FAQ About Revocable Living Trust (RLT) in Virginia
What is an RLT? Generally, a vehicle for estate planning to avoid probate, guardianship and conservatorship, while preserving family wealth. What is the difference between a RLT and irrevocable trust? As a general rule, an irrevocable trust cannot be changed and often control over the trust is granted from the trust maker to a... Read More
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Law in Virginia
Can I sue my employer? Yes, if you are not paid in full and on time, if you are illegally discriminated against, or if you are retaliated against for pointing out violations of the law, you can bring an action against your employer. There may be other claims as well. What does a class action... Read More
Pensions and Divorce in Fairfax: Are You Entitled to Your Spouse’s Pension or Is Your Spouse Entitled to Yours?
These days, one of the biggest benefits to holding a public sector job or sticking it out in the military is the promise of a juicy pension during retirement years. While pension plans have been largely replaced in the private sector by 401(k) plans, they are still going strong in the public sector. According to the U.S. Census... Read More
Do I Have a Hostile Work Environment Claim
Do I have a hostile work environment claim? This is something many people wonder, because it can be hard to tell when a work environment has crossed the line between just being difficult and openly hostile. Here’s what you need to know about hostile work environments and when to report harassment and other inappropriate behavior.... Read More
Partial Prohibition on Non-Compete Clauses | Changes to Virginia Employment Law
Many changes to Virginia employment law went into effect in recent years, including a partial prohibition on non-compete clauses. Historically, Virginia courts have disfavored restrictions on competition, often refusing to enforce them if they contain unreasonable restrictions. Additionally, Virginia has declined to “blue-pencil” overbroad non-compete provisions. By statue, Virginia greatly restricts employers’ ability to impose... Read More
Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
On January 1, 2024, corporations, limited liability companies and other entities will be required to begin report information about their “beneficial owners;” people who either exercise significant control over the entity or who own 25% or more of the entity. This mandate comes down from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network... Read More
Estate Planning Checklist for Police Officers
Being a police officer is a high-risk job, making it important to plan for your family’s future in the event that something happens to you in the line of duty. At Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko, we are truly grateful for our local police officers, and we take pride in helping them plan. That’s why we... Read More
Best Civil Attorney Northern Virginia
When it comes to non-criminal cases and legal disputes, you want the best civil attorney in Northern Virginia on your side. Here’s what you need to know about civil attorneys and when you should hire one. What is a Civil Lawyer? A Civil Lawyer or civil attorney is a general term for attorneys who practice... Read More
Firing in Virginia: Freedom of Speech vs. Hostile Work Environment
Can you be fired for hate speech? Or does the first amendment protect you? If speech is protected under the First Amendment, then how can people be fired from work for exercising their constitutional rights? Let’s take a look at firing in Virginia, and how Freedom of Speech vs. a hostile work environment impacts that.... Read More
Mediating Verbal Abuse in the Workplace Northern Virginia
Mediating verbal abuse in the workplace can help create a healthy working environment and prevent a hostile work environment. Verbal abuse can be a huge issue for employers and employees alike. Here’s how a mediator in Northern Virginia can help. What is Verbal Abuse? Verbal abuse in the workplace is defined as shouting, disparaging remarks,... Read More