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As Indiana businesses continue to deal with COVID-19, it may be a good time to review your employee handbook and to update policies in an ongoing COVID-19 environment.PlansEmployers should revisit their plans for working from this past Spring.  These plans can be of great assistance in the event of a “second wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic and if new government restrictions are imposed, or if an outbreak occurs at the place of business. What is clear is that the employment environment is not the same as it was a year ago, and there is no certainty about when, or if, […]

Despite the efforts of individuals, organizations and governments, instances of COVID-19 are not going down.  Like most states, Indiana has been gradually lifting its original Hunker Down orders with the Back-On-Track plan.  Unfortunately, statistics show that instances of COVID-19 are increasing. On Friday, July 24, 2020, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-37 mandating the use of masks in public places.  Masks are required for anyone 8-years-old or older while in indoor spaces, businesses, when using public transportation or other vehicle spaces and outdoor public spaces when it’s not possible to be distanced from other people. During the announcement preceding the order, […]

BackgroundIndiana employers continue to face employment issues related to return to work, absences and benefits due to COVID-19.  Many employers have returned to work without substantial restrictions, but those who serve the public – like restaurants, beauty establishments and retail stores – continue to face restrictions on the number of customers they can serve.  Local governments are increasing their efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19 by requiring masks, and the Governor announced his intention to require all citizens of Indiana to wear masks in public settings.Indiana citizens are also getting ready for school-aged children to return to school.  School […]

On August 7, 2020, President Trump issued four (4) executive orders related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[1]  The President identified that further temporary relief was necessary to support working Americans during these challenging times.  The order that has caught the most attention is a Payroll Tax Deferral. On August 28, the IRS issued a Notice explaining the Payroll Tax Deferral in more detail  What can be deferred? Employers and employees jointly share responsibility for a 12.4% levy that funds Social Security and a 2.9% tax to support Medicare.  The Payroll Tax Deferral only impacts the Social Security portion of employment […]

Every employer faces challenges to meet the market demands to retain good employees and the legal obligations governing that relationship.  This year continues to be a challenging year for employers for a number of obvious reasons, primarily COVID-19.  In June, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that clarifies a socially sensitive issue on what discrimination based on sex (or gender) means.  Title VII was enacted to prevent discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.  In recent years, there has been a debate about whether Title VII protected lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. (“LBGT”) […]

A “living trust” is the name frequently given to a revocable trust used in estate planning as an alternative to a will.  The downside to a will is that for a will to be valid and effective to transfer property at one’s death, the will must be “probated.” Probate is a formal court proceeding that is expensive and often ties up the decedent’s estate for many months, while the beneficiaries wait for their inheritance.  A “living” trust avoids probate.  An individual can establish his/her own individual living trust, or spouses, if they wish, can establish one trust together called a […]

Scammers have been praying on the elderly for years but they are especially taking advantage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Though the reason behind the scam is new, their methods are familiar.  Here are a few COVID-19 specific scams to look out for.Scams offering COVID-19 vaccine, cure, air filters, or testing.  At this time, there is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19.  There are no air filter systems designed to remove COVID-19 from the air in your home.  If you think you need a COVID-19 test, you should start by speaking to your doctor and getting a referral to an […]

In my estate planning practice, I find it very common for people of all ages to not have essential estate planning documents. These documents are crucial for a person’s loved ones in the event that person passes away, and even more important if that person becomes incapacitated and is not able to make important decisions regarding their healthcare and finances. Estate planning documents not only give comfort to your family after you pass away but also have a very real impact on your quality of life while you are alive. The estate planning documents that everyone should have, no matter […]

As the world wakes from its Coronavirus-induced hibernation, it has to take stock of the situation – both to count and mourn our losses and to assess new opportunities. One important task in both categories is a financial analysis. Many people have used up the cash on hand to simply survive the lack of steady income from jobs. Others have been fortunate enough to survive on the government stimulus projects and unemployment insurance. For many, however, especially those with Coronavirus-related medical bills, the short-term cash inflow hasn’t been enough. People are looking for other avenues, and in response, Congress passed […]

There is probably no more agonizing a problem than trying to convince a loved one that he or she can no longer drive safely. Cars have given all of us freedom and independence, and when someone is asked to stop driving and give up this source of independence, often the reaction is an absolute refusal. If you are unable to persuade your spouse, parent or other loved one that they are unable to drive safely and you are convinced that their driving exposes not only themselves but others to accidents and injuries, then the proper course of action is to […]