How Real Property and Ad Valorem Taxes Work
What Are Ad Valorem Taxes? In Alabama, real property (or real estate) is typically subject to annual ad valorem taxes assessed by state, county, and local municipal governments. The county tax assessor assesses the real property taxes on October 1 of each year, and those amounts are paid to the county tax collector by December […]
What to Do After a Serious Car Accident
What to Do After a Serious Car Accident A Five Step Guide Every year, hundreds of people across Jefferson and St. Clair Counties are injured in serious car accidents. Whether it happens along I-59, Chalkville Mountain Road, or just around the corner in your own neighborhood, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Our attorneys […]
Five Common Estate Planning Myths
Many people have misconceptions about who receives assets when they die, how they receive those assets, when their heirs receive them, and whether they are taxed. The most common myths relate to who receives assets when there is no Last Will and Testament, how a will works after death, and if taxes will be […]
Child Custody Lawyers Share 7 Preparation Steps for Mediation
Divorce typically creates a difficult time for families, including any children involved. Given the usual intersection of high emotions and significant changes, your child custody lawyer may recommend child mediation, which many families find helpful during this time. Child Custody Lawyers Share 7 Preparation Steps for Mediation Preparation is one of the keys to mediation […]
Intersection of Account Beneficiaries & Wills
If you have an IRA or 401(k) plan, you have most likely completed paperwork for the issuing financial institution that designates account beneficiaries for the accounts’ assets after you pass. These types of account beneficiaries are common for accounts or products issued by financial institutions such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, annuities and more. […]
Corporate Transparency Act: Build an Effective Plan for 2024 Compliance
March 2024 Update: In the case of National Small Business Association v. Yellen, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama recently declared that the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”)—the new federal regulation requiring most small businesses to file a beneficial ownership information report this year with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)—is […]
4 Recommendations for Planning Your Work Holiday Party to Help Avoid Common Legal Hurdles
Are you looking forward to an in-person corporate celebration this holiday season? So are we! Since many of us took time off from celebrations or chose virtual options in 2020 and 2021, it’s probably a good idea to review this list to help evaluate legal considerations as the festivities draw near. Keep reading for four […]
Jefferson County Homestead Tax Exemption Benefits Homeowners Aged 65+
Are you 65 years of age or older? Do you own and occupy a home in Jefferson County? Act now to take advantage of Jefferson County homestead tax exemption If so, then you are eligible for a homestead tax exemption from the State of Alabama’s portion of taxes that have been included in your real […]
Commercial Lease Rent Payments & Typical Force Majeure Event Carve-out: A COVID-19 Exception
As with all clauses, specific breach types may be carved out of a force majeure clause. One of the more common examples is commercial leases that carve-out the tenant’s inability to pay rent. The court almost always enforces this carve-out on behalf of the landlord, holding the tenant responsible for payment – regardless of unforeseeable […]
Comparing Force Majeure & Change in Law Clauses
Both force majeure and change in law clauses are designed to afford protection for parties entering into contracts. How do they differ, and does your business require one or both in its commercial contracts? We’ve discussed force majeure clauses, so let’s begin with a brief overview of change in law clauses. The Basics: Change in […]