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…
It is a common misconception that oral contracts are not enforceable. It is true that certain agreements must be in writing to be enforceable. For example, the statute of frauds requires agreements involving real property, marriage, performance over multiple years and the sale of goods over $500 to be in writing. If an oral agreement…
You have likely heard over and over that there are many advantages to creating a comprehensive estate plan. One of the most important benefits for many individuals is that it allows you to help prevent disputes among your loved ones after you are gone. Below are a few steps to follow when establishing your estate…
The term “blended family” has become commonplace in our society and refers to a family where one or both spouses were previously married and have children from prior marriage. In some instances, the new couple goes on to have children of their own. With children, stepchildren, and ex-spouses involved, estate planning can get quite complex….
If you are in your “golden years” and are looking for ways to spread your wealth, you should consider the various tools that will allow you to financially protect and benefit your grandchildren. Carefully planning your gifts to your grandchildren is not only a generous act but can also be a financially wise move in…
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer Before hiring an estate planning lawyer to guide you and your family, ask these 10 questions to ensure that you don’t end up paying a whole lot of money for services that are not what you need, expect or want. Hiring an attorney does not have to…
What to Know Business owners who take out loans for equipment, property or working capital need to understand how liens can affect their business in terms of the potential problems they can cause and what should be avoided. Lenders usually file liens on business loans; these liens are filed in succession and a lender always…
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