More Couples Divorcing After 50
November 13, 2013 | Elizabeth A. SchadingAccording to The New York Times, more couples are starting to divorce after the age of 50. A half-century ago, only 2.8 percent of Americans older than 50 were divorced. By 2000, 11.8 percent were. In 2011, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 15.4 percent were divorced and another 2.1 percent were separated. Some 13.5 percent were widowed. While divorce rates all over have stabilized and even inched downward, the divorce rate among people 50 and older has doubled since 1990, according to an analysis of census data by professors at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. That’s especially significant because half the married population is older than 50. In 1990, 1 in 10 persons who divorced was 50 and older. By 2011, according to the census’ American Community Survey, more than 28 percent (more than 1 in 4) who said they divorced in the previous months were 50 and older. Divorcing after 50 can bring some special considerations. While child custody is usually no longer an issue, an older couple will typically be either retired or rapidly approaching retirement. An older couple will also typically have more marital property to account for. There are also usually some special estate planning considerations that must be tackled during the divorce…
Read MoreKillers and Con Artists Among Your Job Applicants? You Won’t Find Out Until You Decide to Interview Them In Minnesota.
November 6, 2013 | Scott M. LepakLooking for a good bookkeeper? Want to make sure Tom Petters and Bernie Madoff don’t apply? In Minnesota starting next year, the answer may be too bad for the employer. Effective January 1, 2014, employers in Minnesota may not inquire into, consider or require disclosure of the criminal record or criminal history of any applicant for employment until the applicant has been selected for an interview by the employer. In the event that the employer does not interview applicants, the employer may not require disclosure before a conditional offer of employment is made to the applicant. This “ban the box” legislation prohibits the common employment application form from including a question asking an individual to identify if they have ever been convicted of a crime, have a criminal record or history. Given this change to the law in Minnesota, employers should review current job application and remove this question. While this law represents an expansion of an existing state law that applies to public employers into private business, there remain differences between what private and public employers may find out about and consider. Interestingly, there is a section of the law that prohibits the State and political subdivisions from using, distributing or disseminating records of arrests not followed by a valid conviction, annulled…
Read MoreWhat Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Plane Crash?
November 4, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealNot all plane crashes involve large commercial airlines, and not all plane crashes end in death. It is possible to sustain significant injuries during a crash. Even if you are killed in a plane crash your loved ones may still be able to pursue a wrongful death suit on your behalf. However, plane crash personal injury suits can get complex fast. Responsibility for a crash can ultimately lie with many different parties. For example, the problem could have been pilot error, failure to maintain the plane, or a defective mechanical component. Each of those situations assigns the responsibility to very different parties. In some cases the responsibility could be spread out between a number of different parties. It’s vital to have an experienced attorney on your side during any plane crash personal injury case. As with car accidents and boating accidents, plane accidents can result in pain, disfigurement, high medical bills, and lost wages. A personal injury case can help you recoup some or all of these losses. Take the following steps immediately after the crash: Seek immediate medical attention. Document anything and everything you can about the crash. Avoid signing anything for any reason. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. BGS has over 75 years of experience serving…
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