Attention Maryland Home Builders–New Maryland Legislation
The following are some of the many new laws that will go into effect in Maryland on October 1, 2018, which are of interest to home builders in Maryland.
What Does Lodestar Mean?
Much is being made of the use of the so-called “archaic” word “Lodestar”, a 14th century word used by an anonymous op-ed penned by an anonymous White House official critical of the President, according to the Washington Post.
Do You Need Insurance For Your Exterior Water And Sewer Pipes?
Have you received a notice in the mail from a company advising you to purchase coverage for the water and sewer pipes on your property? Many homeowners do not realize that any damage to the water and sewer lines that run from their home to the water and sewer connections in the public right-of-way are their responsibility and not that of the utility company. Homeowners insurance may cover a water line break or leak within the home or sewage back up into the home (depending on coverage), but it typically does not cover repairs to broken water or sewer pipes located outside of the home between the home’s foundation and the water and sewer connections in the public right-of-way.
The Nightmares of Banking with Electronic Funds Transfers
Recently our firm assisted a client with a devastating problem. The company discovered that their CFO, who had been in his position for more than 10 years, had fraudulently stolen over $750,000.00 through electronic funds transfers.
Non-Compete And Non-Solicitation Agreements: Employer Beware
A recent case from the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland underscored the growing trend by courts across the country to limit the application of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. These agreements, typically referred to as “restrictive covenants”, are integral to many employment agreements. Restrictive covenants in employment contracts serve as a means of assuring the employer that its employee will not use his/her familiarity with the customers of the employer to take those customers and clients to a new employer. Even though they constitute a restraint against trade, most courts will enforce them provided that the limitations are reasonable, both in terms of the length of the prohibition as well as the geographic scope of the limitation.
What’s In and Out: How the New Tax Law May affect Family Law
The recently passed federal tax legislation raised questions and concerns for many people. The final word is still out on the implications, but here are a few observations about how the changes might come into play in the kind of family law issues that I help my clients navigate on a daily basis.*
Are You a Maryland Employer? Get Ready NOW to Comply with the State’s New Sick Leave Law
February 11th is a date every employer in Maryland needs to know and prepare for right now. On that day, the new Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (the “Act”) takes effect. For many businesses, it will affect the nature and details of sick and safe leave that you must provide to your employees. It will add new levels of rules that may have a big impact on your current policies. And there are consequences if you don’t comply with the timetable that the Act requires.