August, 2013 | Fraser Blog

IRS: All Legal Same-Sex Marriages Will Be Recognized for Federal Tax Purposes

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

Continue reading IRS: All Legal Same-Sex Marriages Will Be Recognized for Federal Tax Purposes

Douglas J. Austin Named Lansing Real Estate Law “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers

Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Douglas J. Austin was recently named the Best Lawyers^® 2014 Lansing Real Estate Law “Lawyer of the Year”.

Mr. Austin was first listed in The Best Lawyers in America in 1989 in Real Estate Law. He has also achieved an AV^©peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Best Lawyers^©is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which almost 50,000 leading attorneys cast nearly five million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas; because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers^© is considered a singular honor.

For more information, please contact Fraser Trebilcock attorney Douglas J. Austin at daustin@fraserlawfirm.com or 517.377.0846.

Graham K. Crabtree Named Lansing Appellate Practice “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Graham K. Crabtree was recently named the Best Lawyers® 2014 Lansing Appellate Practice “Lawyer of the Year”.

Before joining Fraser Trebilcock in 1996, Mr. Crabtree specialized in appellate practice for ten years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County, followed by five years of service in state government as Majority Counsel and Policy Advisor to the Judiciary Committee of the Michigan Senate. He is an elected member of the Appellate Practice Section Council, and serves as the Chairman of the Council’s Legislative Affairs Committee. This is Mr. Crabtree’s second time included in The Best Lawyers in America^©.

Best Lawyers^© is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which almost 50,000 leading attorneys cast nearly five million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas; because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers^© is considered a singular honor.

You may reach Graham K. Crabtree via email, gcrabtree@fraserlawfirm.com or at 517.482.5800.

Settling Personal Injury Claims Involving Minors, Part 1 of 2

So, picture this: John’s 7 year old son, Adam, was recently bit by a dog and suffered damages as a result. John and the dog owner discussed Adam’s personal injury claim, but no complaint was actually filed. Instead, in order to avoid litigation, the dog owner offered to pay Adam $10,000 to settle Adam’s personal injury claim. John agrees that this would be better than litigating the claim and agrees to the settlement.

But, can he do that? No – he can’t. Adam can’t sign the settlement agreement himself either since he’s only 7 years old. Who can settle on behalf of Adam?

Continue reading Settling Personal Injury Claims Involving Minors, Part 1 of 2

IRS Website Explains Tax Provisions of the Health Care Law

The IRS has launched a new Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions website at IRS.gov/aca to educate individuals and businesses on how the health care law may affect them. The new home page has three sections, which explain the tax benefits and responsibilities for individuals and families, employers, and other organizations, with links and information for each group. The site provides information about tax provisions that are in effect now and those that will go into effect in 2014 and beyond.

Continue reading IRS Website Explains Tax Provisions of the Health Care Law

Recent Health Care Seminar Featured on WILX

The recent Health Care Seminar sponsored by Fraser Trebilcock and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce was covered by WILX. Their article and video feature interviews with attorneys Mike James, who was the keynote speaker, and Beth Latachana, who answered questions as part of the expert panel. You can watch the video and read the article here.

To find out more about the impact that the Affordable Care Act has on health care and your business, contact Health Care Department Chair Jonathan Raven at jraven@fraserlawfirm.com or 517.377.0816, or our Employee Benefits Department Co-Chair Elizabeth H. Latchana at elatchana@fraserlawfirm.com or 517.377.0826.

2013 Public Act 98 Significantly Changes Michigan’s Wetlands Protection Program

Michael H. Perry, Fraser Trebilcock Davis and Dunlap P.C.

Introduction

On July 2, 2013, Governor Snyder signed Senate Bill 163 into law as 2013 Public Act 98 (“PA 98” or “Act”). The Act significantly amends Parts 301 (inland lakes and streams) and 303 (wetlands) of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.101, et seq.[1] PA 98 states that it is immediately effective. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA”) may have a contrary view in light of the State of Michigan’s failure to obtain the EPA’s prior approval of PA 98.[2] This article briefly describes the history of Michigan’s wetland protection program and the events of the past 15 years that led to the adoption of PA 98. [3] Continue reading 2013 Public Act 98 Significantly Changes Michigan’s Wetlands Protection Program

Health Care Reform: Presentation on Strategies for Small Businesses

This morning, Fraser Trebilcock teamed up with the Lansing Chamber of Commerce to put together a seminar on Health Care Reform for small businesses. Topics included Health Care Tax Credits and Penalties, Pay or Play Mandate, Health Insurance Exchanges, SHOPs, and more.

As keynote speaker, attorney Mike James put together an information presentation: You can view the presentation here.

NOTE: Information contained in this presentation is only current as of the blog publish date. For updated information, refer to the Fraser Trebilcock Health Care Reform blog.

Fraser Trebilcock Teams Up with Lansing Chamber to Offer Free Seminar on Health Care Reform

Is your business ready for the start of the Affordable Care Act? Even if you decide not to offer employees health insurance, there are mandates to follow and fees to pay.

Join Fraser Trebilcock at this upcoming seminar featuring attorney Michael James as keynote speaker, hosted by Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

August 14, 2013: Maximizing Your Health Care Dollars for Small Employers
Time: 7:30am – 9:30am
Location: University Club
3435 Forest Rd.
Lansing, MI 48910

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Mike James will be the keynote speaker and attorney Elizabeth Latchana will join him on the expert panel for Q&A.

Topics will include:
• Health Care Tax Credits and Penalties
• Pay or Play Mandate
• Health Insurance Exchanges
• SHOPs
• Strategic Decision Making for Large and Small Employers

Click HERE to Register
Or call 517-377-0865

Michigan Supreme Court Rules Landlords Must Request Police Involvement for Criminal Acts

The Michigan Supreme Court has recently held that landlords have a duty to request police involvement when the landlord or its agent is placed on notice of potential criminal acts in a common area of the premises.

Continue reading Michigan Supreme Court Rules Landlords Must Request Police Involvement for Criminal Acts