Yearly Archives: 2015
Lease Guaranties When They Should Be Used; What They Should Say and How to Preserve Them
It is commonplace for landlords to require guaranties of their tenants’ lease obligations. Such guaranties are useful to almost all landlords, whether the lease in question is for a large “anchor tenant” in a shopping center or a much smaller transaction, such as, for example… Continue reading
Can the Budget Deadlock in Harrisburg Lead to Liquor Reform?
In an effort to resolve the ongoing budget battle in Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a $30.3 billion Republican-backed state budget that calls for increases in the cigarette tax, new revenue from internet gaming and major changes to the liquor code. The Pennsylvania House… Continue reading
The Queen’s English Prepositions: Where They’re At
From Jack Lynch’s delightful The English Language – – A User’s Guide, the following bit of sage advice: Along with split infinitives, a favorite bugbear of the traditionalists is the rule that you should not end a sentence with a preposition. Whatever the merit of the rule —… Continue reading
Shipping Goods – Risk of Loss, Cost of Shipping, etc.
Shipping terms are vital for anyone in the business of producing goods. If you are a buyer or a seller, products need to arrive at a certain point, they need to arrive on time and they need to be intact and in good quality. All… Continue reading
Jerk-And-Jolt
We have all experienced the sudden movement of a train or bus upon boarding and while wending our way to a seat. As we lurch, we reach out to grab the closest pole or overhead straps to steady ourselves and to prevent our being tossed… Continue reading
Retirement Contribution Limits (It’s Not Too Late!)
The following chart illustrates the contribution limits for retirement plans for calendar years 2015 and 2016: Plan Type Contribution Limit IRA (under 50) … Continue reading
Planning for Your Digital Estate
In the current environment, more and more of our financial and even personal activities are carried on on-line, and more and more data about ourselves is located (sometimes exclusively) on-line. This can prove difficult when a person dies or becomes incapacitated. Activities as varied as… Continue reading
Insurance Salesmen: Dispense Financial Advice at Your Own Risk
In the recently decided case of Yenchi v. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. et al, the Pennsylvania Superior Court held that an insurance agent selling an insurance policy could, under the right circumstances, expose himself or herself to liability as a fiduciary of the individuals buying the… Continue reading
What is an Estoppel Certificate?
If you own commercial real estate which is tenant occupied and you seek to sell your property or obtain financing secured by the property you will likely be asked to supply your buyer or your lender with an estoppel certificate. So what is it? Before… Continue reading
Does a Will Need to be Witnessed?
Not normally, at least in Pennsylvania. This question comes up surprisingly often and usually in the case where there is a “homemade” will (that is, one prepared without a lawyer). In Pennsylvania the generally applicable signing requirement is that “(e)very will shall be in writing… Continue reading