Yearly Archives: 2006

The Shock and Somber Wake

All of us seem to be left with an emptiness unlike any we have ever experienced in the aftermath of the events of September 11.  It consists of a mixture of deep sadness for those who died, the shock that we were so vulnerable to… Continue reading

Subdivision of Land

If you  have a  relatively large tract of  land you may have considered selling off a piece of it to a developer or perhaps developing the property yourself for future sale. When a landowner divides land into two or more parcels for the present or… Continue reading

Divorce-Postnuptial Agreements

Beyond the emotional, often gut-wrenching pain of divorce comes the difficult task of dividing marital property between husband and wife. Long before the ink dries on the divorce papers, it may be useful to have your  attorney draft a postnuptial agreement which outlines the rights… Continue reading

Trademark Searches

Before you adopt, use, or attempt to register a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it is advisable to conduct a search of the federal and state trademark registries and common law rights in unregistered trademarks and trade names to determine if… Continue reading

There Ought to be a Law…

Federal Estate Tax Exemption Increases

In January 1, 2002, the value of property that will escape federal estate tax increases from the current $675,000 to $1 millon, where it will remain through the end of the year 2003.  For the years 2004 and 2005 the exemption will be $1.5 million,… Continue reading

What Happens if I Die Without a Will?

A question I often hear is “what happens if I die without a will?”  One common assumption is that the state steps in to receive your assets.  Not true, unless you die without a spouse or relatives.  Generally, if you die without a will (called… Continue reading

Grandparents’ Visitation Rights

On this eve of National Grandparents Day (what, you failed to observe it?) in September, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court made a significant gift to grandparents (and great grandparents) in declaring in the action of Hiller v. Fausey that a portion of the recently adopted amendments… Continue reading

Changes to the Pennsylvania Mechanic’s Lien Law

Mechanics’ lien laws protect contractors in the event they do not get paid for a job. A mechanic’s lien is a claim created by statute for the purpose of securing payment for labor and materials provided in construction or improvement to buildings or real estate. … Continue reading

What is a Subpoena?

The word “subpoena” is from the Latin, sub (under) and poena (penalty).  A subpoena is a piece of paper, usually a printed form, which is filled out by a lawyer in connection with a pending legal proceeding.  It requires a person to appear in a… Continue reading