Business

What is a privacy policy and why do I need one?

What is a privacy policy and why do I need one?

oday, it is common for businesses to use a website to advertise to potential customers in their market. If you have ever signed up for a business’s newsletter, or made an appointment online, you probably clicked the box to agree to that business’s privacy policy, whether or not you actually read it. As a business, however, failing to have a well-crafted privacy policy can put you at odds with the law. Privacy policies are required by law in the United States, even if the only information you collect is for data analytics.

Estate Planning Solutions for Out-of-State Real Estate

Estate Planning Solutions for Out-of-State Real Estate

The estate planning process is more complicated if you own real estate in different states because each state’s probate court only has authority over property located in their own state. Thus, if you are a Washington State resident and own a home here, a Washington State probate court can oversee that property’s transfer to your heirs, but it can’t do anything about your timeshare in Hawaii or your mountain vacation home in Colorado. The properties in those states will have to go through an ancillary probate process in the states where they are located. Your personal representative may have to travel there, and you’ll probably need a lawyer in each state.

Can Employers Ask Employees If They Have Been Vaccinated?

Can Employers Ask Employees If They Have Been Vaccinated?

As businesses are reopening to indoor activities, many people are wondering what whether employers have the right to ask workers if they have received the COVID-19 vaccine, or request proof of vaccination. There are several laws that govern private heath information and status, and it’s important to talk to an attorney before deciding whether to require proof of vaccination as an employer, or deciding whether to disclose your vaccine status as an employee. These tips can help you talk with your attorney about this decision.

Pandemic-Related Employment Discrimination Issues

Pandemic-Related Employment Discrimination Issues

While we won’t be returning to work anytime soon, it never hurts to start thinking about the policies that will need to be in place to ensure a safe and healthy workforce. Returning to the workplace has many potential pitfalls for both employers and employees, particularly when there are employees with preexisting conditions or in high-risk groups. If employers are not careful, they may invite an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) suit by requiring employees to report medical information, or unfairly denying a request for a reasonable accommodation. Additionally, creating different guidelines for return based on protected classes (like age) also creates the risk of an Equal Employment Commission investigation or lawsuit.

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Rewarding Your Employees By Giving Them the Business

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Rewarding Your Employees By Giving Them the Business

Retiring from your business can a tough decision. To ensure that what you have built continues on, there needs to be a plan for succession. For some people, they have spent years grooming a child or other family member to take over, wanting the business to stay in the family. Others look to sell to a third party for a quick way out that will also give them a nest egg for their next phase of life. However, there is a third option--transferring the business to your employees. If you like the idea of transferring your business to long-time faithful employees who have contributed greatly to the company’s success over the years, below are a couple of options for you to consider.

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Passing Along a Benefit, Not a Burden

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Passing Along a Benefit, Not a Burden

Most business owners have their estate planning prepared because they are worried about what will happen to their business after they are dead. However, proper estate planning has the added benefit of allowing you to make plans for what will happen if you are incapacitated or needing to be away from your business for an extended period of time.

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Retirement Planning for Business Owners

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Retirement Planning for Business Owners

For many employees, saving for retirement is usually a matter of simply participating in their employer’s 401(k) plan and perhaps opening an IRA for some extra savings.

But, when you’re the owner of a business, planning for retirement requires proactivity and strategy. It’s not just the dizzying array of choices for retirement accounts, there’s also planning for the business itself. Who will run the business after your retirement? Additionally, your estate plan must integrate into your retirement and business transition strategy.

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How to Protect Your Family When You and Your Spouse Work in the Same Business

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How to Protect Your Family When You and Your Spouse Work in the Same Business

You and your spouse live together, you work together, and chances are you spend a lot of your free time together. Having a successful marriage and business takes a lot of hard work and dedication but can also be among the most rewarding things in life. To help keep you on the right track, here are a few tips.

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How to Own Your Real Estate

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How to Own Your Real Estate

Real estate is more than just your primary residence. It can include other real estate such as a vacation home or a rental property. Depending upon the type of real estate you own, the ideal form of ownership can vary. Below, we take a look at the different types of real estate and make suggestions about the best form of ownership for each.