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The FTC Bans Noncompetes for Employees by Ted Storer
Employers use different restrictive covenants to protect their proprietary information and competitive status in their industries. Restrictive covenants are often identified as confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements (NDA’s), trade secret provisions, nonsolicitation agreements, nonpiracy provisions, and noncompete agreements. Noncompete provisions contractually outline certain activities that past employees may not engage in. In Indiana, those noncompete provisions had to be narrowly drawn to protect the legitimate business interests of the employer and not unfairly restrict an employee in terms of the scope of the duration, the nature of the protection and the geographic range. However, this type of restrictive covenant will soon […]
Changes to Overtime Exemption Rule by Ted Storer
The United States Department of Labor issued a new rule related to overtime that could impact many employers in our area. To be exempt from overtime, most employees must meet a duties test AND a salary level.
Addressing Elder Abuse by Troy C. Kiefer
Elder abuse affects some of our most vulnerable citizens—our seniors. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of elder abuse and understand the steps to take if suspected. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. Physical abuse may be shown as unexplained injuries, while emotional abuse could involve threats or intimidation. Financial abuse might include unusual bank activities or changes in estate documents. Neglect is often evident when an elder appears poorly cared for or malnourished.Recognition of the abuse is the first step in getting the abused person help. Watch for changes in behavior or appearance that might […]
Succession Planning and Retirement for Your Business Entity by Tony B. Manns
Many small business owners are great at building and growing a business. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prepare for retirement and the transition of the business to other partners or family members. Small businesses must be prepared for retirements or the sudden death or illness of leadership. One reason to have a plan in place is for the benefit of your customers or clients. Another reason is to protect your business and any employees from sudden undue hardship caused by your departure. Having a transition plan in place helps ensure that customers and clients are comfortable with […]
Does my new spouse have rights to my estate? I’d like to leave everything to my children from a prior marriage. by Janell M. Sprinkle
If you are married at the time of your death, then yes, your spouse has certain rights to your estate. First, Indiana law automatically grants your spouse a survivor’s allowance. Currently, this allowance amount is $25,000.
What Questions Should I Ask About Long Term Care Insurance? by William J. Stockdale
Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC Insurance) can be a great benefit for those in need of long-term care services, whether in a skilled nursing facility, assisted living, or at home. Unfortunately, by the time that many people consider LTC Insurance, they are either medically ineligible for coverage, or the policy is cost prohibitive.
What is a Transfer on Death Deed, and should I have one? by Jesica Thorson
A Transfer on Death Deed is a document that is recorded at your local county recorder’s office prior to your passing. This deed automatically transfers property ownership to the named beneficiaries when the owner of the property dies. The beneficiary listed on the deed can be one individual, multiple people, or a charity. The main objective of this type of deed is to avoid probate. After the property owner passes away, an additional document is filed with the local county recorder’s office to transfer ownership in the county records to the beneficiaries. While this is a great way to avoid probate, […]