Your parents left you significant holdings in a trust, with rules about how the money is supposed to be doled out over time – none of which trouble you much. What does trouble you, however, is the trustee they’ve chosen. Maybe the trustee is a relative, or maybe...
PROVEN IN AND OUT OF THE COURTROOM
Employment Law
What impact will debts have on probate proceedings?
When someone dies in Rhode Island, most of their belongings become the property of their estate until the estate has gone through probate court. The beneficiaries of the estate will have to wait for access to or control over valuable property until the estate has...
Could a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) benefit you?
You’d really like to expand your operations or explore a collaborative project with another company, but you’re concerned about the potential misuse of your proprietary information. This is where a mutual non-disclosure agreement can benefit you – and your potential...
Could downsizing lead to discrimination claims by former workers?
The possibility of downsizing can make workers flee a company. They may worry that they will lose their income and then will have to accept lower-paying or less prestigious positions elsewhere if they don't leave on their own terms. Companies can expect to lose a...
2 times an employee has a right to expect severance pay
Workers often have some down time between when they leave one job and when they start the next. Time without income can lead to debt and even a loss of housing. Especially if the company makes the decision to terminate their position, rather than the worker choosing...
Can someone else re-use your company’s intellectual property?
Those who create works of art, write engaging essays or compose new songs have intellectual property rights over their creations. Creators may retain those rights or sell them to businesses. Companies can also hire content creators and retain control over what they...
Has Rhode Island banned non-compete agreements?
Employers in Rhode Island must adhere to federal and state laws regarding how they treat employees. The terms in your employment contract and the compensation that you pay your workers are subject to government oversight. Employees could bring expensive claims against...
3 ways small businesses can protect themselves from lawsuits
Successful small businesses are frequently the targets of civil lawsuits. Claims could come from just about anyone who works with or for your business. A former worker could try to come after your company because they are upset that you fired them. A customer could...
Did your sibling manipulate the estate plan to their benefit?
You may have felt a sense of relief when your sibling said that your mother could move in after she fell or that they would stay with your father because of his declining health. Knowing that a family member was there may have made you feel like your parent received...
