Posts written by buteralaw
Estate Tax Reform?
As many of you already know, Congress partially repealed the federal estate tax by eliminating the federal estate tax for estates of individuals dying during 2010. Prior to the elimination set for 2010, the estate tax was gradually reduced over the years from 2001 to 2009,… Continue reading
Federal Removal
Early in our history there was fierce independence on the part of the individual states making up our republic. On the one hand, the states were sovereign governments; on the other, they were each players in a larger national government. The federal court system was… Continue reading
Tax Changes for 2008
Here is a brief summary of some of the more important federal tax changes for calendar year 2008: The social security taxable wage base increases from $97,500 to $102,000. The limit for contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA increases from $4,000 to… Continue reading
Terminating Parental Rights
Courts consider the rights of a parent to be fundamental. Even so, each state has laws providing for the termination of parental rights. The severing of parental rights ends the legal parent-child relationship. Whether it is voluntary or involuntary, termination of parental rights can only… Continue reading
Disclosure to a Buyer of Residential Property
The doctrine of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) in the sale of residential real estate has been eroded steadily over the years by changes in the law. One of the most significant changes has been an increased responsibility for sellers to timely disclose to… Continue reading
Why the “Housing Bubble” is Overhyped
Why the “Housing Bubble” is Overhyped The current flat trend in the housing market (actually a down trend in some areas) may not be as serious as the current crop of economic talking heads might have you believe. Those likely to feel the biggest effect… Continue reading
Whoops! There Goes Another Picture Window!
Whoops! There Goes Another Picture Window! Is you hook your drive off of the third tee into an adjacent residence’s backyard, have you ever considered your potential liability if it bounces off the homeowner’s head? It has become common in the past 25 years… Continue reading
What is Subrogation?
The legal doctrine of subrogation is invoked most often in the insurance industry. It deals with the insurance company’s right to go after and recover from the party who caused a loss — after the insurer has paid out on its policy with its insured. … Continue reading
Queen’s English (Let’s Sneak This In)
Queen’s English (Let’s Sneak This In) Is snuck a real word or should the past tense of sneak be sneaked? While sneaked is technically the correct word in the past tense and while apparently a majority of those in the know (professors, etc.) might condemn… Continue reading
Penalties for DUI
Penalties for DUI It is that time of year again; and before you decide to get behind the wheel of your car, consider how much cheer you have consumed. In 2003, Pennsylvania lowered the amount of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) necessary to be considered “Generally… Continue reading