News & Insights

Apportioning Liability to a Party Who Is Judgment Proof

Liability

When multiple parties may be responsible for an injury to a plaintiff, a common issue is apportioning liability among the parties. Typically, the evidence is presented to establish each party’s relative percentage of responsibility for causing the injury. However, this can be complicated when one of the responsible parties is judgment proof. A party may … Read more

ADA Does Not Protect Employees from Stress Caused by the Employer or Supervisor

disabled

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals who are disabled (or considered to be disabled) from discrimination in a variety of contexts. In the employment arena, it applies to employers who have 15 or more employees. While it encompasses a wide range of physical or mental impairments, there are limitations in who is considered … Read more

Say Goodbye to the Stretch IRA Under the SECURE Act

IRA

IRAs and 401(k) plans are popular investment vehicles because of the tax benefits. Assets deposited into these accounts are only subject to income tax when they are withdrawn. The IRS sets a certain age at which withdrawals must start (currently 72) and provides for annual “required minimum distributions (RMDs).” These RMDs are calculated based on … Read more

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Iceland

A destination wedding is a dream for many couples. However, it also comes with logistical concerns especially if the destination is a foreign country. Every country has its own rules which must be followed precisely to avoid finding yourself unable to get married after spending the time and money to organize the ceremony. As Iceland … Read more

ADA Liability for Discrimination Based on a Family Member’s Disability

Most people know that employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of certain characteristics such as age, race, gender, and disability. Such discrimination is typically barred by federal, state and local statutes. However, a recent federal court decision by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals brings attention to a lesser-known area of possible discrimination … Read more

Preserving an Inheritance as Separate Property in the Event of Divorce

When a couple prepares to marry, one question which may arise is whether they should enter into a prenuptial (or antenuptial) agreement, which among other things sets forth what happens to their assets in the event of a divorce. There are many situations in which this may be appropriate, including when there is a significant … Read more

U.S. Supreme Court Limits State’s Right to Tax Trust Income

trust tax

If you are considering creating a trust, there are many considerations including analyzing the tax consequences. Taxation can get complicated if the trust, trustee, and beneficiaries are in different states with varying laws. Not surprisingly, many states are eager to tax trust income. The U.S. Supreme Court recently addressed this issue in North Carolina, but … Read more

2-Step Approach to Avoiding Wage Claims: Internal Audits & Insurance Coverage

Wage Claims

By Jill Weinberg, Esq. Employee wage and hour claims, usually for unpaid overtime, can be financially draining to companies big and small. Unfortunately, they have been on the rise. A good example is MetLife who was recently sued in federal court, in the Southern District of New York for $50 million dollars in unpaid overtime … Read more

NEW YORK STATE MAKES IT EASIER FOR EMPLOYEES TO SUE FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

sexual harassment

The New York Legislature recently passed an anti-sexual harassment law which is likely to make it easier for workers to win their lawsuits. The Bill, which was championed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and is now awaiting his signature, does away with the requirement that the alleged misconduct be “severe or pervasive” in order to constitute … Read more