When it comes to wills, people can get rather creative – and sometimes vindictive – with their provisions. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry famously asked for his ashes to be sent into space. Shakespeare, perhaps confirming what was thought to be an unhappy marriage, left his wife their “second best bed.” A very lonely Portuguese […]
Avoiding the Courtroom: Effective use of Alternative Dispute Resolution
In business, disputes happen. Few people enter into a contract, partnership or other commercial relationship with the expectation that things will go sideways. But, they can, and litigation is often the result. This does not, however, automatically mean parties are headed to a courtroom. In fact, the majority of disputes are settled out of court, […]
What Employers Should Know about Access to Employee Social Media Accounts
Whether it’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat, many employees are active on at least one social media network – maybe even all of them. But what happens when an employee’s personal social media use creates problems for an employer? What right, if any, does an employer have to access an employee’s social media accounts? […]
Parental Rights for Same-Sex Couples: Obergefell & the “Equitable Parent Doctrine”
The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges has had a profound impact on LGBT rights in the United States. For the first time, no matter where they live in the country, same-sex couples can be legally married, affording them the same rights and protections as partners in opposite-sex marriages. While Obergefell established same-sex […]
Employee Benefits and Same-Sex Spouses: What Employers and Workers Need to Know
The June 26, 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage was a watershed moment in LGBT rights in this country. Part of its far-reaching effect was an impact on how companies provide employee benefits. As we approach the one-year anniversary of Obergefell, we thought it would be timely to […]