Yearly Archives: 2016
Who Gets What in Intestacy?
We frequently advise clients about the importance of having a will to avoid the effects of the “intestacy” laws, which determine how a decedent’s estate is distributed when there is no will. But what exactly does the Pennsylvania intestacy law provide and is its application… Continue reading
Expungement and Access to Criminal Records
Expungement is the term used to mean removal of criminal records from governmental files. The most common use of expungement is in cases of DUI where a criminal arrest record may be removed following an ARD disposition which does not involve an actual conviction of… Continue reading
Tax Deduction for Legal Fees?
Can you deduct the legal fees you pay your attorney on your federal income tax return? The answer to that question depends on several factors, including who you are and the reason why legal fees were incurred. As a general rule, legal expenses incurred in… Continue reading
Yes Gilligan, You are Entitled to Accretion and Reliction
Do you own an island? If so, you should know that you own the additional portion of your island created by the gradual and imperceptible accumulation of land by natural causes (“accretion” or “alluvium”), as well as that portion of your island created by the… Continue reading
Latin Lovers – Don’t Come Empty Handed
Most people know what a subpoena is – Perry Mason used them all the time to require a hostile witness to appear in court. Sometimes, however, a witness will be served with a Subpoena “Duces Tecum”, which goes a bit further – requiring not only… Continue reading
Who Gets What in Intestacy?
We frequently advise clients about the importance of having a will to avoid the effects of the “intestacy” laws, which determine how a decedent’s estate is distributed when there is no will. But what exactly does the Pennsylvania intestacy law provide and is its application… Continue reading
PA Wage Payment and Collection Law
The Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (“WPCL”) provides a statutory cause of action for employees against employers and responsible individuals; it allows an employee to sue for unpaid wages and recover additional damages of 25% of the unpaid amount and counsel fees. The WPCL… Continue reading
Negotiating Easements
An easement is a right to use or control a portion of one parcel of real estate for the benefit of another parcel. An important distinguishing point between easements and most other agreements is that easements actually benefit and burden the parcels of property (not… Continue reading
The Current State of Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfers
In the past we have reported on the process for transferring liquor licenses. Since 2000, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“LCB”) has permitted Restaurant (“R”) licenses and Eating Place (“E”) licenses to be transferred outside of the municipality where they are located to another municipality… Continue reading
Suggestions for Financial Well-Being
Here are some simple suggestions to consider in the coming year to improve your financial picture: Eliminate high interest credit card debt by refinancing or using a home equity second mortgage at much lower interest rates. The interest may become deductible and the overall interest… Continue reading