Posts

Child custody issues are sensitive subjects because of the huge emotional consequences. When a custodial parent dies, custody matters can be that much more emotionally charged. Although child custody laws vary from state to state, generally, when a custodial parent dies, a non-custodial parent can obtain custody without much legal difficulty. Even though the process may seem straightforward, consulting an experienced family law attorney is always advisable to comply with local laws and to be advised of potential consequences....

People can slip and fall for a variety of reasons, from being careless to encountering a hazard on the ground. Sometimes if people fall because there was a hazard present, they may be able to recover for their injuries. This is because businesses have a general duty of care to keep people reasonably safe while they’re on the business’s premises. But, in order to succeed in this type of lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove that the business was at fault....

It’s a Christmas miracle! Despite not being of the rein variety, Charlotte the deer has been saved! Or at least pardoned. She can thank Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker – and her original savior, Marvin Graaf. Graaf rescued baby Charlotte 15 months ago after her mother was hit by a car. He nursed her with a bottle and puppy formula while trying to find her a good home. But then the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stepped in....

As a general rule, non-compete agreements and clauses in employment contracts are difficult to enforce. First they must be narrowly tailored enough to be valid, and many courts are loathe to tell people where they can and cannot work. That is especially true in California in general and Silicon Valley in particular, where, as GeekWire notes, “non-compete agreements have long been considered unenforceable.” Non-Compete, No Work Substantially the Same? Whether the company’s far-reaching enforcement efforts will take hold in Farrell’s case remain to be seen, but provide a sobering reminder that your non-compete clause or agreement might not be enforceable, even if you’ve had legal counsel vet it first....

Two former Apple Store employees are suing the tech giant for subjecting them to daily bag searches to discourage theft – time that allegedly was not included in their hourly pay. While the suit is based in federal court in San Francisco, the two plaintiffs have worked in stores across the country. They’re seeking class-action status to sue on behalf of the nation’s Apple employees for being denied compensation due to this alleged “customary practice” in Apple’s showrooms, reports Reuters....

There is a rule of thumb in the data security realm that advises against hooking anything up to the internet that doesn’t need to be, the idea being that internet connectivity is a door through which most every hacker finds their way in. In fact, a group of researchers discovered a way that even Google’s Nest smart home thermostats could be hacked, two years ago. As it turns out, hackers aren’t the only ones you should be worried about when it comes to smart home device security – cops are coming for your data, too....

Turnabout is fair play. Arizona is threatening to cut off its supply of electricity to Los Angeles if the city goes through with the proposed boycott of Arizona. Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce stated yesterday that the state may terminate all power supply contracts with Los Angeles if the immigration boycott stands. Pierce sent a letter to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa suggesting that he “reconsider the wisdom of attempting to harm Arizona’s economy....

A blind Native American man says that doctors at a South Dakota hospital discriminated against him by intentionally carving a KKK surgery scar into his abdomen. But hospital staff and police have no idea what the Lakota man is talking about. To be fair, 69-year-old Vern Traversie has obvious scars on his stomach, but it takes some effort to make out the letters “KKK.” Traversie is suing the hospital for unspecified damages and claims that he was mistreated at the hospital on account of his race even before the surgical scar, reports The Associated Press....

The CA Senate has passed a bill designed to increase restrictions on violent sexual predators. AB 1844, known as “Chelsea’s Law,” was passed unanimously by the California state senate Tuesday. It now goes to the Assembly, where it will face approval of amendments, before finally making its way to the desk of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Governor has already stated that he plans to sign the bill. Chelsea’s Law was introduced by Republican Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher from San Diego....

A major concern that can keep people from getting divorced is how the separation will affect their finances. This is especially true for the non-bread-winning spouse, and this concern does not diminish over time. Just as young and unhappy spouses may worry how they will pay the bills without their partner’s salary, older spouses may fret over what will happen to Social Security benefits upon which they’ve become dependent. So how might a divorce affect your Social Security benefits, or those of your soon-to-be ex?...

The purpose of insurance to guard against loss or damage. For example, health insurance is there to help you pay for medical costs that would otherwise be too expensive for most people. Insurance can also specifically protect someone other than the person who is insured. Common Types of Policy Coverage Most states require drivers to purchase specific types of car insurance coverage and set mandatory minimum liability limits. Generally speaking, there are different types of damage that car insurance policies will cover....

Though he was killed in 2007 while stationed in Iraq, Army Lt. Peter Burks’ image is anything but forgotten. His family has sued dating websites PlentyofFish.com and True.com, accusing the sites of misappropriating the fallen soldier’s likeness. A photo of Burks appeared on both sites in December, accompanied by an advertising slogan declaring he was a “Military Man Searching for Love.” His parents were furious to learn that their engaged son was being used to promote online dating....

Businesses these days need to use all types of tactics to get customers through the door. One popular – and powerful – marketing tool is the use of email. There are several things you should be aware of. The CAN-SPAM Act does mandate certain requirements for emails. Some of these requirements include: 1. Do not use deceptive subjects. Do not try to pull a “fast one” on your customers. The CAN-SPAM Act requires that the email subject lines should not be deceptive....

Facebook is cracking down on posts for illegal gun sales, and other social media outlets may soon follow suit. On Wednesday, Facebook announced that it would step up its enforcement efforts regarding gun sales on its social network – especially when the seller is trying to evade the law. What are Facebook’s new rules for gun sales? Facebook’s head of global policy management, Monika Bickert, laid out several “educational and enforcement efforts” that Facebook and Instagram would be implementing as part of a shift in policy....

A 10-year-old boy was killed at an Alabama airport when an airport sign fell on top of him. The sign also injured several family members. Luke Bresette was killed in the tragic accident at the Birmingham International Airport. Two other children are still being treated, and his mother is listed in critical condition, reports Fox News. Witnesses say that a flight information sign weighing at least 300 pounds fell on top of the family....

Whether for religious or political reasons, it seems like small business owners are constantly testing the boundaries of their right to refuse service to certain customers. Despite the fact that such discrimination is wrong on moral grounds and that turning away paying customers could hurt your bottom line, it could also get you sued. So learned Florida Gun Supply, when it was sued after proclaiming itself a Muslim-free zone. Freedom to Discriminate?...

Following on the heels of a 2015 conviction for sexual child abuse, the survivor and her family are now suing the owners and staff of Pak’s Karate school where the sexual abuse took place. Pak’s Karate Allegedly Didn’t Even Background Check Instructors A place such as Pak’s, offering lessons to children, is considered an invitee under the law. As such, owners and operators of the store are required to provide a certain duty of care to its students, including a safe sport environment....

It’s Apple’s world, we just compute in it. Last week, the computer giant reportedly spoke to local law enforcement regarding the loss heard round the world. In case the noise did not reach you, last Monday, the story of a lost iPhone prototype recovered by tech site Gizmodo.com and dissected for all its visitors to see, hit the ether. Apple demanded (and got) the return of the phone allegedly lost by a young engineer during a night of birthday festivities....

A big part of proving fault in a medical malpractice claim is demonstrating that a doctor or medical professional failed to meet a standard of care. And establishing that standard can often rely on testimony from other doctors and medical professionals who can say whether or not their colleagues met the applicable standard of care. But according to one doctor, this kind of expert testimony can’t always be trusted. Physician Lars Aanning admitted to lying on behalf of a fellow doctor in a malpractice trial almost 20 years ago, and his confession casts a shadow on all doctor testimony in medical malpractice cases....

For many living on the East Coast and in other recent disaster zones, the past year has been horrendous. But at least there’s a tiny light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to your taxes: You may be eligible for the disaster tax deduction. That’s right, there’s a tax break disaster victims may be able to claim, as Bankrate.com reminds us. It’s a little-known tax break, but for those who have weathered the storms, it’s a little piece of good news....