A complete estate plan provides instructions in the event of incapacity during life as well as instructions on the distribution of the estate after death. Just as a will tells loved ones the decedent’s wishes after death, estate planning documents dealing with healthcare decisions can provide guidance during life when the decedent is unable to communicate those wishes. 

There is a saying, “nothing can be said to be certain but death and taxes.” Getting the carpets cleaned, getting our vehicles inspected, deep cleaning the house, going for an annual physical, and filing taxes are all things to be completed annually. The last two are, of course, to (hopefully) mitigate death and taxes. Few realize one item is missing from this list: the unified credit annual exam.

Have you ever closed your eyes and spun a globe beneath your fingers and see where it lands? Now imagine how to get there. 

These days you can get into your car and plug in a random location into Google maps or Waze on your phone and it will provide you with a map and a set of directions to get to your destination. Without that map you could end up getting lost or running into road blocks and speed traps that could hold you back. 

On February 3, 2021, the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin regarding the terminology commonly used to refer to medical evaluations in workers’ compensation claims. Essentially, the commissioner is discouraging the use of the phrase “independent medical evaluation” for medical evaluations in West Virginia workers’ compensation claims. Instead, he seeks for employers, insurance carriers, and other claim administrators to use alternate language. Looking to existing language in WV workers’ compensation law is a great starting point for understanding the reason behind this bulletin.

As a hospitality business owner (or prospective owner), you must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of entering into a franchise agreement with an established company versus building your own brand. If you choose the franchise path, it is critical to understand the common elements of a franchise agreement and to review and discuss the specific details of any legal arrangement you consider with an experienced franchise lawyer.