Monthly Archives: July 2006
The Queen’s English — Banished (As Well They Should Be)
Writers like to add spice to their texts by sprinkling them with metaphors, analogies, and similes; well-conceived, they can add color and sometimes make a concept more-easily grasped. (Churchill’s Iron Curtain and Eisenhower’s military/industrial complex are two brilliant and enduring illustrations.) They can however be… Continue reading
The End of Common Law Marriage
Over the last few years we have seen an increasing number of claims between “spouses” based upon the existence of an alleged “common-law” marriage. Why is this? For one, the institution of marriage potentially creates significant property rights in each spouse. Additionally, insurance, retirement and… Continue reading
DNA Paternity Testing — A New Paradox Unfolds
With the refinement of deoxyribonucleic (DNA) testing in the past decade, the determination of paternity of a child is now virtually absolute; litigation involving the putative father is understandably emotionally charged for so many reasons. The primary consideration must always be the child; who… Continue reading
Social Security Death Benefits
The death of a family member can be a traumatic time for the individual’s surviving family members. Even when the death is expected (due to old age or failing health), the surviving family members often are not emotionally or financially prepared for the death of… Continue reading
The Ever Changing Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land. As our highest court, it provides the leadership of the judicial branch of the federal government. The court consists of the Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices all of whom are… Continue reading
It’s My Name, Thank You
Trade names and trade marks can be among a company’s most valuable assets, and lawsuits to protect them are not uncommon. To name a few highly recognized trade names and marks, think of General Electric, Coca Cola (with its specially shaped bottle and… Continue reading
Who Needs Title Insurance?
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments that an individual may make during his or her lifetime. For many, the experience is extremely stressful. One reason the process is so stressful is that most people are not familiar with it. … Continue reading
IRS Issues Notice That It Will Focus Its Microscope On S-Corps
Due to the phenomenal growth of S-corporations over the past 20 years, the IRS has recently announced that it is getting ready to measure S-corp and shareholder compliance. In its announcement, the IRS indicated that it would randomly select for examination 5,000 S-corp… Continue reading
A Landmark Eminent Domain Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court has recently rendered several important decisions, none of which raised eyebrows as much as a Connecticut case. The city of New London had formulated an economic development plan which was intended to revitalize the City and which involved the… Continue reading
Special Exception and Variances
A client recently called to inquire about the difference between a special exception and a variance in zoning law. A special exception is a permitted use under the zoning ordinance so long as the conditions for its availability stated in the… Continue reading