Everyday Legal Tips

Do I Need To Start A Probate?

Posted on Mon Jan 20th, 2020 at 11:31 amOne of the most common questions asked after the death of a family member or loved one is, Do I need to start a probate? This post gives some general guidelines for answering that question.

Latest Back Pain Treatment Recommendations: New Life for Old Methods

Posted on Wed Mar 22nd, 2017 at 10:47 amThe American College of Physicians has released new clinical guidelines for the treatment of low back pain. The guidelines continue the shift toward conservative approaches to treating back pain as being most effective for patients.

State of the States: The Department of Labor's Review of State Worker's Compensation Systems (Part II)

Posted on Tue Jan 10th, 2017 at 8:52 amIn October, the Department of Labor released a report that is highly critical of the state worker's compensations systems. This article is the second of two and focuses on the DOL's recommendations and big picture context of the report, particularly in Wisconsin.

State of the States: The Department of Labor's Review of State Worker's Compensation Systems (Part I)

Posted on Mon Dec 19th, 2016 at 9:25 amIn October, the Department of Labor released a report that is highly critical of the state worker's compensations systems. This article is the first of two and focuses on the DOL's findings, particularly in light of the 1972 National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws.

A Shift in LIRC's Worker's Comp Decisions: What Does the Data Show?

Posted on Fri Nov 11th, 2016 at 8:31 amAnecdotally, people within the worker's compensation community feel there has been a change in LIRC decisions lately. Statistics from LIRC do suggest that there have been some notable changes in decision patterns over the last few years. While the trend of the changes may be as expected, the extent of the shift is surprising.

2016 Worker’s Compensation Act Changes: Violations of an Employer’s Alcohol or Drug Policy

Posted on Thu Nov 3rd, 2016 at 10:00 amThe spring of 2016 brought three notable changes to the Worker's Compensation Act, including apportionment of permanent partial disability and new exceptions to the Brakebush line of cases. The third change of note is a statutory revision impacting the treatment of benefits payable when an injury is the result of a violation of an employer's drug and alcohol policy.

2016 Worker’s Compensation Act Changes: Temporary Disability Liability in Discharge or Suspension Cases

Posted on Thu Oct 27th, 2016 at 2:50 pmIn March 2016 several new provisions in the Worker's Compensation Act took effect, including changes to calculation of permanent partial disability. Another notable change for 2016 is a statutory revision that affects the carrier's liability for temporary disability in certain cases where the employee has been terminated or suspended.

2016 Worker’s Compensation Act Changes: Apportionment of PPD

Posted on Wed Oct 26th, 2016 at 4:14 pmChanges in the Worker's Compensation Act became effective in March of this year, including three notable changes to the Act. One of these changes is in the handling of permanent partial disability, particularly as relates to claims that involve a previous history of similar medical problems.

Discussing Driving with Aging Family Members: Effective Ways to Approach the Subject

Posted on Mon Sep 16th, 2013 at 10:20 amYou are concerned that your parent, grandparent or another older relative may not be able to drive safely any longer. How do you approach this subject recognizing that this privilege of adulthood is difficult for the driver and their family to discuss? Here are some resources that will be of help.

Employee Notices Due October 1, 2013 under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

Posted on Thu Aug 29th, 2013 at 2:59 pmEmployers are required to provide their employees with notices under the ACA by October 1, 2013.

The Supreme Court Decision on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): What Does it Mean for Wisconsin Employers?

Posted on Tue Aug 6th, 2013 at 3:57 pmA lot has been written about the recent Supreme Court decision in U. S. v. Windsor which invalidated part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). But what does this decision mean for a Wisconsin employer?

So You Created a Legal Entity, What Now?

Posted on Tue Jun 18th, 2013 at 10:21 amTips on maintaining your new Legal Entity

New I-9 Form Must be Used as of May 7, 2013

Posted on Fri May 3rd, 2013 at 1:23 pmThe USCIS has issued a new I-9 Form which must be used beginning May 5, 2013.

Maintaining Privileged Email Communications with your Attorney

Posted on Fri Mar 29th, 2013 at 4:08 pmMany employees use their work email account for all types of communications. If you want any communication to remain private, do not use your work email for the communication.

Contract Basics for Small Businesses

Posted on Mon Mar 11th, 2013 at 3:11 pmMost small businesses are familiar with contracts. The owner signs them to purchase products used in their business and, in some cases, require their customers to sign contracts to purchase the owner’s product or service. Here is some basic contract information which I hope will be helpful to you.

3 Documents You Should Have

Posted on Wed Feb 13th, 2013 at 10:39 amHere is the link to a video I recently created with Tom Boudreau of R & R Insurance about 3 essential estate planning documents.

Alert from Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Part 3

Posted on Mon Feb 11th, 2013 at 2:25 pmThis article appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on February 10, 2013. Note that the state Attorney General is now involved.

Alert from Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Part 2

Posted on Mon Feb 11th, 2013 at 1:13 pmHere is a copy of a letter and a form which has bee sent to Wisconsin businesses.

Alert from Wisconsin Department of Financial Intitutions

Posted on Fri Feb 8th, 2013 at 3:58 pmI received the following alert from the state of Wisconsin. Do not get caught in this scam. Call the DFI if you are contacted by this company.

The Hiring Process

Posted on Wed Nov 28th, 2012 at 11:06 amThe Hiring Process

I ran across this article on Linkedin.

Four Plans That Every Small Business Person Needs

Posted on Mon Sep 10th, 2012 at 3:56 pmFour Plans That Every Small Business Person Needs

When a small business owner thinks about his/her business and planning for its future, the owner needs to consider planning not only for the business but for his/her needs as the owner.

NLRB Focuses on "At Will" Disclaimers in Employer Documents

Posted on Wed Aug 15th, 2012 at 12:12 pmNLRB Focuses on "At Will" Disclaimers in Employer Documents

The NLRB, through several decisions and based upon remarks made by Acting General Counsel Lafe Solomon, will be focusing on at-will disclaimers noting that blanket at-will statements may violate the National Labor Relations Act.

EEOC Issues Enforcement Guidance for the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Posted on Tue Jul 17th, 2012 at 12:25 pmEEOC Issues Enforcement Guidance for the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Why You Need a Will

Posted on Thu Jun 28th, 2012 at 12:38 pmWhy You Need a Will

It is a great explanation of why everyone over the age of 18 should have a will.

EEOC Granted Summary Judgment in Retaliation Suit

Posted on Tue Jun 12th, 2012 at 12:44 pmEEOC Granted Summary Judgment in Retaliation Suit

The EEOC issued this press release after they obtained a summary judgment against an employer.

Cohabitation and Common Law Marriage under Wisconsin State Law

Posted on Fri Jun 1st, 2012 at 12:47 pmCohabitation and Common Law Marriage under Wisconsin State Law

Recently a person (I will refer to her as Ann although that is not her real name) came to our firm with the following fact situation

Significant Changes to Landlord-Tenant Law in Wisconsin Effective March 31, 2012

Posted on Thu May 10th, 2012 at 12:52 pmSignificant Changes to Landlord-Tenant Law in Wisconsin Effective March 31, 2012

Major revisions were made to the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 704 regarding landlords and tenants.

New OSHA Rule on Hazardous Communication Standard

Posted on Thu Mar 29th, 2012 at 1:01 pmNew OSHA Rule on Hazardous Communication Standard

Estate Planning and Safety Deposit Boxes

Posted on Wed Mar 14th, 2012 at 1:03 pmEstate Planning and Safety Deposit Boxes

Internet Defamation

Posted on Wed Feb 22nd, 2012 at 1:04 pmInternet Defamation

U. S. Supreme Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Affordable Care Act

Posted on Mon Nov 14th, 2011 at 1:08 pmU. S. Supreme Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Affordable Care Act

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the arguments brought by 26 states questioning the right of Congress to mandate Americans to purchase health care coverage.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011

Posted on Mon Nov 14th, 2011 at 1:10 pmVOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011

Changes to Automobile Insurance Coverage as of November 1, 2011

Posted on Tue Oct 25th, 2011 at 1:13 pmChanges to Automobile Insurance Coverage as of November 1, 2011

In April, 2011 changes were passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature which returned the limits on coverage and the types of coverage to pre-2009 levels.