How a Tax Lien Works
When a person fails or neglects to pay income taxes owed, the likely consequences involve
EPGD Law
November 16, 2016
Business Law
Maternity / Paternity Leave
As Millennials begin to wait more and more to have children, we have also seen an uprise in demand for maternity and paternity leave. This is largely in part to the emphasis of relationship and connections that has developed over the last decade. New parents want to establish that connection with their newborns and lets face it, that’s not something you can do in a week. Currently, here is where we stand on that legally.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 16, 2016
What is Qualified Sick Pay?
A Section 105 qualified sick-pay plan (QSPP). A QSPP enables a business to continue some portion of an employee’s wages during a disability. It is the company’s official plan to continue wages for certain ill and injured employees.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 16, 2016
Employment Law
Misclassification Between Employee And Independent Contractor
Misclassified employees are often denied access to the critical benefits and protections they are entitled. Misclassification also generates substantial losses to the federal government and state governments in the form of lower tax revenues, as well as to state unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation funds.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 16, 2016
Estate Planning
A tweet, a tweet! A Lady Bird Deed!
A lady bird deed (called an enhanced life estate deed in Florida) is a relatively new form of deed that—like a traditional life estate deed—allows property to pass automatically to one or more designated recipients at death, without the need for probate.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 16, 2016
Business Law
The Extent of Non Compete Agreements in Florida
If you’re a business owner or have EVER been an employed by a larger or specific field, you’ve probably run into or have a NON-COMPETE agreement. Just like any contract, there are limitations to everything and in case you didn’t know, according to FL Statute 542.335(1)(d)(1), non-compete agreements are enforceable against an independent contractor just like an employee.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 15, 2016
Business Law
What are some Simple Facts about Foreclosures and Leases in Florida?
In Florida, what would happen if a tenant is leasing a premises, and the mortgagee—the bank for example—foreclosures upon the property. Is the tenant allowed to remain in the premises? As a consequence of the foreclosure, is the tenant’s lease terminated? What if the tenant was an innocent party with no knowledge of the mortgage?
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 15, 2016
Business Law
First Comes Love. Then Comes Joint Accounts…
When you own an account jointly with another individual, the law usually presumes that you each have equal rights to funds held in that account. So, when a creditor attempts to garnish that account, it typically doesn’t have to investigate whether you contributed more money to the account than the co-owner. Unfortunately, this could mean that the money in your account could be garnished to pay for the co-owner’s debt, a debt that you never owed.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 15, 2016
Tax Reporting Obligations for Foreigners
As a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you have several reporting obligations to the Internal
EPGD Law
November 14, 2016
ITIN and You!
To invest in a business in the US, especially for establishing a banking relationship with
EPGD Law
September 26, 2016
A Quick Overview of Business Licensing
When thinking of opening a business, it is very important to address the licensing needs
EPGD Law
September 14, 2016
Scam Alert : “FL Compliance Notice”
Florida business owners have been receiving a letter that looks to be from a government
EPGD Law
September 14, 2016
How To Decant an Irrevocable Trust
An irrevocable trust was once known to be untouchable. This may no longer be true.
EPGD Law
September 14, 2016
Unauthorized Practice of Law
Practicing law in a state without a license from that particular state is illegal, and
EPGD Law
September 14, 2016
Business Law
How to Collect after a Favorable Judgement
A common issue persons may face in lawsuits is not so much the difficulty in obtaining judgment for remedies, but actually collecting on the judgment once obtained. There are different ways in which judgment debtors try to defeat collection on judgments, which pose problems for those holding outstanding executions.
Eric Gros-Dubois
September 13, 2016
How to: Evict A Person in Florida
Although we hope for the best, it may not work out that way. That’s why,
EPGD Law
July 5, 2016
Employee or Independent Contractor?
Should I Classify my Worker as an Employee or an Independent Contractor? It is important
Eric Gros-Dubois
July 5, 2016
EPGD’s 10 Steps to Start A Business
As times change, businesses change as well. We’ve seen a boom in entrepreneurial businesses throughout South Florida. If you find yourself feeling the bug, here are EPGD’s 10 simple steps to starting your own business.
Eric Gros-Dubois
July 5, 2016
Business Law
What is a DBA?
It is important to note that a fictitious business name is not the same as a trademark. Entities like trademarks, service marks, corporations, and limited partnerships are legal names. In contrast, the registration of a fictitious business name does not create any exclusive ownership rights, nor does it reserve the name against future use.
Eric Gros-Dubois
July 5, 2016
Business Law
Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Foreign Owners
Today, many businesses are forming as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and are finding that an LLC offers the “best of both worlds” of corporate forms. LLCs have pass-through taxation while also affording the owners limited liability protection, typical of a corporation.
Eric Gros-Dubois
July 5, 2016
Employment Law
What are Background Checks?
Aside from certain situations where Florida law requires that employees be screened, such as law enforcement officers or those hired to work with children or the elderly, requiring an applicant or employee to submit to a screening is also possible.
Eric Gros-Dubois
May 18, 2016
Intellectual Property Law
Don’t just put a TM logo; file it!
In Florida, the general rule for trademark rights is “First In Use, First In Right.” In other words, you must be the first to use the mark in commerce. Either by selling products (for goods) or providing services (for services) before you can register the trademark.
Eric Gros-Dubois
May 18, 2016
Intellectual Property Law
Charlie Sheen Changed his name, you can too!
Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Bruno Mars, Jamie Foxx, they all have one thing in common. They’ve changed their name. In case you didn’t know, celebrities aren’t the only ones who can do so. If you would like to legally change your name or restore a former a name, you may do so in Florida, provided that you are 18 years of age or older and satisfy certain other requirements. In particular, the state of Florida has set forth specific procedures, which govern all legal name changes of Florida residents.
Eric Gros-Dubois
May 10, 2016
Estate Planning
Life Insurance Trust… in Layman’s Terms!
A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets or income for the benefit of beneficiaries. Similar to a life insurance there are three parties to a trust. The settlor, the person or entity who creates the trust and usually transfer the property into the trust; the trustee, the person who holds and manages that property for the benefit of the beneficiary; and the beneficiary, the person who receives the benefit of such property.
Eric Gros-Dubois
April 25, 2016
Business Law
Why do I need a Non-Compete Agreement?
A non-compete agreement is a contract between an employee and an employer in which the employee agrees not to enter into competition with the employer during or after employment. Non-compete agreements in employment contracts are essential in protecting your business from unfair competition, and safeguarding your trade secrets and confidential information once an employee decides to leave.
Eric Gros-Dubois
April 11, 2016
Employment Law
What are the Requirements for Workers Compensation Coverage in Florida?
If you are an employee who works for another person, group, or company, you are required to have Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This includes people working under any type of contract and also includes all lawfully and unlawfully employed immigrants and minors.
Eric Gros-Dubois
March 16, 2016
What are useful pointers when entering a “Joint Agreement”?
In Florida, a joint venture is not a statutory entity or form; rather, it is
EPGD Law
March 14, 2016
Got a 1099 instead of a W-2? We can help.
Today is your first day of work. You signed a contract with your employer, which
EPGD Law
February 29, 2016