What should I ask for in a Divorce Settlement?
A divorce is not only the process that legally ends a marriage, but it also is the process of effectively separating the joint life of a couple into two separate lives. Today, you will learn about some things you need to take into consideration when preparing a divorce settlement agreement.
Are My Workers’ Comp Benefits Taxable?
If you’ve been injured at work and are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may wonder what you need to do when tax time rolls around. Your whole working life, you’ve claimed income from your job on your taxes, paying extra or receiving a refund accordingly. But now that you’re injured and are receiving workers’ comp benefits, the situation is a little more confusing. Do you have to claim workers’ compensation benefits on your taxes? Short Answer – No, Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Not Taxable In many cases, especially for workers who receive short-term workers’ compensation benefits as they recover from…
Why It’s Important to Prove Paternity
While many child support and child custody cases are fairly straightforward, with both parents working out the finer details regarding a minor child’s care, that isn’t always the case. In situations where a child’s paternity may be in question, it’s important for the court, the parents, and the child to truly understand who fathered the child. Often, before a child support or child custody case can proceed in court, paternity must be established. This is typically done through a DNA test, where samples are taken from the child and any potential fathers. There are a variety of reasons why it’s…
What Happens If My Loved One Died in a Workplace Accident?
While much of the focus in workers’ compensation is on the worker who is injured, the sad truth is that workplace accidents sometimes result in someone’s death. In 2019, the most recent year for which there is data, OSHA reports more than 5,300 workplace deaths. If you know someone who has died as the result of a work-related accident, their family is entitled to compensation. What’s Covered in Work-Related Deaths? In all states, workers’ compensation pays at least a portion of the funeral expenses for workers who died as a result of work-related injuries. The amount the family is entitled…
6 Tips for Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer for You
You’ve decided you want a divorce, and you realize you need the help of a divorce attorney to walk you through the process. With so many options, it can be difficult to figure out which lawyer will work hard to get you the closure you deserve. Do you want a “shark” or someone who will stand in the background and let you and your ex work things out? Do you need someone experienced in a specific type of divorce law, such as co-parenting a special needs child or someone who understands the difficulty of divorcing when there’s been abuse. If…
Impairment vs. Disability: Understanding the Difference in Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Two terms you may see or hear when pursuing your workers’ compensation case are impairment and disability. While these terms may seem to describe the same thing, they are very different and their use has different implications for your case. Here’s what you need to know about impairment and disability and how they relate to workers’ comp claims: What Is Impairment? Impairment is defined as a problem or damage to a vital structure of the body (an organ, limb, or body system, for example) or a person’s overall physical or psychological health. If your right arm is impaired, that means…
How Does Cheating Impact My Divorce?
Infidelity on the part of one – or both – partners in a marriage is an incredibly common reason for divorce. By some estimates, 40 to 50 percent of marriages where there has been infidelity end in divorce. In the past, having a cheating spouse was often grounds for gaining the upper hand in the divorce. It meant you had a better chance to get what you asked for in the divorce, such as a larger portion of marital assets or sole custody of your children. Adultery even could be considered grounds for criminal charges and civil lawsuits. However, that…
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Car Accidents?
If you drive frequently for work, whether you deliver packages and goods daily or you just run errands to take care of office-related needs, you may wonder if workers’ compensation insurance will cover any injuries you receive if you’re in a car accident. Like many workers’ comp injury cases, whether or not your injuries are covered depends on the circumstances of the accident. Accidents During Your Commute If you are injured in an accident commuting to and from work, outside of your regular paid work hours, you will not be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, some commute-related accidents…
4 Financial Tasks to Take Care of When Ending a Long-Term Relationship
Breakups are never easy, but they can be messy and complicated if you and your partner have spent years building a life together. While you may not divide up property and finances as you split in the same way as a divorcing couple would, there are still some financial tasks you need to make sure to take care of. Here are 4 important financial tasks to handle when ending a long-term relationship: Split Accounts If you shared any financial accounts, whether bank accounts, credit cards, or utilities – even unofficially – it’s important that you get them split up as…
Hearing Loss & Workers’ Comp: What You Need to Know
Hearing loss can occur slowly over time, making it difficult for you to hear certain noises or in certain situations. It also can occur in an instant, with a trauma to the eardrum taking away your ability to hear. In some cases, such as spending years working in a loud factory, this hearing loss can be a result of your working condition. If this happens, many people wonder whether they can receive workers’ compensation for their hearing loss. The answer to this question is: It depends. Here’s what you need to know about work-related hearing loss, and whether you can…
