JDSA's Law Talk

Season 3, Episode 17 – It’s where so many family memories are shaped…and your generous commitment to maintaining a legacy might become a tax burden. The family cabin is a source of memories for everyone, but leaving it to your kids could tarnish some of the future good times. So, what do you need know in advance? Should you sell it to your children? Gift it? Who gets what share? Who pays for maintenance in the future? And should you just turn it into an LLC? The simplicity of life at the family cabin can become incredibly complex when you’re gone. JDSA attorney Caitlyn Evans talks about your options in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk about Recreational Real Estate – Tips for Passing Down the Family Cabin.

The Epic Systems case is a recent United States Supreme Court decision that could have a significant impact on businesses and employees throughout the country. But is it good or bad for you? The Supreme Court has ruled that companies can use an arbitration clause in an employment contract. So, instead of going to court, employees may have to resolve disputes with their employer through arbitration. Is this good for employees? Or is it entirely lop-sided, and all in the favor of the company? This makes for a hot topic, and why you want to hear this podcast episode. Listen in as JDSA attorney Colleen Frei explains the new U.S. Supreme Court ruling and how it can affect you, in Arbitration — The Impact of Employment Dispute Resolution Agreements.

There’s a lot of work that goes into getting ready for a court case. And something you may never have thought of, is where it will take place. How much does the venue where your case is heard matter? Could the outcome be affected? What’s the criteria for deciding the location, and who makes the final determination about what courtroom, what judge—and in what county—your case will be tried. It’s an important piece of the legal puzzle, and something your attorney takes into consideration. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explores The Importance of a Proper Legal Venue.

The most important job in your company could be replacing a top person. In any company—large or small, corporate or family business—there will come a time when the CEO or another high-ranking leader will retire, or move on. Sometimes the departure is sudden and unexpected. Who will fill those shoes? Is there someone inside your company ready to take the lead? Or do you need to look outside the organization? How do you plan for this company-changing event? And when should you start thinking about it? In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Colleen Frei talks about grooming leadership for the future health of your business in Succession Planning – And Why It’s Critical For Business Success.

Divorce and Taxes. You can’t have one without the other. Recent changes to the Federal tax code will impact the taxation of spousal support, and the changes are as complex as a divorce itself. So, what’s changing? Who gets to pay more tax? Could the changes affect the amount a person pays or receives? And what does it all mean in the grander scheme of filing your income tax? In this special podcast episode, JDSA attorneys Jordan Miller and Lindsey Weidenbach bring together their individual areas of practice to explain and simplify the topic of Tax Rules and Alimony - Changes Impacting Spousal Support.

Stop what you’re doing – right now! That, essentially, is the most basic thought when it comes to a cease and desist order. In business, your brand - your commercial identity - is all you have to define you. It tells others that you are what they want. So when another company or organization piggybacks on your brand - by using your name or identity - you will likely issue a cease and desist order - to tell them to stop immediately. But those can backfire if you are too harsh. In our era of digital and social media, you have to be creative, or crafty. In this podcast episode filled with interesting examples, JDSA attorney Sally White explores the new necessity in business: Creative Approaches to Cease and Desist Communications.

Get it in writing. That’s the common tip people give when someone is hiring a contractor.“You’ll thank me”, is usually the last piece of the conversation. But is there more to hiring a contractor than just a written quote? You bet your hammer and nails there is! Firstly, what is the legal definition of a contractor? How much homework do you really need to do? What licenses should your contractor have? Insurance? References? Worker’s Compensation? Who resolves a problem or dispute? There’s definitely more to hiring a contractor than just a written quote. JDSA Attorney Matthew Hitchcock gives us important ideas to build on in this podcast titled Tips for Hiring a Construction Contractor.

Grandparents now have rights. If that statement surprises you, it is likely you have never had to go to court to see your grandchild. There are changes in Washington State’s child custody laws, and it can directly affect grandparents, stepparents, and other relatives. So, do you now have the right to visitation? You may. But what exactly does “visitation” mean? How do you petition the court? What are the new rules? In this podcast episode filled with new and important information, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explains the latest developments in Washington’s child custody and visitation laws in, Child Custody – Changes in Non-Parental Visitation Rights.

Instructions aren’t just for assembling the patio furniture. In business, your company’s Employee Handbook is your instruction manual for success. But what goes in your Employee Handbook? What are the should-includes, the must-haves, and the you-can’t-dictate-thats? Does your company’s Employee Handbook really need to be more than dress code, work hours, and where the fire exits are found? Do you need to speak with an attorney? Or can you write it yourself? In this second of two-parts podcast, JDSA attorney Todd Kiesz turns the page on Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Handbook.

First day on the job. It is daunting for anyone. A new employee has a lot to absorb, and a business owner has high expectations. What can help things go smoothly for the employee and the employer? Item number one: the Employee Handbook. A clearly written Employee Handbook is also a valuable resource detailing an employer’s expectations, company regulations, dress code, accepted behavior, and more. When everyone is on the same page, the employment story can properly take place. In this first of a two-part podcast, JDSA attorney Todd Kiesz opens the book on Employee Handbooks – and Why They’re Important.