| Volume 50 Number 3 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Are you having a dispute with your Homeowner’s Association over a small amount of money? Disputing it could cost you a lot in attorney’s fees and interest if you continue to fight. On the other hand, if you pay it “under protest” you can then sue in small claims court to get your money back. This is a good way to get your dispute heard by a judge, without adding to your costs. Make sure your payment is clearly marked, “paid under protest.” Click here for more.
Health Care: The Hidden Tax Changes
U.S. businesses are preparing to handle a flood of new tax paperwork after many overlooked a key provision in the health care reform legislation. Businesses will be required to issue 1099 tax forms to any individual or corporation from which the business buys more than $600 in goods or services in a year. Analysts say the change will require businesses to issue millions of new tax documents each year. In one example, if a freelance designer buys a new iMac, she must send Apple a 1099. To read about the unusual and complex changes to the tax laws, Click here for more.
Facebook Glitch Releases Private Info
On Wednesday, Facebook users discovered something disturbing - private information, including personal chats became available and viewable by friends. Facebook's security team acted quickly to fix the security problems, but for many users the damage was already done. Facebook users have already expressed frustration with the company over constant updates to the privacy policy. The privacy policy gives Facebook the authority to farm out user information in order to generate revenue. Critics of the company insist the constant changes to Facebook's privacy policy is an effort to allow more leeway in distributing user information for commercial purposes. After the security flaw this week that released personal chats and embarrassed many users, Facebook is now forced to answer more questions than ever over privacy and personal security. Click here for more.
Beware: Mother's Day e-Card Virus
Scammers are wishing mother's a happy Mother's Day in an unusual way - with an e-card and a virus. This Mother's Day, be very careful when you open an e-card, even if you think it may be from someone you know. To find out more about this scam and how to make sure you computer virus protection is up to date, Click here for more.
Your Money
Are you getting divorced? This property settlement calculator can help you understand how to divide marital assets. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Arbitration clause is not enforced between parties seeking trial. The Second Circuit held that an arbitration clause in a contract, even if properly agreed to, will not be enforced against two parties who both desire a trial, “We know of no authority holding that two parties can be forced to arbitrate against their present wishes, even if they originally signed a contract agreeing to arbitrate, when the only parties espousing arbitration are nonsignatory parties who refuse to participate therein,” the court said. Click here for more.