Legal Insights
How can a business obtain trademark protection when its own name generically describes its goods or services?
In the past, a business may be out of luck if it was seeking a trademark protection for a generic name. However, in the recent Supreme Court of the United States case USPTO v. Booking.com B.V., 140 S. Ct. 2298 (2020), the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a company named Booking.com, a business which […]
What Happens to A Deceased Relative's Debt When They Die?
A common concern of clients during the initial estate planning process is what happens to debt when you die. This is a valid concern for next of kin and estate beneficiaries, and we'll delve into it below. Who is responsible for paying off the debts of a loved one? Can the debt of the deceased […]
2021 Child Tax Credit: Which Divorced Parent Gets It?
Before 2018, listing a dependent child on the federal tax return meant a per person exemption resulting in paying less federal taxes. From 2018 to 2025 the dependency exemption is suspended. For now, the issue of child dependency is still relevant but more complicated. Let’s begin with a scenario: a married couple with two minor […]
Do Workers' Comp Benefits Apply When Employees WFH (Work From Home)?
The impacts of COVID are undeniable. Chief among them has been the proliferation of a WFH (Work From Home) workforce. Gallup reported that 43% of employees work from home at least some time. Businesses and employees have had to adapt to that new reality. One of the questions that arises is whether or not workers' […]
Social Media and Divorce – 5 Tips to Follow Right Now
Understand that anything you type, post, or reply can and will be used against you in a court of law. It seems like we can't turn on the news today without hearing about yet another social media or texting disaster. We watched the downward spiral of Armie Hammer’s career due to his social media posts […]
How Might the Pandemic and The CARES Act Impact a Divorcing Couple’s Business?
Beware: the CARES Act may distort business cash flows from 2020. Almost every business faced an unusual year in 2020. When the pandemic hit, work slowed dramatically then came the whiplash effect. In particular the sweeping Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided short term help for many businesses. While the hospitality and […]
What Can Landlords Collect During the Eviction Moratorium, and What Can They Obtain After it Expires?
Landlords are eager to collect unpaid rent and repossess their property, but with the CDC’s eviction moratorium in place, what can landlords collect, and when? In May, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf entered an executive order preventing owners of residential properties from evicting their tenants for the tenants’ failure to timely pay their rent. Though renters […]
How to Access the Digital Assets, logins, and passwords of Someone who Has Died
Accessing the digital assets of a loved one after they have passed can be difficult. Below are some tips to make it easier for everyone. In the age of Covid-19, most of us do everything electronically. Banking, communicating, paying bills, shopping, storing important papers, photos and contacts, filing taxes, keeping a calendar and reminders, sports […]
Traveling Abroad with Children When You Share Custody
Traveling abroad with children for parents who are separated can present several unique challenges. Air travel with your children is a special event for a family. But it can be difficult to get on the same with parents of shared custody. Reviewing your options with a child custody lawyer may be your best bet before […]
Denied Social Security Disability Benefits? Here are your options.
Being denied disability benefits is frustrating, especially during the pandemic. Where to start? How long will it take? You have 3 options moving forward. If you are denied social security disability benefits, it’s important to understand it might not be your fault. At this point it may be beneficial to enlist the help of a […]