Month: December 2014

2014 Year-End Employee Benefit Plan Food for Thought

Fraser Trebilcock Employee Benefits Attorney Health Care Law HIPAAAs the year winds down, it’s important to take stock of plan amendment and notice deadlines, as well as planning for 2015. To guide you through the process, we’ve put together a list that includes all of our Employee Benefit Client Alerts from 2014 as well as other food for thought.

Consider Cafeteria Plan Amendments:

      1. Ensure that the $2,500 cap on salary reductions for Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) is documented in the FSA/cafeteria plan documents by December 31, 2014 (went into effect in 2013, required in plan documents by December 31, 2014). Continue reading 2014 Year-End Employee Benefit Plan Food for Thought

Attorney Melisa M. W. Mysliwiec Receives Highest Martindale-Hubbell Rating

P-Mysliwiec, Melissa - ILNFraser Trebilcock attorney Melisa M. W. Mysliwiec recently achieved an AV Preeminent® peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an honor indicative of a lawyer’s high ethical standards and professional ability. The overall peer rating includes the fields of Trusts and Estates, Aged and Aging, and Medicare and Medicaid.

An AV Preeminent® peer rating is viewed as a significant achievement in the legal industry, as it demonstrates that an attorney’s peers rank them at the highest level of professional excellence. Continue reading Attorney Melisa M. W. Mysliwiec Receives Highest Martindale-Hubbell Rating

Twenty Fraser Trebilcock Lawyers Honored by Leading Lawyers

Twenty Fraser Trebilcock attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the list of Michigan’s Leading Lawyers, a distinction earned by fewer than five-percent of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Michigan.

The selection process for Leading Lawyers is multi-phased and includes peer evaluations that are later approved by an Advisory Board. The current Board includes four attorneys from Fraser Trebilcock: Graham K. Crabtree, David E.S. Marvin, Thaddeus Morgan, and Thomas L. Sparks. Continue reading Twenty Fraser Trebilcock Lawyers Honored by Leading Lawyers

Deadline Approaching for Employer Compliance with Pay or Play: Cash Outs and Affordability (New Guidance)

Fraser Trebilcock Employee Benefits Attorney Health Care Law HIPAAUnless transition relief applies, applicable large employers must comply with the Employer Shared Responsibility Mandate (i.e., Pay or Play) effective January 1, 2015.  Under Pay or Play, applicable large employers are required, among other things, to offer affordable medical coverage which provides minimum value to their full-time employees.  Although numerous guidance exists regarding determining whether coverage offered is affordable, this Client Alert focuses on the impact of cashable credits offered under a section 125 cafeteria plan.

Continue reading Deadline Approaching for Employer Compliance with Pay or Play: Cash Outs and Affordability (New Guidance)

Attorney Edward Castellani Receives Highest Martindale-Hubbell Rating

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFraser Trebilcock attorney Edward J. Castellani has recently achieved an AV Preeminent® peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell, for Corporate Law, Business Law, and Administrative Law. This rating is viewed as a significant accomplishment for attorneys, as it demonstrates that their peers rank them at the highest level of professional excellence, based upon legal knowledge, analytical capabilities, judgment, communication ability, and legal experience.

In addition to his AV Preeminent® peer review rating, Mr. Castellani has been appointed Continue reading Attorney Edward Castellani Receives Highest Martindale-Hubbell Rating

The Affordable Care Act in 2014 – Now What?

Fraser Trebilcock Employee Benefits Attorney Health Care Law HIPAAAttorney Michael James spoke to a packed house yesterday for his presentation “Affordable Care Act in 2014 – Now What?”. He was asked to present on the hot topic of health care for the Michigan Associations of CPAs in Ann Arbor for their annual CPE Mega Conference. The presentation covered the following topics:

  • How To Determine Your FTEs
  • Small Versus Large Employer Requirements
  • Upcoming Mandates and Changes
  • Reporting Requirements
  • Small Business Options and Credits
  • Impact of Recent Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

Continue reading The Affordable Care Act in 2014 – Now What?

New Year’s Resolution: Purchase Automobile Coverage that Protects You in the Event the Other Driver Fails To Do So

The beginning of the year is always an excellent time to look at your financial situation. Financial planning, modifying your investments, determining what amount to put into your IRA or 401K plan, and college planning are all important and should be addressed at least once a year. There is no better time to do it than in January when the dust has cleared from the holiday activities. However, one area that is often overlooked is making sure you have the right auto coverages. Unfortunately, insurance agents seldom contact you at the time of renewal to make sure you have the right coverages. We tend to grimace and pay the premium. We have to as insurance in Michigan is mandatory to a degree. Continue reading New Year’s Resolution: Purchase Automobile Coverage that Protects You in the Event the Other Driver Fails To Do So

Get Yourself Out There – Learn to Network Like a Pro

imgres1We all know networking is an important skill for professional individuals. But do we know the right way to network and how to make the most of those vital interactions? It truly is an acquired skill for introverts and outgoing personalities that takes time and practice to perfect.

Interested in learning top networking techniques or finding some new tips? Join us on December 9th for Learn to Network Like a Pro at the newly opened Knapp Centre. In this program you will learn techniques that top networkers use to connect easily, authentically and memorably for building strong business relationships.

Continue reading Get Yourself Out There – Learn to Network Like a Pro

Estate Strategies Year-End Client Alert

Fraser Trebilcock’s Year-End Estate Strategies Client Alert contains valuable information on a variety of Trusts and Estates topics, including:

  • Tips for Year-End Estate, Gift, and Income Tax Planning.
  • Retirement Planning for 2014.
  • Options for Snowbirds and their Estates.

Inside, you will also find details on purchasing health insurance for 2015 through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Continue reading Estate Strategies Year-End Client Alert