Yearly Archives: 2006
Proximate Causation
Proximate cause, also known as legal cause, exists when the defendant’s negligent act is a substantial factor in bringing about an injury to the plaintiff. For example, in a wrongful death action, it is essential to prove that the wrongful act of the defendant was… Continue reading
Effective Negotiating: Five Tips
As business lawyers, one of the tasks we are called upon to do is to negotiate, whether it be for the purchase or sale of a business, negotiating the terms of a real estate deal, drafting leases, or straightforward contract negotiations. While legal negotiations contain… Continue reading
Now You See It . . .(An Exercise in Illogic)
One of the stranger recent announcements of the federal government was that it had created an Office of Misinformation. After considerable protest, it was proclaimed that – never mind! – the office had been disbanded. Or had it been? If by definition their job is to… Continue reading
Child Support – Are You Getting Enough for Your Kids?
If you are receiving child support payments as part of an agreement or as part of a court order, you may not be getting as much as the law provides you. If you are paying child support, you may be paying more than you have… Continue reading
Identity Theft Update
Despite the growing public awareness of the crime of identity theft- when someone uses your personal information to gain credit in your name – the number of cases continues to grow at an alarming rate. Identity theft takes money from businesses, increases the cost of credit… Continue reading
The Queen’s English — Hope Springs Eternal
The misuse of the word hopefully continues unabated. To say “Hopefully, Bill will remember to get milk at the store” is to say that when he remembers the milk, Bill will be full of hope. This is not what the speaker intended; what was intended… Continue reading
It’s Better To Give…
In 2001, Americans gave an estimated $203 billion to charities. Since many of you contributed to this figure, it might be worth reviewing some charitable giving options that also carry favorable income and estate tax advantages. One income tax advantaged strategy appreciated that we can… Continue reading
Divorce and the Equitable Distribution of Property
If divorcing couples cannot agree on how to divide their property, either party has the option to request an “equitable distribution hearing.” A count for equitable distribution can be included in the initial divorce complaint. At an equitable distribution hearing, husband and wife will present… Continue reading
Ch Ch Ch Changes…
Every so often we devote our attention to some of the changes that have occurred around BBC&B: Walt Reed has joined us in our estate planning and administration department. Walt brings with him a high level of expertise in planning estates of all sizes, with… Continue reading
The Queen’s English
The general rule is that the word different (which is an adjective) should be followed by from, though in common usage than is often used. The “purists” apparently argue that the rule is unbending, and the use of than is always incorrect. The use of… Continue reading