Pet Trusts

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Did you know that the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 85 percent of dog-owners and 76 percent of cat-owners think of their pets as family? We love our pets like family, so we should treat them as such. As a part of our families, pets deserve continuing care in the event of our incapacity or passing. One of the best ways to do this is to establish a pet trust. Trusts are not only for dogs and cats. A trust may be established under Florida law for all kinds of animal companions, including horses, turtles, birds, and more! Trusts can be extremely beneficial for long-living animals such as certain reptiles and birds that can live over 100 years and require specialized care. We at the Orlando Law Group care for our pets immensely, as you may be able to tell from our Facebook and Instagram pages showcasing the “Pets of OLG.”. As such, we want to let you know that a pet trust may be the exact thing you need in order to ensure your pets are well cared for after you have passed. Using a pet trust, you can leave money to be used for the care of your pet(s), put someone in charge of managing and spending that money, and include a set of written instructions created by you to ensure that your furry friend is well taken care of in the event of your incapacitation or death. Read on to learn more about setting up a Pet Trust in Florida!

Setting Up a Pet Trust

Once, pet trusts were considered a far-fetched idea. Now, Florida (along with the other 49 states) has established statutory provisions (F.S. §736.008) providing for the ability to create a pet trust for our beloved animals. A pet trust outlines who will care for your pets, for how long, and the exact maintenance terms desired. Florida is unique compared to some of the other states, in that it allows the trust to continue until the death of the last remaining pet, instead of limiting the length of the trust to 21 years. Importantly, a pet trust can only be set up for animals alive during your lifetime.

Should you have more than one animal that requires care, that is permitted as well. You have the ability to appoint a caregiver for your animal(s), as well as a trustee who will enforce the terms of the trust and ensure that the funds you have set aside for your pets are used the way you intended. The trustee can verify that your pets are being cared for by their appointed caregiver in the way you have outlined, by way of receipts and/or medical bills, and if those funds are not being used in accordance with the terms of your trust, your trustee may have the ability to remove the person appointed to care for your animals and replace them with an alternate person. Within the pet trust, you can also specify your choices for an alternate person or persons to care for your pets in the event that your first choice of caregiver is removed by the trustee, incapacitated or passes away. Additionally, unless the trust documents specifically state otherwise, if the amount in the trust exceeds what is needed to pay for the animal’s care, it will be administered either as part of the grantor’s estate or to the grantor himself/herself if living. A pet trust works the same as a revocable living trust. You, the grantor, create a legal trust entity and fund the trust by placing the necessary money and assets into a separate account in the trust’s name.

You are the one who knows your pet best, so it is important to leave a detailed plan for the care of the pet. Some important information you can have in your pet trust could include necessary medication for your pet to be administered, should they have any medical issues; their likes, their dislikes, which veterinarian you prefer they go to, their activity level and, any past, present, or future concerns you may have regarding your pet(s). You may also include whether you would like your pet cremated or buried after they have passed. All of these are important to ensuring the well-being of the pet, and outlining such will allow you to make sure your animal(s) will be properly cared for.

A pet trust is the best way to ensure that your pets are never sent to a shelter, sold or placed in the wrong hands in the event of your passing. Because the trust includes necessary funds to pay for your pets’ care, having a pet trust takes the burden off of your family or loved ones to financially provide for them after you are incapacitated or have passed away. Additionally, the detailed wishes in the trust guarantee that your pet is cared for just the way that you want even after you are no longer around.

There is much more to know about pet trusts before you are able to decide whether they are the correct estate planning tool for you. If creating a pet trust is something you may be interested in, be sure to consult with a knowledgeable estate and trust attorney.

Protecting Your Pet is Just a Phone Call Away.

Do you love your pets like any other member of your family? Do you ever cringe at the thought of your pet passing away? Do you ever wonder what would happen to them if you passed first? Don’t leave planning for your future and that of your furry friends to chance. All it takes is one phone call to the Orlando Law Group to ensure that your wishes are followed, and your loved ones (both animal and human) are cared for when you are gone. Call us at 407.512.4394 to receive only assistance regarding your estate planning but peace of mind as well. Our experienced attorneys would be happy to help you with any estate planning matters and questions you may have.

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Florida Medical Marijuana

Florida Medical Marijuana – What employers need to know.

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Regarding the Florida Medical Marijuana Law, what defines “marijuana?”

“Marijuana” means all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin, including low-THC cannabis which are dispensed from a medical marijuana treatment center for medical use by a qualified patient.” Florida Statute § 381.986 

The vote for the use of medical cannabis in Florida.

In 2016 Florida citizens voted for a constitutional amendment permitting individuals to use cannabis for medicinal purposes. The bill passed with tremendous support garnering 72% of the votes, in the state known for its narrow margins and hotly contested elections.

While Medical Marijuana may have passed in Florida, Federal Law, as well as Florida law, does not prevent Florida employers from punishing employees for failing a drug test. Despite its landslide victory, the herbal medicine still faces controversy and must overcome ambiguity before it can be used freely by the constituents who voted for it. 

Florida Statute §381.986, in great detail, covers the use and restrictions of Medical Marijuana in Florida. This statute reads, in part: 

(1) (j) “Medical use” means the acquisition, possession, use, delivery, transfer, or administration of marijuana authorized by a physician certification. The term does not include use or administration of marijuana in the following locations: 

a. On any form of public transportation, except for low-THC cannabis. 

b. In any public place, except for low-THC cannabis. 

c. In a qualified patient’s place of employment, except when permitted by his or her employer. d. In a state correctional institution, as defined in s. 944.02, or a correctional institution, as defined in s. 944.241. 

e. On the grounds of a preschool, primary school, or secondary school, except as provided in s.1006.062. 

f. In a school bus, a vehicle, an aircraft, or a motorboat, except for low-THC cannabis. 

(15) APPLICABILITY.—This section does not limit the ability of an employer to establish, continue, or enforce a drug-free workplace program or policy. This section does not require an employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any workplace or any employee working while under the influence of marijuana. This section does not create a cause of action against an employer for wrongful discharge or discrimination. 

Florida employers are not required to accommodate.

The excerpt above sparked major controversy and was unbeknown to most voters until after the law went into effect. Although the usage of Medical Marijuana is legal for those people who qualify, the law is clear that an employer is not required to accommodate an employee’s medical use of marijuana. This differs from other laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Family Medical Leave Act, where the federal government has mandated that employers follow certain protocols when dealing with these classes of people. 

Florida employers do not have to accommodate to the fact that you are legally allowed to use marijuana, nor are they required to allow you to use marijuana at their business location. An employer can terminate an employee for the use of legal medical marijuana, and this termination does not create a basis for legal action for wrongful termination.

Marijuana can stay in a person’s system for up to multiple weeks, ensuring that employees subjected to drug test must refrain from the substance for indefinite amounts of time. A person with a marijuana card, depending on the rules of their employer, would not even be able to administer the medicine (smoking medical marijuana, for example) outside of work because they would run the risk of failing a drug test. 

Incentives for employers

Under the laws as they currently stand, Florida actually provides incentives for employers NOT TO allow the usage of medical marijuana in their workplaces. In 1990 the Florida Legislature enacted a State law titled “Florida Drug-Free Workplace” F.S 112.0455. This law provided specific requirements which an employer must comply with to be certified as a Florida Drug-Free Workplace. The law also provided incentives and benefits for employers who are certified as a Florida Drug-Free Workplace. The State of Florida, through this law, encourages employers to drug test employees and promotes a Drug-Free Workplace environment. In Florida, companies get reduced rates on various insurances if they implement drug-free workplace policies. 

Could the Florida medical cannabis pave the way for recreational use of weed?

Florida is also slowly moving toward recreational marijuana, with at least one bill being proposed in 2019 before dying in committee. Proponents of recreational marijuana are citing states like Colorado who have generated billions since approving of recreational use. Florida is already a tourist destination and could easily capitalize on the recreational marijuana industry. With the passage of medical marijuana and the lag time in the laws of Florida to catch up with these medical innovations, it makes you wonder whether recreational marijuana will be vertically integrated and structured the same way. The “drug” may become legal for recreational use, but under Florida Law, you could still be terminated from your place of employment. 

There have been no successful legal challenges in Florida regarding medicinal marijuana in the workplace. Of course, this amendment is relatively new and the possibility remains that the courts could decide in favor of employees – especially as the opioid epidemic worsens and more and more states are looking to medical marijuana as a better alternative to chronic pain relief. Until that time, the statute is clear that marijuana use, medical or otherwise, is not permitted under the Florida Drug-Free Workplace rules.

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#focusondrivingfl texting while driving

#FocusOnDrivingFL – What you need to know about the texting while driving in Florida

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Texting and driving can be a dangerous combination. In a 2014 report, the US Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studied data from 2012. The data revealed that distracted driving was associated with 3300 deaths and 421,000 injuries in collisions in the US; much of the evidence in these cases suggests that smartphone use continues to be a substantial contributor to these incidences.

Further, AAA recently conducted a study that revealed 78% of Americans suggest that texting while driving is a “significant danger.” The study also cited that 35% of the respondents admitted to texting while driving.

Starting July 1, 2019, texting while driving has been defined as a primary offense in the state of Florida. Many people don’t realize that texting and driving was illegal before the July change. The difference is that previously, a law enforcement officer had to witness you violating another law to be able to pull you over for texting while driving.

In early 2019, the Florida government voted to change that.

With the July 1 change and texting while driving becoming a primary offense, authorities can pull you over if they see you typing on your phone or other hand-held devices.

Here are some of the top questions we have been asked about the new law.

Someone told me that if I am stopped for texting while driving, a police officer can ask to see my phone to verify that I was texting. Is this true?

This is actually true; officers are allowed to ask to see the phone of the driver who was pulled over for texting while driving, with one caveat. While the responding officer can ask to see your phone, they must tell you that you have the right to decline the request.

The original law making texting and driving a secondary offense started in 2013. Since then, officers have received training to be able to identify drivers who are texting. If you are stopped, it is because an officer believes you were texting while driving based on your behaviors.

How do things change after July 1?

Florida statute 316.305 — which is known as the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law, officially changes the law against using a mobile phone or hand-held device from a secondary offense to a primary offense. Beginning on July 1, law enforcement officers can pull over drivers for using a wireless device while operating a vehicle.

And there’s more. There’s also a part of the law about school zones and construction sites with active workers. This part of the law states that starting October 1, 2019, phones or hand-held devices can only be used in a “hands-free” manner while in use in a school zone, school crossing area, or construction area with active workers.

What happens if I get pulled over for texting while driving after July 1, 2019?

The answer to this question is “it depends.” Depending on the law enforcement agency that has stopped you, the outcome might vary.

The Florida Highway Patrol has released a statement suggesting that they will be issuing warnings until January 1, 2020. They are considering the time between now and then to be an “educational period.” Meanwhile, in Volusia and Orange Counties, the Sheriff’s Offices have stated that will begin ticketing offenders immediately.

Our suggestion is to simply obey the law, regardless of where you happen to be driving.

Can I still text while stopped at a red light?

The law does not specifically state that you cannot check your phone while parked on the side of the road or at a red light; it is not advised. Ultimately, when you are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, your attention should be on your surroundings and making sure you and those around you are safe.

Can I be exempt from the texting while driving law?

There are a few instances where you might be exempt from this law. These include if you are reporting an emergency or criminal activity to law enforcement, if you are operating an autonomous vehicle in autonomous mode, or if you are receiving messages that are related to the operation or navigation of the vehicle. You could also be exempt if you are using the device for system or navigation purposes.

These are certainly not “get out of jail free” cards, so be smart with how you use technology and put safety first always.

Under the new law, can I legally press a button on my phone to answer a call?

Outside of a school or work zone, according to the law, you are allowed to activate, deactivate, or initiate a feature or function on your phone, as long as it doesn’t require multiple key presses.

In a school or work zone, the law suggests that you can use only hands-free features to activate, deactivate, or initiate a feature or function on the phone. So, using Siri on an iPhone or “Ok Google” on an Andriod phone is permitted.

Focus on Driving Campaign

While there are groups who worked to prevent this law, it’s essential to consider that the spirit of the law is to keep people safe. These include the driver, the car’s occupants, other drivers, and pedestrians.

The State has created a “Put It Down” campaign to bring awareness to the new law. You can follow hashtags #PutItDown and #FocusOnDrivingFL for more information.

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judge is biased

What you can do if you think your judge is biased.

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When you go to court, you can expect that the judge that is hearing your case is impartial and will treat both sides in a fair manner. While having an unbiased judge is almost exclusively the case, there could be a time where you believe your judge is biased.

The bias could be towards you or your situation. The bias could also be towards your attorney. You might also believe that the judge displays a lack of impartiality that might favor the other lawyer or litigant.

In a situation where a judge is biased or prejudice, the result could be a decision that is not fair or impartial to one party in the case.

Often, a judge will identify their own inability to be fair, neutral, and impartial and will recuse themselves from the case. As it relates to the judge, the word “recuse” means that the judge will excuse themselves from the trial or case because of potential bias or conflict of interest and another judge will be appointed in his or her place.

When might a judge recuse themselves from a case?

An example of when a judge might recuse themselves from a case might be if the judge formerly held a position as a lawyer at the same law firm as one of the attorneys involved in the case. In this example, the professional relationship with one attorney could imply that the judge is biased. Having identified the relationship and potential bias, the judge will recuse or excuse themselves from the case.

Can you ask a judge to recuse themselves if you think your judge is biased?

The second use of the word “recuse” involves a condition where one party in a case believes the judge is biased and a motion is made to recuse the judge. For instance, if it is learned that a member of the judge’s immediate family could benefit economically from the outcome of a case, the judge might have conflicted loyalties that would make it difficult to be impartial in the case. In this scenario, an attorney could make a motion to disqualify the judge, which asks the judge to recuse himself or herself.

The Orlando Law Group obtains a Writ of Prohibition after a denied motion to disqualify a judge

The Orlando Law Group recently won an appeal in a case where a motion to disqualify the judge was denied. We filed a Petition for Writ of Prohibition asking the appellate court to remove the judge after the judge declined to recuse herself. The Fifth District Court of Appeals, found the appeal well-taken, finding that “the facts alleged in Petitioner’s motion would place a reasonably prudent person in fear of not receiving a fair and impartial hearing.”

The Court of Appeals went on to grant the Petition for Writ of Prohibition stating “we grant the petition, quash the order denying Petitioner’s motion to disqualify and remand the case with directions that the underlying case reassigned to a different judge.”

Steps you should take if you think your judge is biased

The right to a trial by a fair and impartial judge is a right to all citizens. While the vast majority of the time a litigant can expect a fair and impartial judge on occasion, a litigant and his or her attorney may have a reasonable fear that the judge is or may be biased. You and your attorney should be in agreement that the judge assigned to your case may not be impartial.

No matter what, it’s important to work with an attorney who knows the strict requirements and timelines in seeking the recusal of a judge believed to be biased, and the steps necessary if the judge fails to recuse himself or herself. Your right to a fair trial is paramount and we will protect that right.

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Spring Clean Your Life!

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If you’ve been drowning in debt, then it might be time to consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is the perfect way to get your financial life back on track, allowing you to erase your debt and repay your creditors. If you can prove that you are entitled to a declaration of bankruptcy, the court will grant you protection during your proceeding. The Orlando Law Group are specialists in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and will walk you through every step of this important process. Divorce looms over unhappy marriages. It is that bridge many fear to walk over. Divorce is not the end of the world, though, and many couples find their lives to be improved by separating from a toxic situation. The divorce process can be tricky, though, and it’s always important to have a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side. The Orlando Law Group specializes in family law and would be proud to stand beside you.

Spring is also the perfect time to begin the process of starting your own business. Let your career bloom and grow beautifully by starting to move forward toward becoming your own boss. When creating a business, you first need to decide what type of company you’re looking for and then file all of the necessary paperwork to ensure that you’re set up and ready to begin raking in the cash. This is a complicated process, and one misfiled form could set you back in time and money. The Orlando Law Group has a vast array of business law services. For a full list, CLICK HERE.

Whether you’re attempting to sort out your personal or professional life, spring time represents the perfect season for your rebirth. Spring Clean your life with The Orlando Law Group! Call 407.512.4394 to schedule a consultation today!

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SEO is the Present and Future of Digital Marketing

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The benefits of SEO are obvious. If you are an insurance broker in Orlando Florida, you want the influx of business brought upon by customers performing a google search for the services that you offer and in your area. Often times, when looking for services, consumers will perform an internet search to comb through vendors in their area before asking for referrals from friends.

Being listed at number one not only puts you in front of more potential clients and customers, but it instills a sense of quality in their minds. Google is a very well respected company, and when they list you as the number one authority in your field, it is a stamp of approval that goes a long way for consumers.

Your SEO score can be improved through content tweaks, as stated above. We live in the era of content, and when it comes to digital marketing, content is king.

  • To begin a successful SEO campaign, first you have to identify which key search terms you want to be ranked for. This is done through careful research. It’s important to target high volume terms that many people are searching for, that are also relevant to your industry. Google has a number of tools available to aid in this research, detailing the monthly numbers of searches for any key term you enter.
  • Once you have a plan of attack, adjust the content of your website so that it falls in line with your research findings. Consistently create new blogs and update your website’s information pages to include the key terms you want to be ranked for. Words, phrases, and relevant information need to be peppered throughout your pages, shining like a beacon on a VERY crowded street. When someone performs a search, Google’s bots crawl the web gathering information. Your content needs to stand out amongst the crowd.
  • These bots also check your site’s metadata, the descriptive information built into your pages. It is important to have your metadata and title tags optimized. A common mistake that many people make is having a title tag that states who they are, and not what they do. Google already knows who you are. What it’s looking for when compiling search engine results is what you do. A title tag that says “Johnson’s Dental Associates” isn’t going to do much for you. But if your title tag reads “24 Hour Emergency Dentist Surgeon Orlando FL” then you’re letting Google know what you do, and that information goes toward your SEO ranking.
  • The final and most important step of the SEO process is backlink generation. This is the most time consuming and difficult piece. Google needs to see relevant websites linking back to you. Typically, SEO specialist marketing firms will submit link bearing content to a variety of directories in an attempt to have links published on various sites. Many companies attempt to cheat the system by creating dummy websites featuring links back to their main site, to trick Google into increasing their ranking. This worked…for a time. But Google caught on and now tactics like this will actually hurt your SEO score. Backlink generation and the time it requires is one of the biggest reasons to bring on a marketing firm to handle your ongoing monthly SEO efforts.

SEO is not an overnight process. There is no guaranteed timeframe for first-page penetration, nor is getting onto the first page assured. Each case is different, and matters such as competition, key term search volume and more come into play. Typically, we estimate seeing a return on investment in SEO at around the six-month mark.

Because of this, many companies choose to subsidize their SEO efforts with Google Adwords, a service offered by Google in which you bid on key words and pay based on the number of clicks you receive. Adwords begins working immediately, giving the SEO time to gain momentum. Then, once the SEO is providing a return on investment, Adwords can be phased out.

SEO is the present and future of digital marketing. We live in a Google search society, and as such, our standing in the world of SEO becomes more important by the day. SEO is not something you take on for a short time and then abandon. It is a living breathing thing that must be nurtured on a consistent basis. It is time-consuming consuming, and at times frustrating. But it also can be lucrative, empowering, and rewarding in the long-run! 

Rogan Marketing and Communications is a Full-Service Marketing firm, specializing in website design and creation, collateral creation, video production, social media management, branding, and more. For more information, visit www.roganmarketing.com, or call 407.601.0845. 

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Seek Out The Positive in 2017!

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We meet with many clients during difficult periods in their lives. Whether you’re going through a divorce, facing criminal charges, being sued, or filing suit against someone else, remember that the bad stressful times are only for now. Every new tomorrow brings with it an opportunity for exciting fresh beginnings, and it’s often up to us as individuals to reach out and grab them!

And above all else, please be safe this New Year’s Eve. Make good decisions, drive carefully, and pay attention to those around you. Start 2017 off on a good foot, with a positive outlook in a safe environment.

From all of us here at the Orlando Law Group, have a safe and happy New Year. Seek out the positive in 2017!

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Top Five Reasons To Hire An Attorney

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1.       The Law is Complicated and Confusing – There is a reason why even seasoned lawyers do not represent themselves in court. When you are too close to a situation, you tend to think with your heart, and not your head. A trained, emotionally detached attorney with a strong understanding of the legal system is imperative to maintaining a cool head under pressure. Attorney’s also have knowledge of court deadlines and protocol which must be followed to the letter when filing legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could cause your entire case to crumble. Trust your attorney’s knowledge of the law. They went to four very long years of Law School to acquire it, and they know it inside and out. Foregoing the presence of a lawyer while reviewing contracts or starting a business can also lead to avoidable headaches.

2.       Attorneys Have Connections – Expert witnesses and private detectives often fill rolodexes on the desks of many lawyers. This network of contacts comes with years of experience that the average person does not have. The presence of such key professionals can help in challenging testimony or evidence by the opposing party.

3.       Experience in negotiating settlements and plea bargains – In cases of civil or criminal suits, sometimes it makes more sense to seek a settlement or plea bargain. Chances are, an experienced attorney will have seen cases similar to yours before and will be able to make a calculated guess as to how it might end at trial. These lawyers have experience in negotiating settlements and plea bargains for their clients, often saving them money and/or jail time.

4.       How Do You Plead? – We’ve all heard these words asked in courtroom shows, but your plea can be a make or break moment in your case. An attorney’s expertise and this matter is not just recommended, it is essential. Your lawyer will explain your options and help you avoid more severe penalties. Don’t gamble with your financial future and freedom!

5.       The Other Party Likely Has One – Non-attorneys representing themselves against an experienced attorney is akin to entering a boxing match with your hands tied behind your back. The playing field needs to be level. The attorneys representing your opposition will take full advantage of your lack of legal expertise to pull the rug out from under you.

Hiring a lawyer to defend you in your legal battles aids in your protection, and will benefit your case and your future at the same time!

The Orlando Law Group is ready to help defend your rights, and provide you the highest level of legal expertise and service available! Call 407.512.4394 today to schedule a consultation. 

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Womens day

Celebrating International Women’s Day

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In a few days, the world will pause to celebrate women. On Tuesday, March 8, we will link arms with women around the globe to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
More than just a cliché of “you’ve come a long way, baby,” the day is part of a broader movement to celebrate the varied contributions of women to society. In the United States, the observance is part of Women’s History Month. Why an entire month dedicated to recognizing women? A visit to the official National Women’s History Project (NWHP), reveals that the observance arose out of a void. According to the NWHP site, “As recently as the 1970’s, women’s history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration for 1978.”

The festivities centered around March 8th, which had already been declared International Women’s Day.

The week-long observance eventually morphed in celebrations that lasted the whole month of March until finally in 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. Since that time, a special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.

Despite all the strides women have made both here in the U.S. and around the world, there is still much ground to be gained. In fact, according to the International Women’s Day site progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places. The World Economic Forum predicted in 2015 that it would take until 2133 to achieve global gender parity. THAT’S 117 YEARS!

Why does it matter? We’d like to think that that it matters for many good reasons. Ultimately, gender issues should be rooted in the intrinsic worth and value of every individual. But, if that’s not enough to convince us, perhaps the bottom line will. The facts show that gender parity is linked to economic prosperity. It’s an economic imperative! Women’s advancement and leadership are central to business performance and economic prosperity. Numerous global studies on the impact of women in leadership reveal that profitability, ROI and innovation all increase when women are counted among senior leadership.

According to the movement for gender parity, there are three accelerators, working independently and together, that can change the trajectory of women’s advancement. They are as follows:

• Illuminate the path to leadership by making career opportunities more visible to women;

• Speed up culture change with progressive corporate policy, such as paternity leave and flexible working; and

• Build supportive environments and work to eliminate conscious and unconscious bias.

By marking an entire month and specifically one day, we celebrate the achievements of women while shining a light on the gender parity that still exists worldwide. Truth be told, celebrating the successes of women is especially near and dear to our hearts here at The Orlando Law Group. Our growing firm started with the vision of one woman and initially developed as an all-female legal team. While we have added men to the team over the years, we’re proud of our roots! Will you join us in pausing to highlight the women among us this month?

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Benefits of Mobile Shredding

How Your Business Could Benefit from Mobile Shredding Services

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All businesses, whether large or small, will produce or possess sensitive information. This data must be kept confidential in order to protect the interests of an organization. If you do not dispose of this data in the right manner, it could compromise your company as well as your clients. It is important to get rid of any valuable documentation through a secure process.

There are a wide variety of mobile document shredding services available to consider, and with the efficient destruction of data in a timely fashion, your company will be in accordance with privacy legislation and your client information stays safe. Sensitive data could include letterheads, invoices, tax forms, contracts and bank statements. Hard copies of data, published by hospitals and law firms, for instance, deal with confidential data on a daily basis and to avoid fraudulent use, they must make sure to destroy this data in the right way.

Your business could benefit from mobile shredding services in the following ways:

  • Large amounts of data can be disposed of quickly and smoothly.
  • It is cost effective as you do not have to manage in-house data disposal.
  • It leads to less clutter and efficient business management.
  • A business manages to stay environment-friendly as all shredded documents will be recycled.
  • An organization can avoid identity theft and fraud.
  • Business processes become cleaner and easier to handle.
  • Data can be shredded onsite which is more convenient for the business or company.
  • Secure containers which ensure that all confidential documents remain safe from a breach of security.
  • You can witness the shredding process first hand.
  • Shredding of all kinds of material including computer disks, hard drives, paper, cassettes and more.
  • All shredding is managed and operated by experts.
  • A Certificate of Destruction will be provided on-the-spot.

Prioritize your business requirements and keep your data protected.

Source: www.sme-blog.com to The Small Business Blog

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Pumpkin Pie to Humble Pie

From Pumpkin Pie to Humble Pie

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“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton

For most of us Thanksgiving conjures up all sorts emotions. For many of us, it’s a holiday – a little pause from the daily grind. The kids are off school. The banks are closed and the mail takes a break. Many offices and stores are even closed. Maybe for you it means a day of watching football games or the Macy’s day parade. It probably means gathering with family or friends to eat a great meal together. It might even mean reflecting on our great nation’s history and good fortune.

But, did you know that the idea of giving thanks is even bigger than all of that? The practice of gratitude actually makes for greater physical and psychological health. Recent studies are actually proving that gratitude is more than just the polite thing to do or a holiday to be celebrated once a year; in fact, the science is showing that gratitude is actually good for us all the time.

So, what do we mean when we talk about giving thanks? For what? To whom? The leading expert on gratitude is Dr. Robert Emmons. He’s been studying its effects for more than 10 years. He says that an attitude of gratitude begins by affirming that the world is full of good things, gifts, and benefits we’ve received. He clarifies that it’s not so much appreciating our own positive traits, but it involves what he calls a “humble dependence” on others. Which makes sense because, when you think about it, a lot of what we’re grateful is by the hand of others.

So what can an attitude of gratitude actually do for us? Some researchers list as many as 30 things. We’ll just whet your appetite with five.

  1. Increased well-being. Taking just five minutes a day to journal your gratitude can increase your long-term well-being by more than 10 percent. According to some researchers, that’s the same impact as doubling your income!
  2. A stress buster. It’s no secret that stress is pretty bad for us. It’s linked to several leading causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. It claims responsibility for up to 90 percent of all doctor visits. According to Emmons, gratitude research is beginning to suggest that feelings of thankfulness have tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems, especially stress. Speaking of stress, writing thank you notes has been shown to ease stress, reduce depressive symptoms, and encourage people to be more mindful of what makes them happy.
  3. A better personality. Daily discussion of gratitude results in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness, energy, and sleep duration and quality.
  4. A healthier heart. Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that gratitude can even curb heart attacks. Studying people who had experienced one heart attack, the researchers found that those patients who saw benefits and gains from their heart attack, such as becoming more appreciative of life, experienced a lower risk of having another heart attack.
  5. Stronger relationships. Other studies have examined how gratitude can improve relationships. Where gratitude abounds, marriages are healthier and employees are happier and harder working.

Gratitude takes practice like any other skill. Thanksgiving Day is a good time to start, but if you want to reap all the benefits, we’d encourage you to keep practicing after that.
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*Have we got you curious? For more information about the science of gratitude, you can visit your local library and check out Emmons’ book, Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.

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Five Homeowner Tips to Keep Halloween Fun AND Safe

Tips to Keep Halloween Fun AND Safe

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Have you ever wondered why Halloween is such a widespread, holiday favorite? Free from a lot of the tradition and family expectation that accompanies other major holidays, it’s the one time of the year that seems to bring out the kid in all of us. From young to old, Halloween seems to appeal to everyone. It gives all of us an excuse to don a costume and have some fun. Don’t believe us? Just check out the I Love Halloween Facebook page, now boasting more than 2.25 million followers.

But for all of its spooky fun, Halloween also comes with its fair share of pitfalls. No one wants their Halloween festivities to be marred by an accident. Whether you are hosting a party for friends or leaving the light on for trick-or-treaters, it’s important to take a few precautions to insure that your home is safe for the influx of visitors. For example, if someone trips and falls on your dark sidewalk or brushes up against your candle-lit pumpkins, you could be held liable. But, we’ve got you covered! Here are five precautions you can take before those ghosts, ghouls, superheroes and princesses start knocking on your door.

  1. Clear your walkway. Make sure the path from your driveway or the sidewalk to the front door is free from obstruction. Most children are so excited that they aren’t paying careful attention. In addition to clearing a path, you can also help prevent trips and falls by repairing loose porch railings and uneven walkway stones. Also, check to ensure that your spooky decorations don’t obstruct the walkway.
  2. Clean up your yard. Take extra precautions to rake leaves, remove dead branches, trim overgrown landscaping and fill in large holes. Also, consider storing any gardening tools and hoses a safe distance from walkways. If you add spooky yard decorations like tombstones or inflatables, make sure these decorations are well-lit and easily seen.
  3. Keep your property well lit. If you have a long driveway or walkway, turn on your regular outdoor lights so trick-or-treaters can easily see the path to the door.
  4. Ditch the candles. Replace the candles in your pumpkins with LED tea lights and your luminaries with string of lights along your path. The US Fire Administration warns that open flames can catch costumes on fire, as well as decorations.
  5. Confine your pets. The constant stream of trick-or-treating excitement and commotion could stress your pet. Avoid a Halloween pet mishap by keeping them in a separate room, away from open doors and small children.

With these five precautions in place, you can enjoy a fun Halloween AND keep your neighborhood trick-or-treaters safe!

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Charitable Planning

Charitable Planning

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Estate planning increasingly includes some form of charitable giving. During the last three decades, wealth ballooned in the United States, but affluent clients tended to increase their charitable transfers more than their family inheritances. According to John Havens of the Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy: “Reports from the IRS indicate that charitable giving increases at every level from the lowest level estate to the highest level.” He also notes: “When an estate’s value exceeds $20 million, the percentage going to charity virtually doubles and the percentage given to heirs goes down.”

A few statistics (with their sources) will highlight the depth of charitable involvement and its impact on estate planning:

  • 65% of American households give to charity.
  • Americans gave $298.3 billion to charities in 2011, a 3.9% increase over 2010.
  • 98% of high net worth households give to charity.
  • In 2010 there were 161,873 donor-advised funds that held $30 billion.

Not only are charitable transfers increasing, but also wealthier Americans are getting more involved in philanthropy themselves. According to a 2003 study, 83% of affluent Americans did volunteer work. The increased involvement of affluent Americans in charitable work also seems to be increasing their lifetime charitable gifting. Affluent Americans also are encouraging their heirs to become involved in charitable work.

These wealthy taxpayers are not just giving to charity. They are making sure that the gifts are handled in ways they approve. As a consequence of the scandals in numerous charities and the increasing “hands-on” management style of many donors, clients increasingly want to retain in themselves and/or their family the future direction of charitable transfers. Clients want to provide for charitable transfers that will leave a legacy for society and a legacy that will impact their heirs.

The common bond between today’s donor and the 20th century philanthropists is the desire to transmit family values and social responsibility to successive generations. This dual goal has resulted in not only a dramatic growth in charitable donations but also the development of “retained control” charitable-giving approaches.

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Lawyers Have to Be Mindful When Computing in the Cloud

Lawyers Have to be Mindful When Computing in the Cloud

Lawyers can use “cloud computing” to provide software and store records but must take reasonable steps to ensure than information remains confidential, according to a suggested Bar ethics opinion. As the proposed opinion notes:

“Because cloud computing involves the use of a third party as a provider of services and involves the storage and use of data at a remote location that is also used by others outside an individual law firm, the use of cloud computing raises ethics concerns of confidentiality, competence, and proper supervision of nonlawyers.”

Cloud computing gives lawyers the ability to access records from laptops, tablets, and smartphones and also protects records from being lost if a law office is damaged by a hurricane or fire. But because the records and software are stored by a third party at a remote location, lawyers must work to see that the information and client confidences are protected.

Several other states, the proposed opinion says, have found that the use of cloud computing is ethically acceptable as long as precautions are taken. The opinion notes, for example, that the Iowa Bar described the goal as: “Lawyers must be able to access the lawyer’s own information without limit, others should not be able to access the information, but lawyers must be able to provide limited access to third parties to specific information, yet must be able to restrict their access to only that information.” New York listed three obligations for attorneys: Ensuring that the provider can preserve confidentiality and security, including informing the lawyer if there is a subpoena seeking information in those records; reviewing the provider’s security procedures; and using available technology to protect “against reasonably foreseeable” attempts to infiltrate the offsite records.

Cloud computing involves use of an outside service provider which provides computing software and data storage from a remote location that the lawyer accesses over the Internet via a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, or via an “app” on smart phones and tablets. The lawyer’s files are stored at the service provider’s remote server(s). The lawyer can thus access the lawyer’s files from any computer or smart device and can share files with others.

Software is purchased, maintained, and updated by the service provider. Many lawyers and others are computing “in the cloud” because of convenience and potential cost savings.

The main concern regarding cloud computing relates to confidentiality. Lawyers have an obligation to maintain as confidential all information that relates to a client’s representation, regardless of the source.

Rule 4¬1.6, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. A lawyer may not voluntarily disclose any information relating to a client’s representation without either application of an exception to the confidentiality rule or the client’s informed consent. Id. A lawyer has the obligation to ensure that confidentiality of information is maintained by nonlawyers under the lawyer’s supervision, including nonlawyers that are third parties used by the lawyer in the provision of legal services.

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Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

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Safety Tips for Motorists

  • All motorists need to be especially alert and cautious when driving on Halloween because of the high number of pedestrians walking the streets.
  • Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
  • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
  • At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
  • Never use your cell phone while driving.
  • Discourage teens from driving on Halloween. There are too many hazards and distractions for inexperienced drivers.

Trick-or-Treating

All children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Before trick-or-treating, parents should:

  • Instruct your children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone.
  • Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
  • Teach your children to never enter a stranger’s home.
  • Agree on a specific time for your children to come home.
  • Give your children flashlights with fresh batteries to help them see and for others to see them.
  • Make sure your child or a responsible adult with them carries a cell phone for quick communication.
  • Review all appropriate pedestrian and traffic safety rules with your children.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street and use established crosswalks whenever possible.
  • Walk, do not run, from house to house.
  • Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards and never walk near lit candles or luminaries.
  • Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic.

Children will be anxious to stuff themselves with treats, but parents need to take these necessary precautions first:

  • Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten, then examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before your children eat them.
  • Give children an early meal before going out to prevent them from filling up on
  • Halloween treats or eating anything before you can inspect it.
  • Only let your children eat factory-wrapped treats. Avoid homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
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3 Signs You Shouldnt Ignore Spotting Elder Abuse

3 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore: Spotting Elder Abuse

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Unfortunately, elder abuse in elder care facilities and nursing homes is very real, and not uncommon. Those who have a family member or loved one in an elder care facility or nursing home need to be aware of any warning signs of abuse.

  1. One of the most common signs of elder abuse is decubitus ulcers, or “bedsores.” Unless a physician has indicated that bedsores are unavoidable, a person who enters an elder care facility or nursing home without bedsores should not develop them during their stay. Bedsores are very painful and, when left untreated, can cause serious infection and death.
  2. Another sign of elder abuse is unexplained injuries. Common injuries such as skin tears, bruises, and fractured bones may be caused by inadequate care. These injuries often occur when an elderly person is carelessly transported to and from his or her bed. Many of these injuries are entirely avoidable with proper staffing.
  3. Beyond physical abuse, elder citizens may also suffer mental abuse at elder care facilities and nursing homes. Mental abuse occurs when facility employees speak to patients in a way that is belittling, derogatory, intimidating, or disrespectful. Although mental abuse does not leave any physical marks, it may cause senior citizens to become inexplicably withdrawn from activities they normally enjoy, or become unusually depressed.

It is important to be alert for any indication that something may be wrong. Many senior citizens unfortunately suffer in silence, because they cannot communicate their situation to their loved ones. Pay close attention for markings of physical abuse, and also unexplained changes in mood or behavior. If you sense that something is wrong, communicate your concerns with a manager of the elder care facility or nursing home.

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Fourth of July Safety Tips

Fourth of July Safety Tips

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Everyone is looking forward to the long weekend, celebrating Our Nation’s Independence Day on July 4th. It’s a great time to spend time with friends and family, whether you’re headed to the beach or an outdoor cookout. Please remember these safety tips and have a great Fourth of July.

On the highway:

  1. Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
  2. Do not drink and drive.
  3. Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.

When grilling:

  1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
  2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
  3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
  4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

When using fireworks:

  1. Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
  3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
  5. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
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Important Information Regarding the Newly Enacted Credit Card Act

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Consumer protection against deceptive collective practices for credit card debt is an important issue especially in today’s economic climate. The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (otherwise known as the Credit Card Act of 2009) which was signed by President Obama this past May was designed to prevent abusive practices among credit card issuers.

For instance, it imposes a freeze on interest rates for canceled cards; prohibits issuance of a credit card on behalf of a consumer under age 21 unless the consumer has submitted a written application meeting specified requirements; sets limits on fees and interest charges, including a prohibition against penalties for on-time payments to name a few. A key element is that it bans retroactive rate increases. In other words, it bans rate increases on existing balances due to “any time, any reason” or “universal default” and severely restricts retroactive rate increases due to late payment.

Keep in mind that there are certain loopholes. The average rate offered to a consumer with a solid 700 credit score is now 11.51 percent on a variable rate card, up from 10.66 percent in March, according to Bankrate.com. A report released last week found that 100 percent of credit cards offered online by the largest 12 bank issuers in the United States continue to include practices that will be illegal when the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act, passed in May, takes full effect next year. Starting in February, there are certain practices that will be illegal one of which is the increase of interest rates for fixed rate cards for reasons other than a credit card holder being more than 60 days late on payments. The way credit card issuers will get around it is to convert your fixed rate credit cards to variable rates ones before February. There are certain disclosures the issuers have to provide when they do this so be on the lookout.

Make sure you understand your rights under this law and other Federal laws designed to protect consumers. If you think your rights have been violated, contact an attorney.

Disclaimer: The posting of this information does not in any way create an attorney-client relationship.

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