Ask Cari: What You Need to Know About Paying Employees

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Employees are essential to your small business. Hiring and retaining workers is one of the biggest challenges that business owners face. In this highly competitive labor market, employers are looking for competitive edges to attract—and keep—employees. While many workers currently place a greater emphasis on job attractors other than compensation, pay remains highly important to candidates. Any problems associated with …

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Cryopreserved Embryos in Texas are Not “Unborn Children”: Analyzing the Decision of the Texas Court of Appeals in Antoun v. Antoun

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Following the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the Texas Human Life Protection Act took effect. This law defines an “unborn child” as “an individual living member of the homo sapiens species from fertilization through birth, including the entire embryonic and fetal stages of development.” Tex Health & Safety Code § 170A.001(5). The basic …

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Cari’s Tips: Four Things Your Spouse Should Know Before You Die

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It is normal for married couples to share almost every aspect of their lives with each other. But when it comes to death, even the closest couples might become tight-lipped about certain topics. According to one study, half of all couples fail to discuss their dying wishes.[1] Death is final for the departed. For the surviving spouse, death can leave …

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Ask Cari: How to Lawfully Run a Contest, Sweepstakes, or Giveaway

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Running a contest or sweepstakes can improve customer engagement, create new leads for your business, increase sales, and provide valuable data for advertising campaigns. People love to win free stuff, and a contest can be a fun and cost-effective way to promote your business. However, if a promotional event does not comply with state and federal law, it could end …

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Cari’s Tips: Developing a Paid Time-Off Policy

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Americans are known for putting in long hours with little rest, which can lead to burnout, lower productivity, and decreased job engagement. Although employers are not legally required to offer paid time off (PTO) to their workforce except in a few states, most choose to do so. Those that offer PTO benefits may have a competitive advantage. Nearly a third …

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Should I Buy a Franchise?

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When starting a business, entrepreneurs typically have two options: they can either build a new business or purchase an existing business. Buying an existing business can offer the advantages of name recognition and a proven business model. The advantages can be even greater if the business is a franchise with hundreds or even thousands of locations. Purchasing an existing business, …

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Understanding Solar Lease Agreements for Farmers and Ranchers

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Solar energy projects offer farmers and ranchers a unique opportunity to diversify their income streams. However, before diving into a solar lease agreement, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies involved. In this first part of our guide, we will explore key aspects of solar lease agreements that every farmer and rancher should consider. Understanding the Structure of the Agreement Solar …

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What Not to Include in Your Estate Planning Documents

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One important purpose of estate planning is to facilitate the transfer of ownership of your money and property to your family and loved ones when you pass away. For this transfer to be as stress-free and efficient as possible, it is crucial that estate planning documents be thorough and provide the necessary information. Nevertheless, there is some information that should …

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Collecting Debts on Behalf of Your Deceased Loved One

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People often engage in transactions that result in money being owed to them, such as loaning money to a friend or business partner or renting a house to a tenant. But what happens if someone passes away before they receive the money owed to them? Can someone else collect these debts? If your loved one has died and you think …

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Ask Cari: What Is a Devise in My Estate Plan?

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If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, you may hear some new and confusing terms that make your brain hurt. To add to your bewilderment, not only are some of the words unfamiliar, they may also be homophones—words that are pronounced the same as other words, but have different meanings and spellings. For example, an heir is a …

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Ask Cari: Why You Want to Avoid Intestacy

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About two out of three Americans will die without a will. This is known as dying intestate. While the reasons for not having a will vary, the end result is the same for everyone: they do not get to choose who receives their property when they die. Instead, their money and property are distributed according to the laws of their …

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Cari’s Tips: Beware of Unequal Contributions When Purchasing a House

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At a time of record home unaffordability, more people are teaming up with friends and relatives to realize the home ownership dream. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 75 percent of homes on the market now are too expensive for middle-income buyers. Just five years ago, this same income group could afford half of all available …

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