All throughout Pennsylvania, an increasingly common sight is emerging: backyard beekeepers tending to personal hives and enjoying fresh honey. As interest in sustainable living, organic foods, and environmental stewardship grows, so too does the fascination with beekeeping. This ancient practice is experiencing a modern resurgence across the Keystone State, where enthusiasts are not only drawn to the sweet rewards of honey but also to the critical role bees play in pollinating crops and preserving biodiversity. However, behind the scenes of this burgeoning hobby lies a complex regulatory framework designed to ensure the health and safety of both bees and communities…. read more »
Congratulations to Your Graduate! Now It Is Time to Protect Your Young Adult
The excitement of graduation is unparalleled. As you and your child embark on the journey of their future, it is crucial to be ready for surprises and adversity. Planning can help you and your graduate prepare for the substantial changes that come with early adulthood. While you and your child have many tasks to accomplish, there is one more thing to do—ask your child to sign both a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive. Confidentiality laws—like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (more commonly known as “HIPAA”) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”)… read more »
Business & Corporate Law Guidance: Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)
“Caveat emptor” was frequently applied to commercial transactions in the past. Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware”. It was a warning to those buying, primarily goods, that they should do their own research and ask pointed questions of a seller before making a purchase. Modern laws concerning the purchase and sale of goods often provide protection in that regard. However, investigating and asking questions remains valuable, even when obtaining services. These days, many legal services are available online. But they are not as helpful or inexpensive as they might seem. For example, you… read more »
Inherited IRAs are Not Protected from Judgment Creditors
The Internal Revenue Code defines an IRA as an individual retirement account/ annuity which was acquired because of the death of another person when the recipient was not the surviving spouse. The Judicial Code protects retirement funds and accounts from attachment or execution by judgment creditors. Until recently, Pennsylvania Courts had not addressed whether inherited IRAs were subject to that protection. In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied an appeal from a January 2022 ruling by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania regarding Inherited IRAs. The issue arose in an Allegheny County garnishment action and was eventually presented before the Pennsylvania… read more »
Are Defamation Damages Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?
The jury issued its verdict yesterday in the Virginia defamation lawsuit between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. After three weeks of trial, the jury concluded that Ms. Heard’s statements were defamatory. Yesterday’s verdict has left many people asking whether damages awarded in a defamation case are dischargeable in bankruptcy. Ordinarily, when a person files bankruptcy and receives a discharge, this means that the bankrupt party’s debts are eliminated and do not need to be repaid. Dischargeability depends upon what else the jury concludes. The Bankruptcy Code says that debts based on liability “for willful and malicious injury by… read more »
