In June, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, a highly publicized case upholding the rights of same-sex couples to marry. This decision has widespread implications in various areas, many of which have not been anticipated in mainstream media coverage. Background on Same-Sex Legality Most of the plaintiffs were same-sex…
So you’ve decided to start a business. It’s a very exciting time, but fraught with many decisions. One of the first, which can impact everything from taxation to liability, is the choice of a business entity. Should you opt for a traditional sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or an alternate business entity? Today we…
Most everyone needs a trust, and most folks don’t know it. Why You Need Trust A trust will save you thousands and thousands of dollars. But what is it? A trust is a legal creation set up to benefit someone or something. For example, some people set up trusts to benefit their children, their grandchildren,…
Ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have been front and center in recent media stories and court decisions. All across the country, drivers have brought lawsuits arguing that they are employees of these companies, rather than independent contractors. If you own a business and think these stories have no relevance to you, think again….
The Top Three If you own your home or you’ve been renting so long that this information is old hat to you, consider sharing the details with a young adult or almost adult in your family who would benefit from this knowledge. One of the best ways to pass on your family wealth is to…
If you are involved in a lawsuit, the thought of going to trial may be intimidating. Many people have never been in a courtroom, so they envision a large, formal room with wooden trim, an overbearing judge in a long, black robe, and a jury that appears condemning. Most lawsuits, however, never go to trial….
Dear Friends, It’s holiday season when travel is the busiest and careful planning is necessary to nab the best airfare or book that awesome hotel before it slips away. One thing that is probably not on your holiday travel to-do list is estate planning, but it should be so you can travel with peace of…
According to the U.S. Small Business Association, small businesses create almost two of every three jobs in the U.S. every year, and half of working Americans are either owners or employees of a small business. Asset Protection Guidelines The SBA advises entrepreneurs to seek counsel while in the initial phases of getting a business off…
The Home Sale Closing Process A home sale closing is the end of the process of buying a home. It is the point at which the seller gets paid and the buyer receives title to the property. In addition to the seller and buyer, the parties present at a closing are usually the following: the…
After a major class action settlement earlier this year, business owners may no longer think first about pizza when they hear the name “Chuck E. Cheese’s.” CEC Entertainment, the formal name of the pizza and entertainment chain, paid $1.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit challenging its use of background checks in hiring. What…
Have you ever slammed on the brakes of your car to avoid a crash? If so, odds are that you were using automated vehicle technology. Major auto manufacturers are racing to develop self-driving car capability, but will we see that technology soon? How will this cutting-edge technology affect you? What Is a Self-Driving Car? Let’s…
How Can Wearable Technology Affect Your Life? Recent headlines have been replete with data breach stories in the last few years. The number of companies and government agencies that have had their systems hacked is staggering. Names, addresses, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information have all been stolen by hackers from…
Investigating Your Employees No employer wants to conduct a workplace investigation. But investigating an employee may become necessary to limit the company’s liability exposure, comply with legal requirements, maintain discipline, or protect other employees. And if you have to conduct a workplace investigation, you may think it should be kept confidential. After all, how many…
Protecting Your Child As a parent, your number one job is to keep your children safe, and that’s not always easy. In our imperfect world, there is no shortage of potential dangers to innocent children. One of a parent’s worst nightmares is the thought of child abduction or receiving an AMBER Alert. We hear stories…
One of the uncomfortable moments of life for many people is when they try to address automobile ownership and driving with their elderly family members. States have grappled with this issue over the years, considering driver’s tests for older drivers and other measures to promote driver safety. What Are The Risks of Senior Drivers? According…
As union membership continues to fall nationwide, the NLRB seems to be more closely monitoring company employment practices and policies. The Board is on the lookout for policies that could deter non-union employees from engaging in activities protected by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. What is Section 7? Section 7 protects employee…
What’s the deal with Year- End Bonuses? This time of year, it’s a big question for all employers. Where do year-end bonuses for team members fit into the business? You may be facing a year-end cash slump or big expenses. Or, you may have a bunch of cash on hand and be facing a big…
What to Consider and Avoid Creating a legally valid estate plan and building a deck are two entirely different things which America, as a nation, often do with the do-it-yourself plan – and a less-than-perfect deck won’t devastate your family’s financial future or the relationships among the people you care about most. The prevalence of…
One of the most valuable assets owned by a business is the concept or idea that sets them apart from their competitors. Whether it is a new product or a unique service, it can be worth a small fortune, especially if it meets a need that is not being met by anyone else. Thus, it…
A Successful Start to Your New Business Most entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by all of the decisions that must be made when they are first starting a business. Many of the initial decisions you make can have long-lasting consequences and impact on your ability to grow, so you want to get it right! Below are a…
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