Articles
Three Considerations for Estate Planning During a Pandemic
The possibility of prolonged sickness or even death from COVID-19 has caused many individuals to feel more urgency to prepare advanced directives and undertake other estate planning. In addition, the unknown final impact of the economic crisis may raise questions...
Five Key Takeaways Following the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Invalidation of the Safer at Home Order
The Wisconsin Supreme Court, by a 4-3 vote, invalidated Wisconsin’s Safer-at-Home Order, also known as Order #28. It issued that decision on May 13, 2020. Here are five key takeaways to consider in the wake of that decision: 1.) As of this writing, Order #28 is no...
U.S. Department of Labor and IRS Extend COBRA Deadlines
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsinites, along with the rest of the nation, have endured sudden and severe job loss. As of May 14, 2020, the University of Wisconsin Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy estimated the Wisconsin unemployment rate to be 21.9%. ...
Is Your Business Protected from Business Interruption During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
With the COVID-19 pandemic occurring, many states, including Wisconsin, have ordered all nonessential businesses, including restaurants and bars, to close their doors. Unfortunately, there will be a substantial amount of revenue lost by these businesses for as long...
County Claims on Residence for Delinquent Property Taxes
If you own real estate in Wisconsin, you are familiar with the annual property tax bills that arrive in the mail each December. You are also aware that you are required to pay your tax installments to the County Treasurer by January 31st and/or July 31st of each...
Wisconsin Employers Take Note: EEOC Updates COVID-19 Guidance; Addresses Mental Illness Made Worse by the Pandemic
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its guidance, as of April 17, 2020, to assist employers in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace. See www.EEOC.gov Ordinarily, an employer is prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities...
Common Divorce Myths Debunked
Many people have heard a number of myths concerning divorce. This can lead to misaligned expectations to the reality of divorce proceedings. The following are five common myths debunked with an explanation to the reality of the situation. Divorces are always messy....
The Workplace in the Middle of a Pandemic: What is a Wisconsin Employer to do?
COVID-19 also known as the corona virus has inundated the normalcy of everyday existence like a worldwide flash flood. Currently, the flood waters are predicted to rise before they recede. More will be attempted by government to keep the flood at bay, as shown by...
Beware of Dog Owner Liability and Coverage
“As wonderful as dogs can be, they are famous for missing the point.” – Jean Ferris. Sometimes when dogs miss the point; things can go horribly wrong. Statistically, there are four to five million Americans bitten by dogs every year. There is precedent for animals...
Keeping Confidentiality, Whose Email Server Are You Using When Emailing Your Lawyer?
One of the most significant benefits of seeking advice from your lawyer are the ethical rules that generally require that the communications with your lawyer are confidential. This means that, except in some limited circumstances, information that a business or...
Take it Easy on the Beers While Riding a Lawn Mower
If you are like me, after mowing the lawn and job well cut, you may enjoy a cold refreshing adult beverage. With that frosty refreshment in mind, I stumbled upon a recent, and unique, Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision that held that a riding lawn mower is a “motor...
What Happens If I Pass Without a Will?
“What will happen to my assets when I pass away?” This is the question that brings many clients into their attorney’s office for initial estate planning discussions. Typically, their estate planning attorney will ask questions to learn about their assets, family and...
What Is Divestment Under Medicaid Law?
Divestment is when you or your spouse give away assets belonging to either or both of you and sell assets for less than fair market value. Avoiding or refusing to accept income or assets you are entitled to, such as a pension income or an inheritance would also be...
Update on Bill That Seeks to Curb Harassment of Sports Officials
Sports, even at the high school level, can raise emotions in players and spectators alike. Sports officials are not strangers to displeasure with calls they make on the field or court. However, there comes a point when expressing displeasure can cross the line. For...
What Exactly is Involved in the Litigation Process?
Over the course of my career, many people have asked me what area of law I practice in, and I usually respond by stating “civil litigation.” Then I am typically asked, “What do you mean by civil litigation?” The civil in “civil litigation” refers to the form of law,...
Yours, Mine and Ours – How Property is Divided at Divorce
In Wisconsin, property is presumed to be equally divided between the parties in a divorce action. Almost all property owned by the parties is subject to equal division. This includes property that is titled solely in one spouse’s name and property acquired by a spouse...
Maximizing Bequests with Charitable Contributions
Many Americans wish to leave a donation to their favorite charity, community foundation or nonprofit organization when they pass away. You may be one of them. Often people decide to donate by gifting a specific dollar amount or percentage from the residue of their...
Which Insurance Companies Do I Have to Talk to After an Auto Accident?
Following an auto accident, victims are often bombarded with calls from claims personnel connected with various insurance companies asking how the accident happened and what injuries were sustained. Usually, there are three different insurance companies trying to get...