Did Your Deceased Loved One Have A Life Insurance Policy?
The Mississippi Insurance Department, in partnership with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), now offers a free service that helps Mississippians search for and locate a deceased loved one's unclaimed life insurance benefits. The NAIC's Life Insurance Policy Locator provides nationwide access for assistance with finding life insurance policies and annuities. An estimated $1 billion in benefits from life insurance policies remain unclaimed according to Consumer Reports. A link to the service can be found on the Mississippi Insurance Department Consumer Service page of the department's website, www.mid.ms.gov. All requests are encrypted and secured to maintain confidentiality. Participating insurers ...
What are the ADA Accessibility Guidelines?
Among other things, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures not only building access for people with disabilities but also access to outdoor developed areas such as trails, camping and picnic facilities, viewing areas, and beaches. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, an independent federal agency created in 1973, develops the guidelines that establish design requirements for the construction and alteration of facilities subject to the law known as the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). These enforceable standards apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities. The guidelines are used by the Department of ...
Does My Agreement Have to Be in Writing?
Although the days of doing business “with a handshake” may be long gone, some people still make verbal agreements. Whether you’re a business owner, a landlord, or an individual agreeing to lend a friend or relative some money, you might be tempted to simply “shake on it” and hope everything is okay. You may even worry you will offend the other person by insisting on a written agreement. This can be a costly and time-consuming mistake. …
Debunking Myths about Prenuptial Agreements
Most people don’t walk down the aisle thinking their marriage has an expiration date. Marriage is supposed to be about romance and a lifelong commitment to another person. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that prenuptial agreements have something of a negative reputation. Many people see them as “bad luck” or a lack of confidence about a marriage. These are just two of the more common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements. Here are a few more. …
I’m Young and Single: Do I Really Need a Will?
Most young adults don’t give much thought to estate planning. They assume wills and trusts are subjects they can deal with when they start a family or reach a certain age. After all, why go to the trouble of making will when you’re young and healthy? Why waste the money when you’re going to need to change it down the road anyway? …
Pedestrian Fatalities Were Up in 2015
As summer approaches, more people will opt to walk rather than drive to their destinations. Unfortunately, recent data shows that pedestrian deaths are on the rise. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2015 is projected to have “the largest year-to-year increase in pedestrian fatalities since national records have been kept.” …
Important Steps When Hiring a New Employee
For many business owners, needing help is a sign of success. Your business is growing, and you simply can’t do everything on your own anymore. If you are in a position of needing to hire a new employee, it is important to protect yourself and your business in the process by working with an experienced business lawyer. Here are just a few things to keep in mind. …
Getting the Best Price When Buying a Business
Buying a business can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. There are many steps involved, from reviewing contracts to handling employee matters. One of the most important factors is determining an accurate value. This helps you make sure you are paying a fair price. …
How Your Camera Can Help Your Injury Case
These days, most people do not leave the house without a cell phone or smartphone. These powerful handheld devices allow us to stay in touch with work, loved ones, and numerous other activities. People use apps to track what they eat, how many steps they take, and which coupons to use. …
Can Employees Sue for Weight Discrimination?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one-third of the American population meets the technical definition of obese. With statistics like that, it is perhaps no surprise that employers have been increasingly scrutinized for targeting, mistreating, or refusing to hire overweight employees. …