In view of the repeal of the New Jersey estate tax as of January 1, 2018, as well as the recent significant increases in the federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax (“GST”) exemptions to $11,180,000 per person, also effective January 1, 2018, many clients should review their estate plans.…
Years of experience in administering estates have taught us that the best way to avoid litigation after death is to plan during life. We have come to identify several “red flags” that, when not addressed during estate planning, are more often than not resolved in a courtroom. Not only does…
Although there is no federal law requiring private employers to provide handbooks to their employees, there are numerous reasons for employers to do so, including: Providing an opportunity to formally welcome new employees, introduce the organization and explain expectations; Grouping various employment policies together in a handbook makes it easier…
An advance directive for health care (“Advance Directive”) is a legal document that expresses an individual’s wishes regarding end of life medical treatment, and can include a designation of another person as his or her health care representative. In contrast, a POLST, Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, is a health…
Tresa Baldas of Detroit Free Press recently interviewed Kathleen Connelly in reaction to the ongoing investigation of TV Station WXYZ ‘s inadequate response to Anchorman Malcom Maddox allegations of sexual harassment. Kathleen, who specializes in employment law and workplace investigations questioned the TV Station WXYZ’s investigation given the severity of…
Although not required by federal or New Jersey law, many employers utilize policies, which govern appropriate dress and grooming standards for employees in the workplace. For example, when attending business meetings with visitors or clients, employers may require that employee attire reflect that of the individuals with whom that employee…
Workplace harassment remains a harsh and unavoidable reality for employers. Given the recent #MeToo movement, employers can expect to see a continued rise in complaints concerning harassment, specifically sexual harassment. Although no guidelines can define sexual harassment with complete clarity, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical,…
Bob Anderson, co-chair of Lindabury’s Cybersecurity and Data Privacy practice group, was recently interviewed by Karen Talley of FierceCEO, a publication that is considered a must-read source for running a business. Bob reports to Ms. Talley that “there is a tendency for businesses to not put the emphasis on employees,…
Both New Jersey and the Federal government have established laws prohibiting workplace harassment in any form including discrimination that is based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or marital status. In addition, these laws prohibit retaliation…
Liquor licenses are state-issued licenses that enable your business to legally sell alcohol. The laws around liquor licenses vary by state and New Jersey has some of the most restrictive liquor license laws in the nation (along with being some of the most expensive). In New Jersey, the Division of…