Attorney Blog
Gift, Estate, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Update: Estate Planning in 2022 and Beyond
The proposals in early versions of the Build Back Better Act had estate planners and American taxpayers on edge throughout 2021. While 2022 is well under way with no major legislative activity impacting gift and estate taxation, the sun continues to set on the $10 million estate tax basic exclusion amount under the temporary provisions …
Can You Sue a Municipality for Damages Caused by a Pothole?
It is a sure sign of Spring when people begin asking about whether they can sue their town over potholes. Sometimes the question comes from clients and other times from friends and family in a half-joking (and half-very-serious) manner. In Maine, potholes are inevitable, and people are understandably frustrated by the damage they can cause. …
What to Expect When You are Stopped by a Police Officer: How to Protect Your Rights
We all know the feeling of seeing the flashing blues in our rear-view mirror while driving. For most of us, feelings of anxiety and/or concern immediately result when we realize we are being pulled over by police. However, there’s no need to worry. Understanding the process and what you will be asked of you can …
Why Do I Need a Will? Your Guide to Will Planning in Maine
Creation of a will is an important step to ensuring correct succession of possessions after death. Here are some important elements you need to know. What’s a Will? We hear about them sometimes in the media but usually only when someone famous dies, didn’t prepare one, and now the family is trying to figure …
Update on Maine Employment Legislation
Recently, Governor Mills signed into law LD 598, An Act to Prohibit Discrimination in Employment and School Based on Hair Texture or Hairstyle. The bill amends the public accommodation definition section of the Maine Human Rights Act to add “protective hairstyle”, defined as including braids, twists and locks. The Act further amends the definition section …
New Law Requires Payout of Vacation Pay in Maine
On April 7, 2022, Governor Mills signed into law L.D. 225, titled “An Act Regarding the Treatment of Vacation Time upon the Cessation of Employment.” This is a very significant change. It amends the current vacation leave payment law in Maine to require employers with more than ten employees to pay employees, on the cessation …