What Is the Spousal Share of an Estate?
There are many reasons why a person might leave a spouse or another loved one out of his or her will. It is possible that the will in question was executed prior to a marriage and was never properly updated. It may also be the case that the husband and wife, though still technically...
What Is the Spousal Share of an Estate? Continue reading…What is a Surety Bond?
A "surety bond" is a legal tool used to guarantee that a promise will be kept. It ensures that contractual requirements will be met and work will be done according to specifications. If they are not, the bond will cover some or all of the damages that result. The "surety bond" commits three parties to...
What is a Surety Bond? Continue reading…Is There Anyway a Disinherited Child Could Receive an Inheritance From an Estate?
If your estate plan and related documents are properly and carefully drafted, it is highly unlikely that the court will disregard your wishes and award the excluded child an inheritance. As unlikely as it may be, there are certain situations where this child could end up receiving an inheritance depending upon a variety of...
Is There Anyway a Disinherited Child Could Receive an Inheritance From an Estate? Continue reading…Investment Strategies for Minority Investors
As a minority business investor, it is essential to have an investment strategy that will maximize your returns. Once an investment decision is made, it is critical that a target business will enhance value of a broader investment portfolio. At the same time, many minority investors are also business owners who know what makes...
Investment Strategies for Minority Investors Continue reading…Can an Individual be held responsible for his or her deceased loved one’s debts?
When a loved one dies, an already difficult experience can be made much more stressful if that loved one held a significant amount of debt. Fortunately, the law addresses how an individual’s debts can be paid after he or she is deceased. When a person dies, his or her assets are gathered into an estate....
Can an Individual be held responsible for his or her deceased loved one’s debts? Continue reading…Why Should I Incorporate my Small Business?
Not every small business needs to form an LLC in order to function. A child selling lemonade by the side of the road has no use for a Tax ID number. It doesn’t seem practical to set up a new business entity to host a garage sale or a Tupperware party. As a...
Why Should I Incorporate my Small Business? Continue reading…When Can I Refuse Service to a Customer?
As a business owner in Rhode Island, you may face situations where refusing service to a customer seems necessary. However, denying service without understanding state and federal public accommodation laws can expose you to legal consequences, including complaints, civil lawsuits, and even penalties before the Rhode Island Commission for...
When Can I Refuse Service to a Customer? Continue reading…Executors Fees
An executor's fee is the amount charged by the person who has been appointed as the executor of the probate estate for handling all of the necessary steps in the probate administration. Therefore, if you have been appointed an executor of someone’s estate, you might be entitled to a fee for your services. This...
Executors Fees Continue reading…Are employees owed overtime for checking and answering email after hours?
Technology is a double-edged sword. It allows us to work remotely and to have greater flexibility as to where and when we work, but the freedom it affords can also be a burden. When you can work from anywhere, and at any time, it often feels like you should be doing so! Studies suggest people...
Are employees owed overtime for checking and answering email after hours? Continue reading…Employee Rights in the Workplace
Relationships between employers and employees are regulated under various federal laws. It is essential to be aware of these regulations. Those who violate their provisions risk lawsuits and penalties for failure to comply. Family Medical Leave Act Under the Family Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, an employee is afforded up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave...
Employee Rights in the Workplace Continue reading…An Overview of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family Medical Leave Act is a federal law that allows employees to take significant time off from work to take care of a loved one with an illness, medical problem or condition. The law does not require an employer to pay the employee for the time missed, but allows the employer to substitute...
An Overview of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Continue reading…How to Avoid Three Common Pitfalls when Purchasing a Small Business
1. Buy the assets instead of the business Purchasing a small business includes assuming any debt accrued by the business. The buyer is also purchasing any potential liability from accidents or misconduct of the seller that occurred prior to the sale. This can be avoided if the new owner purchases the assets instead of buying...
How to Avoid Three Common Pitfalls when Purchasing a Small Business Continue reading…