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You’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into your family and your business. Now it’s time to protect it.
FEBRUARY 2026
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The Beautiful Noise of a Home Filled With Love
Some seasons of family life feel like everything is moving in fast-forward. Children grow almost overnight, routines shift, the house grows louder, and the days somehow pass both slowly and all at once. Lately, that pace has created an urge to slow down: to pay closer attention and hold tightly to the small moments unfolding right before us. With that perspective, it’s hard not to notice how much love fills an ordinary day, long before Valentine’s Day. Our oldest, now almost four, is living proof of that. He’s at that wonderfully honest age. Whatever he feels comes straight out of his mouth, often in the form of “You’re my best friend,” directed at his younger brother. Sometimes our little one leans his whole body in for a hug; other times, it’s a wide, uninhibited smile that makes you forget how fleeting these stages are. Together, the two of them make the love in our home feel visible. What I’ve come to realize is that the real story of a family isn’t written only in milestones but in the everyday moments that unfold without effort. The messy, loud, ordinary ones that somehow add up to something meaningful. There’s warmth in familiar routines, comfort in the chaos, and an ease that comes from knowing you belong. Travel has a way of magnifying that truth. We still talk about Thanksgiving in Hawaii, a trip that left a lasting impression on all of us. One afternoon, watching our boys
sit side by side in the sand as small waves rolled in, it felt like more than a vacation moment. It felt like a glimpse of the future and a reminder that these shared experiences are shaping a bond that will last a lifetime.
shape who we are today. It reinforces the idea that family extends beyond our household and that love is carried forward from generation to generation. As a husband, this season has also been a reminder of how much love is built through partnership. Valentine’s Day often focuses on grand gestures, but the love that sustains a family is quieter, found in shared responsibility, mutual support, and in choosing each other day after day. All of this has been a gentle reminder that love within a family doesn’t need to be elaborate. It shows up in everyday affection, in consistency, and in how children learn what love looks like by watching it lived out. At Dahl Law Group, this perspective is integral to our work. Behind every legal matter is a family, a business, a lifetime of effort, and a future worth protecting. As business owners, professionals, and parents, we understand the responsibility that comes with that — because we live it, too. This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to take a moment to check in personally. Thank you for trusting us not only as your law firm but also as advisors who understand the seasons of life you’re navigating and the people you’re protecting along the way.
Those are the memories and photographs we know will resurface years from now at graduations, weddings, and milestone birthdays, when everyone laughs at how small they once were. That’s why we’ve come to value experiences over things. Gifts fade, but shared moments become part of a family’s story. We’ve also been making a conscious effort to return home more often, back to Wisconsin. There is something deeply grounding about showing our children where we came from and surrounding them with the people who helped
–Tyler Q. Dahl
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The Tax and Liability Traps of Adding a Child to Your Deed
Did You Know? Did you know Valentine’s Day spending in the U.S. is expected to hit a record $27.5 billion in 2025? That’s more than any other seasonal holidays (besides Christmas). It’s true! Here are three more fun facts surrounding the Day of Love! Candy is the most popular gift for Valentine’s Day! About 56% of people plan to give candy this year, more than flowers, cards, or jewelry. Did you know Americans are expected to spend roughly $2.5 billion on candy alone for Valentine’s Day? That’s a serious sweet tooth! Greeting cards are also a big deal! Around 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged on Feb. 14 each year, making it second only to Christmas for card-giving!
Many parents think adding a child to their home’s title will make inheritance easier and avoid probate. In reality, it often creates unnecessary tax issues, financial risk, and estate planning problems. What seems like a simple fix can expose your home to your child’s liabilities and undo years of careful planning. Before making changes to your deed, it’s important to understand the risks and why better options exist to protect your home and your family’s future. HOW DEEDING PROPERTY TO A CHILD CAN CREATE COSTLY TAX SURPRISES Adding a child to your home’s deed may feel generous, but it means giving up ownership now, not later, and can trigger serious tax and legal consequences under federal and California law. Let’s take a closer look at the hidden tax risks. Immediate Tax Consequences of Transferring Ownership When you transfer a deed to a child, the IRS considers it a gift. That’s because you’re giving away an ownership interest in a high-value asset without receiving anything in return. This doesn’t mean you have to pay a tax, though. Any amount you gift over the exemption amount is subtracted from your lifetime gift tax exemption amount. Capital Gains Taxes When the Home Is Sold This is where many families get caught off guard. When a homeowner sells their primary residence, they may exclude up to $500,000 of capital gains if married, or $250,000 if single. But this exclusion only applies to the original owner’s share of the property. If your child is on the deed but doesn’t live in the home, their share may be fully taxable when the house is sold, leading to significant capital gains. By contrast, passing the home through a trust or estate plan can provide a step-up in cost basis, often eliminating most or all of that tax burden. Property Tax Reassessment Under Proposition 19 California’s Proposition 19 limits parent-to-child tax advantages. If you add your child to the deed or transfer a deed to a child, the home may be reassessed at full market value, unless: • The child moves into the property as their primary residence, and • Files both the homeowner’s exemption and the parent-child exclusion forms
Do you have a friend who needs our help? When you’re done reading, give them this newsletter and recommend they scan our QR code. We can help them solve their tax, business, or estate planning problems before things get worse.
HOW CAN YOUR CHILD’S FINANCIAL LIABILITIES ENDANGER YOUR HOME? • Creditor claims and lawsuits • Divorce and marital property division • IRS or tax-related liens • Loss of full control over your home
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Code 558.1 Claims Avoid Financial Disaster
Protect Yourself From Labor
• Enforcement Through Claims: Violations may be reported through class actions, PAGA claims, or audits, which could expose business owners to both legal battles and personal financial consequences. COMMON TRIGGERS FOR PERSONAL LIABILITY Personal exposure under Labor Code Section 558.1 usually originates from procedural errors rather than deliberate wrongdoing. Frequent triggers include: • Misclassifying employees as exempt or independent contractors. • Delayed or incomplete final paychecks. • Missing meal or rest break premiums. • Inaccurate deductions or wage statements.
Running a business in California presents opportunities, but also carries personal risk. Under Labor Code 558.1, owners and managers can be held personally liable for certain wage and hour violations, turning operational mistakes into personal financial threats. ESSENTIAL POINTS OF LABOR CODE 558.1 • Covers All Individuals in Control: It’s not just business owners; officers and key managers who directly influence compensation practices can also be personally liable. • Penalties Can Include Personal Assets: Unlike corporate liability, Labor Code 558.1 exposes personal assets, including savings and property, to cover penalties and back pay resulting from violations. • Unintentional Violations Count: Negligence, such as improperly classifying employees or failing to file wage records on time, can result in personal liability, even without intent to violate the law.
to personal property, including savings, homes, and investments. The financial impact goes beyond business operations; it threatens long-term wealth and stability. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS: EFFECTIVE PROTECTION STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS Once personal exposure becomes a possibility, proactive planning is critical. Business insurance and entity formation alone are not enough. Adequate protection should include: • Asset Protection Trusts • Entity Layering • Exemption and Financial Structuring • Regular Compliance Reviews SECURE YOUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL ASSETS WITH THE RIGHT STRATEGY Owning a business shouldn’t put everything you’ve built at risk. At Dahl Law Group, we help California business owners and executives protect both their personal assets and their company through proactive legal strategies.
WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATIONS PENALTIES
Penalties for wage and hour violations in California can include back pay, interest, civil fines, and attorneys’ fees. For business owners covered under Labor Code 558.1, those liabilities can extend
Vodka Cream Pasta
SUDOKU
Ingredients • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 shallots, minced • 1 cup vodka • 1 cup chicken stock
• 32-oz can crushed tomatoes • Coarse salt and pepper • 16 oz penne rigate pasta
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 20 basil leaves, torn
Directions 1. In a large skillet over moderate heat, sauté oil, butter, garlic, and shallots for 3–5 minutes. 2. Add vodka in a steady stream and heat for 2–3 minutes to reduce by half. 3. Add chicken stock and tomatoes, bring to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer. 4. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large pot, cook pasta to al dente in salted boiling water while sauce simmers. 6. Stir cream into sauce until it bubbles and remove from heat. 7. Drain pasta, toss with sauce and basil leaves, and serve with sides of your choosing.
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INSIDE What’s
4. 2. 1. When Chaos Becomes Comfort and Love Shows Up Everywhere Valentine’s Day Is One of the Biggest Spending Holidays Should You Add Your Children to the Title of Your Home? Personal Liability for Wage Violations in California Vodka Cream Pasta A Sharper Memory Starts on Your Plate 3.
Think Better, Remember More Delicious Foods That Power Your Brain oxidative stress (basically, brain “rust”). These compounds can also boost communication between brain cells, which may help slow cognitive decline and improve short-term memory. Try tossing a handful of berries into your morning oatmeal or smoothie for an easy boost. LEAFY GREENS AND VEGGIES Spinach, kale, broccoli, and other leafy greens are rich in nutrients such as vitamin K, lutein, and folate, which are associated with improved cognitive function. These nutrients promote healthy blood flow to the brain and protect against inflammation. Studies even suggest people who eat a daily serving of greens have the memory of someone years younger. Not bad for a salad, right? WHOLE GRAINS AND NUTS Your brain runs on glucose, and whole grains provide a slow, steady supply of it, helping to keep you alert and focused. Brown rice, quinoa, and oats help maintain balanced energy levels, while nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) add vitamin E, another nutrient tied to improved memory and slower cognitive aging.
You’ve likely heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but when it comes to memory, that’s more literal than you might think. Your brain is constantly working to process, store, and recall information, and it requires the right fuel to stay sharp. However, certain foods can actually improve memory, focus, and overall brain health. Here’s what to load up on next time you’re at the grocery store. FATTY FISH If your brain had a favorite food, it would probably be salmon. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout are full of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, which are crucial for building and maintaining brain cells. These healthy fats also enhance communication between brain cells, which aids in memory and learning. If you’re not a seafood fan, you can still get omega-3s from plant-based sources like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. BERRIES Don’t underestimate these colorful little powerhouses. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants called flavonoids that help protect your brain from
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