According to a study conducted by Caring.com, the percentage of people aged fifty-five and older who have created a will has fallen from 60 percent to 44 percent since 2019.[1] Although creating or updating your estate planning may seem like a daunting task, a proper estate plan can help address the concerns you may face as a senior citizen. We …
Recordkeeping Requirements for Business Owners during COVID-19
As state leaders attempt to develop guidelines for reopening safely, you may have questions about the requirements for maintaining a safe environment for your business. Specifically, you may be wondering how to document the steps you have taken if someone in your workforce is exposed to COVID-19 and tests positive for the virus. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) …
Navigating Periods of Uncertainty and Unrest as a Business Owner
Uncertainty and unrest have defined 2020. From COVID-19 and record-breaking unemployment to ideological, political, and societal conflicts, business owners have faced significant challenges to their survival and success. Regardless of their current political views or health and financial statuses, business leaders agree that they must navigate this time with care. The decisions that business owners make during difficult periods could …
Livestock Show Liability Considerations in Light of COVID-19
Livestock show families have been hard at work in the barn while the world sheltered in place during the height of the pandemic. Now these families are chomping at the bit to get back on the show circuit. And, as a livestock show coordinator, you are probably anxious to host your next big show, but you are worried about liability …
Good News for PPP Borrowers: The New Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020
The landmark COVID-19 stimulus package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has been a significant tool for assisting struggling small businesses during the current international pandemic. However, the centerpiece of this legislation, the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP), has been a source of confusion and frustration for many business owners seeking this aid. In an attempt to alleviate …
Retirement Updates Amid COVID-19
On May 4, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published questions and answers regarding retirement provisions in Section 2202 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In addition to providing aid for individuals and businesses, the CARES Act increases accessibility to funds and loans from certain retirement plans and accounts. The information the IRS recently published clarifies …
How to Reopen Your Business After COVID-19
Despite the uncertainty that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic and that still lies ahead, one thing remains certain: Most businesses will eventually reopen. On April 16, 2020, President Trump set forth guidelines for the reopening of businesses in the United States. Additionally, governors from various states continue to roll back statewide stay-home orders in the hopes of restarting economies that …
Ask Cari: What are Legal Considerations for my Business during a Pandemic: Responding to COVID-19?
In a matter of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world and forced communities to reevaluate everything. Despite the unpredictability that has accompanied this global crisis, it is not too late to implement changes to protect you, your employees, and your business. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges and the ones to come. …
Ask Cari: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the COVID-19 Stimulus Package
As small business owners grapple with the economic realities of nationwide stay-home orders and social distancing mandates, legislatures have been updating laws and developing new programs to keep the economy afloat. The latest and most groundbreaking is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus package aimed at supporting individuals, businesses, and governments now and …
Ask Kym: How Do I Co-Parent Amidst COVID-19?
In the past few days, we have had numerous calls on this issue. While there is no clear law as to what rules apply to parenting time and visitation during a pandemic like COVID-19, since this is an unprecedented global health crisis, I wanted to provide some suggestions to our clients and potential clients who co-parent. Please remember that although …
Ask Kym: Parenting Time Under Illinois Law with Coronovirus Outbreak
As you can imagine, this issue has been arising in child custody cases around the country. I have received this question from several clients, like yourself, who are concerned about court ordered parenting time agreements. While there is no clear law on it since this is an unprecedented global health crisis, I will inform you of the relevant laws in …