Business Law

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.

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.

Pitfalls in Using Severance Agreements

Pitfalls in Using Severance Agreements

Washington State law does not require employers to provide severance pay. However, when an employee is facing unwanted termination, a severance agreement (sometimes also called a separation and release agreement) can benefit both sides. Whether you are an employee who has been handed an agreement, or an employer needing to terminate an employee for any reason, it’s important to know what you are giving up and what you are gaining by entering into such an agreement.

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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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Van Pelt Law is open to serve you

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Covid-19 has brought the value of estate planning to the forefront for many people. Estate planning is not just about who gets your stuff after you pass; it’s about planning for disability too. Please contact me to update or create your estate plan.

During this time, I am offering video and telephonic meetings, as well as limited in-person meetings when legally required. In-person meetings will follow the guidelines from the CDC for physical distancing.

I can be reached at anna@vanpeltlegal.com.

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How to Protect Your Great Ideas or Works for Your Family

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How to Protect Your Great Ideas or Works for Your Family

Your money, home, and vehicles are not the only things you should include in your estate plan. Your intellectual property and any income it generates should also be addressed. You do not have to be a famous author, painter, or inventor to have valuable intellectual property that could provide a stream of income for your family members or loved ones after you pass away.