News & Insights

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

When Negotiating a Commercial Lease Be Careful Not to Waive Your Rights

Negotiating a commercial lease

Tenants negotiating a commercial lease often face “landlord-friendly” contract clauses. A recent decision (issued on May 7, 2019) addressed one such provision which stated that the Tenant waived its right to bring a declaratory judgment action with respect to the lease or any notice sent pursuant thereto. The Tenant filed a declaratory judgment action and … Read more

Divorce Revokes Annuity Beneficiary Designation to Ex-Spouse

During marriage, typically couples will name each other as beneficiaries of their retirement accounts, pensions, life insurance policies and similar assets. However, if a couple separates or divorces, they usually want to change their beneficiary designations to another person. As discussed in a previous post, it is important to talk with an estate planning attorney … Read more