Let’s face it. Estate planning is easy to push off. What’s another week… another month… another year… another five years… After all, I’m healthy. My spouse is healthy. We don’t have kids. We don’t have a lot of assets. I don’t care if what-little-I-do-have follows the rules of intestacy (i.e., the “default rules” if you die without a Last Will …
What Are Some Things That You Would Pay More For?
I enjoyed reading Troy Marshall’s article in Beef magazine titled “5 things I’d pay more for” (page 43 in the July 2012 issue). Troy states that there are a few items he thinks is worth extra money including (his Top 5): 1. Good genetics; 2. Good people; 3. Good equipment and tools; 4. Good horse; and, 5. Good boots. I …
Interested in Learning More about California’s Proposed GM Food Labeling Law?
The American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (“SEER”) will be hosting a program titled California’s Proposed GM Food Labeling Law: Pros, Cons, and Legal Issues on tomorrow, July 31, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 EST. The program is co-sponsored by the International Environmental Law Committee; the Pesticides, Chemical Regulation, and Right-to-Know Committee; the National Agricultural Law Center; and the American Agricultural Law Association …
My Presentation on Livestock Animal Welfare Law
Last May, I spoke at the Animal Agriculture Alliance (“AAA”) Stakeholder’s Summit on livestock animal welfare law. If you follow this blog then you know this topic is a passion of mine. You can view my presentation below. [slideshare id=13344363&doc=whenactivistscomecalling-120615170954-phpapp01] In case you missed it, here are a few other posts that may be of interest: 1. 5 State Approaches …
Sibling Visitation Rights in New York
There is a presumption that a parent knows what is best for his or her child and can decide who the child sees and when. When parents divorce, siblings or half-siblings might be split and their relationships might suffer. In New York, siblings (full-blood and half-blood) have a statutory right to visitation with each other. This is outlined in New …
Appointed as the Chair of the ABA GP Solo Agriculture Law Committee for 2012-2013
For the second year in a row, I have been appointed as the Chair of the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee for the 2012-2013 year. It has been an exciting first year getting the Committee up and going again with two fantastic Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinars on crop/livestock insurance and …
Three Years and the Fun Keeps Coming…
Happy Third Year Anniversary to this blog! Seems like just yesterday I was writing this second year anniversary post. Time flies when you are having fun! It’s been an exciting third year of this blog. Here are a few highlights: 1. This law blog (“blawg”) made the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) Top 100 Blawg list. Nominations for 2012 are right …
My Presentation on Tradition and Technology in Agriculture
Last year, I spoke at the New York Farm Bureau (“NYFB”) Young Farmers & Ranchers (“YF&R”) Leadership Conference in Upstate New York regarding “Tradition & Technology” within the agriculture industry. I wrote this blog post last year summarizing my presentation; however, I thought I would revisit this topic today and post my presentation below. Regarding tradition, you might also like this …
Proud Supporter of Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois
I was recently asked to speak in support of Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois for a radio commercial. As many of you know, my father was an agriculture instructor there for nearly my entire life and I received my associate of science in agriculture there many moons ago. I have many found memories of my experience there. I am …
Relocating from New York with Marital Children After A Divorce
I love New York and I certainly don’t want to move elsewhere but I understand why someone else might. After a divorce, one parent may wish to relocate either to pursue a new relationship or to be closer to family. If there is no visitation granted to the other parent, the custodial parent can move freely. However, in most cases …
Debrief From Skype Conversation About Being An Agriculture Attorney
I hope that my readers had a wonderful Fourth of July vacation and were able to spend some time in the sun. I had a nice time running again and spending time on a few beaches on Long Island including Shelter Island and Robert Moses Beach. Some R & R is always a good thing. Last Friday, I enjoyed a …
For You Iowa Folks – Recommended Agriculture Law Book
I recently finished reading Pat Dillon‘s book titled “Field Manual: Iowa Farmer’s Guide to Legal Issues.” It’s a great book and covers all the basics ranging from contract law, crop insurance, estate planning, farm leases to bankruptcy. Dillion is a good writer breaking down complicated legal concepts. The Kindle version is only $5.00 from Amazon. I give the book …