| Volume 107 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
In Texas, a will does not have to be notarized to be valid. Having said that, a self-proving affidavit (a notary form) will make it easier and less costly to probate it.
For more general information about the law, check out my website.
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Costco & AmEx to End Contract
On March 31, 2016, American Express and Costco will end a merchant acceptance agreement that allowed consumers to pay with American Express cards. Currently, Costco only accepts debit cards and American Express credit cards.
Costco will continue to accept American Express cards until the official end of the agreement. Co-branded Costco / American Express cards will be useless after the agreement ends.
American Express has been evaluating co-branding well ahead of contract renewals. The company is placing a high value on co-branding relationships that have room for growth. Despite a fifteen year relationship with Costco, American Express doesn't find the relationship economically viable moving forward. American Express currently charges Costco a much lower rate than other retailers.
Will Costco accept any credit cards after the agreement with American Express ends?
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IRS Warns of Tax Scams & Fake Emails
If you receive an email from the "IRS" claiming that you're either due a refund or owe money, don't bite! Scammers are sending emails soliciting Social Security numbers, bank account routing information, addresses, and other sensitive personal information that could lead to identity theft. The emails, which appear to be from the IRS, can deceive even the most savvy of consumers.
The IRS says it will not email you out of the blue. Accordingly, do not reply, click links, or open any attachments on emails that appear to be from the IRS. When in doubt, exercise caution.
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Walmart Sues Texas Over Alcohol Laws
We've all heard stories about laws on the books that don't make a lot of sense. Whether it's a law making it illegal to shoot a buffalo from a second story hotel room or a law making it illegal to carry wire cutters in your pocket, some states and cities still have laws in place that simply don't make a lot of sense in today's society. According to Walmart, you can add one more law to the bunch.
In a lawsuit against the State of Texas, Walmart alleges that the state violates its constitutional right to sell hard liquor. Texas law prohibits publicly-traded companies with more than 35 shareholders from selling hard liquor. As a result, Walmart is not allowed to sell hard liquor.
Does Walmart have a case against Texas?
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Your Money
Are you in the market for a house?
Compare mortgage terms!
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For the Lawyers
Interpretation of contract is for the arbitrator.
The Fifth Circuit held that if an arbitration panel could have been interpreting a contract, its interpretation may not be appealed on the grounds that the panel exceeded his authority.
The court noted that, "the Supreme Court has made clear that district courts’ review of arbitrators’ awards under § 10(a)(4) is limited to the “sole question . . . [of] whether the arbitrator (even arguably) interpreted the parties’ contract."
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