I am frequently asked this question during divorce consultations. There is a fear out there due to the law of abandonment that a spouse will hurt his/her legal position in a divorce if he/she vacates the marital home before the divorce is commenced. “Actual abandonment” is still a ground for divorce in the state of New York; however, the departure …
New York Law on “Cottage Food Operations” (or Home Processed Food)
One of the several topics that I will be covering on October 29th at this seminar at Pace Law School will be New York Cottage Food Operation Law (i.e., Home Processed Food or Home-Based Kitchens). I want to stress that the seminar is open to the general public (only $15) so I highly encourage my readers in New York to …
“The Role of Local Food Systems in U.S. Farm Policy”
If you haven’t read the Congressional Research Service (“CRS”) Report titled “The Role of Local Food Systems in U.S. Farm Policy” then I recommend doing so. Prof. Neil Hamilton included it in the materials for this local food CLE last spring and I finally got a chance to review it. It’s chalk-full of helpful information, statistics, and data. The publication …
Grow NYC Report on Greenmarket Farmers: “Farmers on the Edge”
Last month, I had an opportunity to visit with someone at Grow NYC (who runs Greenmarket), who shared this report with me (funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation): “Farmers on the Edge: An Assessment of Greenmarket Farmers’ Needs, and the Growing Challenges of Keeping Their Farms Viable.” I finally had an opportunity to review the report in detail. It …
ABA GP Solo Agriculture Law Committee to Meet at AALA
The American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s (“GP Solo”) Agriculture Law Committee (which I chair) will meet in person on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 7:00am (yep you read that correctly – 7 bells) at the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) Annual Agriculture Law Conference at the Sheratan in Nashville, Tennessee. Bright & early! (Don’t …
Starting a Mobile Food Business?
I love entrepreneurs, especially food and agriculture entrepreneurs. I was reading this publication last week and enjoyed its discussion on mobile food businesses, which are taking off in metropolitan areas like New York City. Mobile food businesses are more than just food trucks– it can include mobile farmers markets, mobile grocery stores, and produce carts. Mobile food businesses have the …
A Few Thoughts on Matrimonial Agreements
Matrimonial agreements are always encouraged, especially with divorces. When people enter into an agreement as opposed to getting an order from a judge, it is more likely that they will comply with the agreement. Any type of matrimonial agreement is a contract and can be enforced by court action just like any other civil contract. Matrimonial agreements may discuss the …
Build a Management “Team” For Your Family Farm or Agri-Business
One of the biggest hurdles in successfully passing down a family business (with any kind of family business) is training its successors. Same is true with family farming operations or agri-businesses, which require specialized knowledge and skill sets. Failure to do so adequately can mean the end to a family business with the manager deceases or is no longer able …
FDA & USDA Compliance Boot Camp for the Food and Beverage Industry
The American Conference Institute will be having a “FDA & USDA Compliance Bootcamp” in Chicago on October 3-4, 2012. Participants will receive a substantive review of a myriad of food and beverage law issues including: – Food ingredients and additives – Product labels – Food and beverage marketing and advertising claims -Food safety -Food imports -Inspections -Food and animal feed. …
NBI Webinar: Estate Planning for Farmers and Ranchers
The National Business Institute (“NBI”) will be having a substantive webinar on October 3, 2012 from 11:00am to 6:00pm ET (that’s no typo – it’s a 7 hour webinar…). It’s a little pricey for a webinar but if you are interested in this topic (like me) then I think it’ll be worthwhile. Topics for the webinar include the following: (1) …
New Member of the Family & Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York
As noted in previous posts on this blog, I have a growing divorce and family law mediation practice. I wanted to take a moment and note my membership of the Family & Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York. If you are looking for a divorce or family law mediator, I recommend reviewing the Member Directory. Share this Article
Registration Form Available for Local Food Law Seminar at Pace Law School
The registration form is available for the Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) Seminar at Pace Law School in White Plains, New York on Monday, October 29th on a survey of local food law. It is open to the public and the general admission is only $15. There will be approximately 20 minutes or so of Q & A so come ready …