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…Common Tax Deductions for Small Businesses
Automobile deductions: Whether an individual uses a personal vehicle for his or her own business or company owns a vehicle, the depreciation of value and costs associated with that vehicle may be deducted from the company’s income at year's end. A taxpayer must keep track of all of these expenses and document them by...
Common Tax Deductions for Small Businesses Continue reading…Five Common Reasons a Will Might Be Invalid
There are several reasons that a will may prove invalid. It is important for testators to be aware of these pitfalls in order to avoid them. Improper Execution The requirements vary from state to state, but most states require a valid will to be witnessed by two people not named in the will. Some jurisdictions...
Five Common Reasons a Will Might Be Invalid Continue reading…Own a business with a spouse? What happens after a divorce?
Given that this situation encompasses various areas of law, you should consult both a matrimonial and a business law attorney. Depending upon the type of business the division between you and your soon-to-be ex-wife may be straightforward. However, more than likely, it may take significant work to be able to divide the business. If...
Own a business with a spouse? What happens after a divorce? Continue reading…When Will I Receive My Inheritance?
If you’ve been named a beneficiary in a loved one’s estate plan, you’ve likely wondered how long it will take to receive your share of the inheritance after his or her passing. Unfortunately, there’s no hard or and fast rule that allows an estate planning attorney to answer this question. The length of time...
When Will I Receive My Inheritance? Continue reading…Five Considerations For Starting a New Business
1. Deciding on a Business Form There are various business forms to choose from. A sole proprietorship is the easiest to set up, manage, and maintain. There is minimal paperwork necessary to set up a sole proprietorship since there is no distinction between the business and the proprietor. Unfortunately, if a sole proprietorship faces a lawsuit,...
Five Considerations For Starting a New Business Continue reading…Would transferring your home to your children help avoid estate taxes?
Before transferring your home to your children, there are several issues that should be considered. Some are tax-related issues and some are none-tax issues that can have grave consequences on your livelihood.
The first thing to keep in mind is that the current federal estate tax exemption is currently over $5 million and thus it...
Would transferring your home to your children help avoid estate taxes? Continue reading…