Changes to Spousal Maintenance Laws – More Than Just Labels, It’s a Whole New World of Presumptions
The legislature enacted new spousal maintenance statutes that will take effect August 1, 2024. The first real change is that temporary or rehabilitative maintenance is now called “transitional,” and permanent maintenance is now called “indefinite.” These are more fitting labels, and it’s how I’ve explained the two types of maintenance to clients for a long […]
Political Signs and Candidate Visits – Be Aware of State Law
The countdown begins for the 2024 elections. During this time, homeowners and community associations should be familiar with two state statutes that impact homeowner ability to display political signs and when a political candidate may enter a community association to campaign. Political Signs Minnesota Statutes Section 211B.045 identifies when noncommercial signs may be posted during […]
Important Contractor Update: Changes To Employment/Independent Contractor Laws
Many contractors have been closely monitoring the status of a bill that sought to dramatically expand the criteria regarding employee misclassification in the construction industry and add new penalties for incorrectly claiming workers as independent contractors. Originally known as House File 4444 (“HF 4444”), this bill emerged with great momentum in early 2024, and for […]
Minnesota Prohibits Non-Solicitation Provisions in Service Provider Contracts With Customers
Minnesota creates uncertainty among employers with its recent enactment of a near-blanket ban on non-solicitation provisions that restrict customers’ ability to directly hire workers placed on their jobsites. The new law (Minn. Stat. § 181.9881) is set to take effect on July 1, 2024. Various business groups, including association-management companies, are seeking an amendment to narrow […]
Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax
When it comes to federal taxes, most people are very aware of the federal income tax because, if they earn a paycheck, they cannot help but notice the deductions each pay period. But there are lesser-known taxes such as the capital gains tax (a form of income tax), the estate tax, the gift tax, and […]
Employers Have 14 Days to Respond to a Union Demand
It is important for employers to be aware that a recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decision has significantly changed the required response to a union demand to bargain or request for recognition. The Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC v. NLRB case, issued in August 2023, is a dramatic departure from the recognized procedures used […]
What Is the Last Surviving Spouse Rule?
Estate planning can be a significant part of successful financial management, especially for married couples. One key consideration is minimizing estate taxes, which can substantially affect the distribution of money and property to a married couple’s loved ones. What Are Gift and Estate Taxes? In 2024, a $13.61 million federal exemption per person for gifts […]
Legal Update: OSHA’S Latest Construction-Safety Initiatives
Minnesota OSHA has recently announced initiatives to the address the need for contractors to continuously update their safety protocols and training efforts. OSHA’s focus in these initiatives is aligning fostering a culture of safety in the construction section, with an emphasis on the four goals below. Expanded Training and Hiring Initiatives: OSHA has intensified […]
Attorney Spotlight: Jack Edell
In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this? Litigation. I honestly never sought out litigation per se. It was a competitive outlet and I think I naturally gravitated towards litigation. What did you want to be when you grew up? A marine biologist. My aunt lives in Florida and […]
Minnesota’s New Eviction Notice Requirement
At the beginning of this year, a host of new laws regarding residential landlords and tenants became effective. Most landlords, whether managing a single apartment, a duplex, or multiple apartment buildings, likely heard about this. These new laws affect a number of areas, including the eviction process. This post is about a specific requirement on […]