| There
is always something new in the law!
Here
are a couple of general items of interest for your information: |
|
>>>
The new federal HIPAA regulations (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (aka HIPAA), 2 USC 132d and 45 CFR 160-164. )
require that there be specific language in your estate planning documents
if you wish to have your healthcare surrogate , or attorney in fact have
access to your medical file. Please feel free to contact us to ensure that
the language exists in your documents.
>>> There
are new regulations relating to the construction industry and worker
compensation exemptions. No longer can a sole proprietor claim exemption
under Workers Compensation; only Corporations and Limited Liability
Companies can claim that exemption. Need help; give us a call.
>>> Some
municipalities have modified their ordinances to include a leash law for
your pet cat. Therefore allowing your cat to roam may result in animal
control citations and fines. For more information, please call us.
>>> Because
of legislative changes last year, court administration has changed. One
result is that the cost of filing a law suit, including dissolving a
marriage, and partitioning property between non traditional couples, is
now set at the State level. That has resulted in a major increase in costs
for litigants in the Tampa Bay area courts. If you have never signed a
partnership agreement or post nuptial agreement which would address issues
such as ownership of real property, and distribution of personal property
in case of a break up, now may be the time to do so. Contact us for advise
as to the benefits of this approach. |
