Category: Newsletters
Pay Zero Estate Taxes – You Must Be Kidding!
Within the last year a concept has developed whereby families whose net worth exceeds $1,400,000 in this calendar year (the approximate amount of assets that can be transferred free of federal estate tax by using two exemption equivalent credits of $675,000 each, plus adjustment for… Continue reading
The Prudent Investor Rule
In December 25, 1999, Pennsylvania’s “Prudent Investor Rule” became effective. It makes several important changes from the prior investment standard commonly referred to as the “prudent man” standard. Under the rule fiduciaries must invest and manage a trust as a prudent investor would considering the… Continue reading
Latin Lovers
Suppose you are driving through the mountains of Colorado and get into a fender-bender with a driver from Massachusetts. Which state’s law governs the rights of the parties? Is it the law of Pennsylvania? Colorado? Massachusetts? Enter the doctrine of lex loci, otherwise known as… Continue reading
Is Limited Tort Worth It?
From time to time over the last several years we have addressed the issue of whether drivers are better served electing “limited tort” or “full tort” insurance coverage. Since we handle many car accident cases, we see this issue often. The basic theory of limited… Continue reading
The Electronic “John Hancock”
On June 30, 2000, President Clinton signed the “Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act” (the “E-Signature Act”). To effect this historic piece of legislation, the President used both a traditional pen and an electronic “smart card,” a card which contains an integrated microprocessor… Continue reading
Supreme Court: Real or Veneer?
Apart from the daily wrangling back and forth, the battle between Al Gore and George Bush gave us a rare close-up of the United States Supreme Court in action. The Court, clothed with an aura of moral authority, conducts its business behind the scenes and… Continue reading
Disability Related Inquiries and Medical Examinations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
On July 27, 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released guidance on disability-related inquiries and medical examinations relating to existing employees. According to the EEOC, a “disability-related inquiry” is a question or series of questions which are likely, directly or indirectly, to elicit information about… Continue reading
Nursing Home Selection: Questions to Ask
There are many issues to consider when you or a loved one is contemplating entering a nursing home. Here is a list of some of the more important matters you may want to consider when selecting a nursing home for a loved one: What are… Continue reading
The Family and Medical Leave Act
Signed into law in 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was viewed by many as a beacon of economic security and family integrity. Almost 62% of Pennsylvania’s workforce was directly affected by the FMLA. The FMLA permits certain employees to take up to… Continue reading
Cent’ Anni
Anne Butera, mother of Ken, turned 100 on December 18, 2000. She is the mother of eight, grandmother of 26 (one deceased), and great grandmother of 22. Sons Bob and John are also lawyers; Bob is the CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia,… Continue reading