025.

The first Community Ambassador Award was bestowed upon Mayor Bob Crowell in 2020 in recognition of his unwavering support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada. The annual award is an acknowledgment of extraordinary commitment, service, and impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs and the broader Carson City community.

Since the Carson City Boys & Girls Club first opened its doors in 1993, Allison MacKenzie has been more than just a supporter, they have been a true partner in the mission for over 32 years. Allison MacKenzie’s unwavering dedication has taken many forms: from generously donating vehicles to support the annual Luau auction, to offering expert legal counsel that has guided the club through key moments of growth and transformation. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada is immensely grateful for Allison MacKenzie’s continued support.

Perhaps most notably, their commitment is reflected in the people behind the name, with multiple members of the Allison MacKenzie firm stepping into leadership roles as board members and board presidents, consistently offering their time, talent, and heart to further our cause. Kyle A. Winter of Allison MacKenzie currently serves as co-Vice President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada.

Mike Pavlakis, Governing Board Director and Attorney at Allison MacKenzie, was recently featured in “Lead the Future of Senior Services: Carson City recruiting for Senior Center Board” from Carson Now.

Turn your passion for the Carson City community into action and help make a difference in the lives of older adults. The Carson City Senior Center, a trusted non-profit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, and community engagement, is seeking inspired, connected, and passionate individuals to join our Governing Board.

We seek visionary leaders who are ready to help us expand our impact and strengthen the community to ensure no senior in our community feels alone or forgotten. “We are a Governing Board with a strong foundation and are looking for new leaders to help advocate for seniors, grow our services, and build new opportunities to ensure our community ages well,” said Bruce Scott, Governing Board President and Principal at Resource Concepts Inc.

“Here’s your opportunity to serve your community with your heart and shape the future of vital services for an age group that is commonly overlooked,” stated Mike Pavlakis, Governing Board Director and Attorney at Allison MacKenzie, Attorneys and Counselors at Law. “Here is an opportunity for engaged individuals of all backgrounds who genuinely care for others, especially our seniors, to immediately have an impact in the community.”

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Backgrounds in business, finance, healthcare, fundraising, public policy, and marketing are helpful but not required; however, interest in shaping the future of senior services, leveraging partnerships, networks, and funding to expand capacity and impact, and being a champion of seniors is a must. We seek individuals who are ready to serve the community and make a positive difference.

For over 50 years, the Carson City Senior Center has served the senior community of Carson City as a pillar of resources, connection, engagement, nutrition, and access to services, enabling seniors to age well and independently. Hundreds of seniors visit the Senior Center each day to enjoy lunch, access services, connect with others, socialize, and recreate. The Meals on Wheels program also delivers over 100,000 meals each year, providing a nutritious meal and a moment of kindness to frail, homebound, and isolated seniors.

If you are ready to make a difference and build the future of aging well in Carson City, interested individuals should contact Director Courtney Warner at (775) 883-0703 or cwarner@carson.org to learn more.

Read full article HERE

In the latest edition of Peak NV, attorney Chris MacKenzie of Allison MacKenzie emphasizes the critical importance of business succession planning. Many business owners focus on day-to-day operations, but without a legally sound plan, the unexpected departure, illness, or death of a key leader can create operational chaos, family conflict, and even jeopardize the future of the business.

Succession planning is more than identifying a successor—it requires formal legal documentation to ensure smooth, enforceable transitions that protect both the business and its owners’ legacy. Key legal tools include:

• Buy-Sell Agreements: Define ownership transfer terms for multi-owner businesses.
• Operating or Shareholder Agreements: Outline rights, responsibilities, and succession terms.
• Trusts and Estate Planning Documents: Facilitate seamless transfer in family or closely held businesses.
• Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives: Ensure trusted decision-makers are in place during incapacity.
• Employment and Compensation Agreements: Retain key employees and support leadership transitions.
• Regulatory Compliance Review: Maintain licenses and permits to avoid business interruptions.

Beyond legal documents, effective succession planning involves operational readiness—identifying potential successors, creating training and transition plans, and integrating family or non-active successors into governance structures.

A robust legal plan not only safeguards the business during uncertainty but can also increase its value, signaling stability to investors, lenders, and potential buyers. Chris stresses that engaging legal counsel early, reviewing governing documents, and preparing internal leadership are crucial first steps toward a successful transition.

Business succession planning is a strategic investment in your legacy, your family, and your company. Whether planning for retirement or simply seeking peace of mind, now is the time to take control of your business’s future.

Read the full article in the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of Peak NV to learn more.

Aside from ensuring that one has enough resources to provide for themself for the rest of their life, most people want to leave their loved ones in the best financial position upon their passing. Better put, most people want to ensure that their estate can pass to their beneficiaries in the quickest, most cost-efficient manner. Although there are many options when it comes to estate planning, one thing is clear; a living trust is the best option to accomplish this goal.

A living trust is a legal document that enables you to hold assets during your lifetime. Although a trust’s primary purpose is to manage your estate for your benefit during your lifetime, even upon your incapacity, a trust will also set forth how your assets will be administered and distributed upon your passing. Importantly, assets that are titled in the name of your trust do not need to go through the probate court process. Instead, the person designated as your successor Trustee can immediately gain access to your trust assets and begin paying final creditors and distributing your estate pursuant to your desires. 

Conversely, a Last Will and Testament is a legal document that only becomes effective upon your death. Although a Will accomplishes the goal of dictating who will be in charge of gathering your assets and distributing them to your designated beneficiaries similarly to a trust, a Will only becomes valid when it is admitted to probate. Probate is the legal process that is required in order for your personal representative to gain access to your assets and ultimately distribute your estate to your beneficiaries.

In Nevada, a typical probate takes approximately 9-12 months. Additional factors, including the sale of real property, can lengthen this time period even more. Aside from the time involved, a probate is much more expensive than a trust administration. For instance, attorneys are entitled to a fee for services rendered in administering a probate estate. The fee associated with such administration is determined by statute based on a percentage value of the size of the decedent’s estate. By way of illustration, an estate with a gross value of $500,000 can result in legal fees, exclusive of costs, in the approximate amount of $13,000 under current laws. Said amount only increases with the value of the decedent’s estate, all of which could have been distributed to your beneficiaries and avoided with a revocable living Trust. Thus, although both a Trust and a Will direct management of your estate upon your passing, they are not created equally when it comes to the impact on your family and/or beneficiaries upon your passing. 

In addition to the time and expense associated with probate, a properly established estate plan can avoid the need for court involvement during your lifetime. Because a trust is effective immediately upon its execution, a trust also provides you protection during periods of incapacity. Instead of requiring your loved ones to obtain a time consuming and expensive guardianship when you are no longer able to make your own decisions, a trust allows your successor trustee to step in and immediately manage your estate without court intervention. When combined with the appropriate powers of attorney for financial and health care decisions, the goal is to never end up in Court.

Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring the financial future of not only yourself, but also your loved ones. Taking the steps to create a living trust now will ensure your wishes are followed without the time and expense being placed on your family later.  The attorneys at Allison MacKenzie, Ltd., are experienced and trained in estate planning.

See the full article on Page 5 of Smart Money here.

Allison MacKenzie is proud to share that Joel W. Locke, Esq., a shareholder with our firm, was sworn into his third 3-year term on the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors on June 12, 2025, during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C.

This significant milestone was made even more memorable as Chief Justice Herndon administered the oath of office, recognizing Joel’s continued commitment to upholding the highest standards in Nevada’s legal profession.

A leader in Nevada’s legal community

Joel has been an integral part of Allison MacKenzie since joining the firm in 2006 and becoming a shareholder in 2012. His practice focuses on government relations, employment law, business law, administrative law, and professional licensing.

Throughout his career, Joel has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service and the advancement of Nevada’s legal system.

Born and raised in Nevada, Joel is passionate about supporting the communities he serves.

He represents a broad spectrum of clients, including local governments, businesses, and individuals, and is known for his approachable, solutions-oriented style.

His work on behalf of clients before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies has helped shape key policies affecting Nevadans.

About the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors

The State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors is the governing body responsible for managing the affairs of the State Bar of Nevada.

Its members oversee important matters, including regulatory functions, programs, and services designed to promote professionalism, ethics, and access to justice within Nevada’s legal system.

Composed of elected lawyers from different districts across the state, the Board ensures that the legal profession in Nevada maintains integrity and accountability.

As a member of the Board, Joel contributes to initiatives that support both attorneys and the communities they serve, including continuing legal education, public protection, and law practice management resources.

A continued commitment

Joel’s reappointment to the Board of Governors is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to Nevada’s legal community and his peers’ trust in his leadership. His service helps guide the profession through evolving challenges while safeguarding the principles of justice, fairness, and public service.

All of us at Allison MacKenzie extend our warmest congratulations to Joel on this remarkable achievement and thank him for his continued contributions to the legal field and to the people of Nevada.

Read the full article in the Northern Nevada Business Weekly here.

Allison MacKenzie is honored to sponsor and participate in Senior Celebration 2025, a cherished annual event that promotes the health, happiness, and independence of seniors throughout northern Nevada.

Senior Celebration will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Casino Fandango in Carson City. This event not only brings together valuable resources and services for seniors and their families but also raises critical funds to assist local seniors facing one-time emergency needs. It’s also free for all attendees!

At Allison MacKenzie, we are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses prepare for the future. During Senior Celebration, our team will be available to provide information and guidance on essential planning topics such as estate planning, wills, and trusts. These important tools not only help ensure that your wishes are honored but also protect your loved ones and your legacy.

Proper estate planning offers peace of mind, safeguards assets, and can help minimize the burden on family members during times of transition. Whether you’re just beginning to think about setting up a will, considering a trust, or looking for ways to manage your estate more effectively, our knowledgeable attorneys are here to assist and answer your questions.

We invite you to stop by our booth at Senior Celebration to meet our team, explore your options, and take an important step toward securing your future.

We look forward to connecting with you at Senior Celebration 2025 and supporting the vibrant community of seniors and families in our region!

Many people question the necessity of an estate plan and often conclude that the size of their estate doesn’t warrant future planning, or even more, that they do not need an estate plan because assets will simply pass to their children when they die.

However, estate planning isn’t only a vehicle available for the wealthy…nor should one assume that their assets will be immediately made available for use or distribution upon their passing. 

Instead, estate planning should be seen as one of the most important tools in your toolbox of what we call life.

See the full article by Kyle Winter in Peak NV here.

Allison MacKenzie announces Keith Ketola has joined the firm as associate attorney.

Ketola will focus on administrative law, appellate litigation, corporate law, family law, land use, litigation, real property, trusts and estates, and water law.

See the full NNBW article here.