Author: JGL Law

Profile picture of JGL Law
Website
https://www.jgllaw.com

Posts by JGL Law

Many genuine, loving couples choose to get a prenuptial agreement to protect themselves, one another, and their families. Here, we outline some of the most common reasons, to help you decide if a prenuptial agreement is right for you.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

Many of our clients ask, what exactly does a prenup do? A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that defines what will remain individual, personal property and what will become jointly owned property at the time of marriage. In addition, you may also use a prenuptial agreement to define alimony expectations. This process gives you the opportunity to carefully plan for both of your best interests without the stress that inevitably comes with divorce; you’re essentially protecting your futures, no matter what they may hold.

Advantages of a Prenuptial Agreement

There are many advantages to completing a prenuptial agreement ahead of your wedding day. Here are just a few:

  • A prenuptial agreement can significantly reduce the cost of divorce. According to Bankrate, the average divorce costs around $15,000 per person, but can reach $100,000 depending on complexity.
  • It leads to fairer terms, as decisions are not made in anger.
  • A prenuptial agreement can make for a more harmonious marriage, with greater communication and without the tension that would otherwise be caused when new decisions are made. For example:
    • It is helpful for partners that give up their careers to take care of children to make this decision with an awareness of the protection they have in place, preventing anxiety and resentment.
    • It protects a wealthier partner with business ownership or family inheritance. It also protects ownership of sentimental items and family heirlooms.
    • It can define and protect you from taking on your partner’s debt if they enter the marriage with loans or credit card bills.

Who Needs a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial agreements are no longer just for the rich and famous; anyone can benefit from open communication and a concept that protects the interests of both parties. If you’ve been married before, already have children, struggle with debt or own a business, a prenuptial agreement is for you. Take a look to see if any of the following factors apply to you.   

One of You Has a High Net Worth

If you have a high net worth, property, or will eventually inherit an estate, you have good reason to choose a prenuptial agreement. A prenup can give you peace of mind that your partner has the best intentions for your relationship.

One of You Struggles with Debt

Many couples have different financial backgrounds when entering a relationship. If your partner already has debt or gets into debt during your marriage, a prenuptial agreement can clarify where the debt originated, which partner will be responsible for payment of the debt, protect your assets.

One of You Will Stay at Home with the Kids

The decision to give up your job and stay at home to raise children is not taken lightly and can cause resentment without proper communication. A prenuptial agreement can help facilitate this communication now, to protect the spouse that chooses to put their career on hold.

You Have Children

Those who already have children may be concerned about protecting their inheritance. A prenuptial agreement enables you to leave money, sentimental items, and property to children from past relationships.

You’ve Been Married Before

Those that have been married before have the benefit of past experience. You may have already experienced an unpleasant divorce, and be aware of the time and cost the process incurred. Perhaps you wish you had the protection of a prenup last time. You may also have a better understanding of why a prenuptial agreement is necessary; no matter how much we love our spouse on our wedding day, the future is unpredictable.

You’re a Business Owner

There are multiple reasons why a prenup is essential to protect your business in the event of a divorce:

  • If you are a co-owner, it can protect other business partners.
  • It can protect your spouse from business debt and liabilities.
  • It can protect your ownership interests in the business in the event of a divorce.

You Value Your Privacy

A prenuptial agreement protects your right to privacy, as you agree not to disclose information about one another, in the form of social media posts or other means.

Contact Our Maryland Family Lawyers Today

It is wise to work on your prenuptial agreement in significant advance of your wedding day, as this process ensures boundaries are set while you and your spouse-to-be are in a good position to make carefully thought-out decisions.

Bear in mind that laws around prenuptial agreements vary between states, and a prenuptial agreement must meet the requirements of your state in order to be enforceable. If you need a prenuptial agreement in Maryland, the District of Columbia, or Virginia, our prenuptial agreement attorneys are here to serve you. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Season three of our legal podcase, JGL Law for You, touches on a wide range of topical issues to help you navigate the complexities of personal and business life.

To help you find the legal information you need, this roundup directs you to popular podcasts on whistleblowing, business law, child custody, and more.

Family Law Podcasts

Family law is always relevant. This season we produced content on the following various topic:

If you have a question on family law or divorce that you’d like to discuss with our team, contact us today.

Labor and Employment Podcasts

No matter what line of work you are in, knowing your rights as an employee is important. This season we produced a podcast that answered the question “what are the basic rights of employees?”

In this episode, we outlined what an “employment contract” is. We also discussed unions, who can be fired, and why.

We encourage you to seek legal help from our team, if you are facing an issue pertaining to employment law.

Whistleblower Podcasts

This season, we also addressed the topic of government contract fraud. The episode pertaining to this topic explored falsifying information on contract proposals, misrepresenting the status of projects to receive government funds, falsifying compliance, and concealing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

If you’re affected by this topic, we can help – send us a message.

Business Law Podcasts

We’re also dedicated to protecting businesses across Maryland and the Washington DC metropolitan area. Our podcast on business evaluations is essential for anyone that needs to understand the process used to establish the value of a business. Learn when a business evaluation is necessary, pitfalls to avoid, and the standards a valuator must follow.

Learn more about business law for you, by talking with our team.

More 2022 Legal Podcasts

We’re proud to use our 50+ years of experience to provide information to all, via our legal podcast. Some of the other key topics covered this season include:

Ensure you always have a trusted source for legal information to hand by bookmarking our podcast page.

Contact JGL Law for Legal Advice Tailored to You

When unique challenges arise, legal advice tailored to you is essential. If any of the above topics are of concern to you, get in touch, briefly outlining your concerns. We’ll be in touch to provide the legal support you need.

Welcome to the season two recap of JGL Law for You, our legal podcast. Season two ran throughout 2021 and featured a wide range of topics to help you with legal issues relating to family law, real estate, and COVID-19. To quickly find the information you need, review the podcasts below.

COVID-19 Podcasts

COVID-19 has touched countless areas of our lives. We dedicated multiple podcasts to the topic to provide you with expert guidance to help you stay safe and financially secure:

Contact our trusted team to discuss any of the above issues related to COVID-19 and more.

Family Law Podcasts

During 2021, we discussed some key topics relating to family law and divorce.

In our podcast on divorce, infidelity, harassment and the workplace we explored concerns relating to workplace break-ups, harassment at the workplace by an ex-partner, and how to handle a spouse’s affair with a coworker.

We also recorded a podcast on mutual consent divorce, outlining what it is, what the requirements are, and in what ways it is beneficial.

Get in touch for legal advice on family law and divorce.

Real Estate Podcasts

Another key podcast this season answered the question “How can pre-sale renovation help the sellers and realtors?”

Here, we also explored what happens if you house doesn’t sell, what the contract signed by the sellers looks like and what happens in the event of divorce-related delays.

For any similar concerns, the team at JGL Law is here to help – send us a message.

Legal Podcasts on Topical Issues

With 50+ years of experience, we are here to guide our listeners with legal insight designed to help them make beneficial decisions. Some additional legal podcasts this season include:

Bookmark our podcast page to ensure you always have a reputable resource available, for all your legal queries and concerns.

Contact JGL Law for Personalized Advice

Looking for guidance tailored to your unique circumstances? Our expert attorneys can give you the legal insight you need to resolve issues of all complexities, relating to real estate, family law, COVID-19, divorce, and more.

Get in touch, and provide us with a brief outline of the issue you’d like to address, and we’ll schedule you for a call with one of our experts.

Our in-house legal podcast, JGL Law for You, is a great source of knowledge for anyone facing personal and legal challenges. To help you find the information you need, we’ve created this helpful recap highlighting the topics discussed during 2020.

Divorce & Family Law Podcasts

Divorce is stressful, but trustworthy legal advice and guidance from a reputable attorney can help you ensure you make it through the process with the best prospects ahead of you.

This season, we covered topics relating to divorce and family, as well as current global challenges:

Get in touch for legal advice relating to divorce.

Workers’ Compensation Podcasts

Workers’ compensation is a topical issue this year, with many people facing financial loss and complications due to COVID-19.

In our legal podcast, we explored how COVID-19 has affected workers compensation practices and laws.

Contact us to discuss your workers compensation case.

Legal Podcasts on Trending Issues

Our podcasts also address trending and topical issues to provide current and accurate information to our listeners. This season we covered the following topics and more:

Explore more legal podcasts from JGL Law.

Speak with Our Expert Lawyers

If any of the topics outlined above pertain to you, get in touch; we can help with legal advice. Our attorneys professionally navigate the complexities of workplace and family law. Contact us today with a brief description of the issue you face and we’ll contact you to schedule a consultation with the most appropriate legal expert.

Denial of motion to dismiss class action wage claims under the DC Wage Payment and Collection Law. Gwapadinga v. Fescum Inc., 636 F. Supp. 3d 71 (D.DC 2022)

Settled case on behalf of immigrant detainee whose custody was illegally transferred to ICE, in violation of his constitutional rights Trejo v. Howard County, Maryland

Joseph, Greenwald and Laake has been representing clients in suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia for almost 50 years. With offices in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, we have lawyers who focus their practices in diverse areas of the law, including employment and whistleblower actions, family law, estates and trusts, civil rights, business planning and commercial litigation, personal injury, medical and professional negligence.

In this episode, Samuel Morse discusses the following issues and more:

  1. Segerman v. Jones-Negligent – Supervision is actionable  
  2. Hunter v. Montgomery County Bd of Educ. – No educational malpractice cases. 
  3. Gambrills and Hodge – Where are we now?

JGL LAW FOR YOU brings you up close and personal with our lawyers who will be discussing how to navigate the many legal processes,  developments in the law, other current events and how they may affect you.

Work is a significant part of people’s lives, and it’s important to feel respected and valued by employers. Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant less favorably, based on their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We all deserve to be treated equally, and job discrimination is never acceptable.

Employment discrimination can take place during the application process, during your interview, and during your time as an employee. Here, we explore some of the laws that protect employees from job discrimination, how a lawyer can assist you, and when you should seek legal guidance.

What Laws Protect Employees from Job Discrimination?

Employees are protected by a federal agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC as it is commonly known and sometimes by state and local agencies, often with the words “Human Rights” or “Human Relations” in the tile of their names. You can find your state or local agency, there is one, here: https://www.usccr.gov/files/pubs/crd/stateloc/all.htm.  Numerous job discrimination laws can help ensure employees are treated fairly, including the following federal laws:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
  • The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
  • Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
  • Sections 102 and 103 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991
  • Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)

A good employment discrimination lawyer will know which of these laws applies to your individual experience.

How Can a Lawyer Help Evaluate Your Discrimination Situation?

Job discrimination and labor lawyers provide skilled legal guidance to advocate for their clients’ equal treatment in the workplace. Individual job discrimination examples include bias based on race, religion, disability, gender, and more. For example, if an employee experiences discrimination due to being deaf or stuttering, this is an example of disability discrimination. A job discrimination lawyer can help you determine:

  • If the occurrence is discriminatory, based on the law.
  • What compensation you could be eligible to receive, if discrimination can be proven.
  • What evidence you need for legal proceedings.
  • The tasks and paperwork you need to complete, and the timeline for completing them.

You Have an Advocate at Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA.

If you have been the victim of discrimination by your employer, the job discrimination lawyers at JGL Law are here to help you take the next steps towards compensation. Whether you are facing job discrimination in your current workplace or have suffered wrongful termination, our skilled attorneys are in your corner and ready to advocate for you. With over 50 years of experience, our team specializes in job discrimination law and is dedicated to protecting employees like you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our job discrimination lawyers.

There are many types of consumer fraud, all of which can result in financial loss and injury. Increased awareness of consumer fraud can help you protect yourself and your loved ones, or help you tackle an injustice you’ve already experienced.

What is Consumer Fraud?

We’ve all heard the term, but what exactly is consumer fraud?

Consumer fraud refers to unfair or deceptive business practices that cause consumers to lose money or be misled.  Fraud can consist of false promises, inaccurate claims, and other illegal business transactions, without the victim’s awareness. There are several common types of consumer fraud, from credit card fraud to identity theft and false advertising. Here, we explore some of the most common types of consumer fraud and explain what to do next if you have been targeted.

Identity Theft

This is one of the most common types of consumer fraud. When someone steals your personal information, you are a victim of identity theft. The type of information commonly stolen includes:

  • Your name
  • Credit card information
  • Social Security number
  • Other financial information

Perpetrators assume your identity to access your bank account, use credit cards in your name, collect refunds owed to you, and complete other unauthorized financial transactions. If there are unfamiliar accounts on your credit report or you notice unexpected withdrawals from your bank account, you may be a victim of identity theft.

Mortgage/Real Estate Fraud 

Consumer fraud also occurs through illegal mortgage and real estate transactions. Real estate and mortgage agents can scam consumers by misusing their specialized knowledge of the market and real estate law. For example, you may be the victim of mortgage and real estate fraud if you were asked to sign essential papers without having the chance to read or understand them, or were misled regarding information about foreclosure or loans.  Under the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), protections are in place for individuals who engage in real estate transactions.  Mortgage and title companies who charge hidden fees or do not disclose the nature and amount of charges may be liable for violating this law. 

Credit and Debit Card Fraud 

Credit card fraud typically refers to the unauthorized use of a credit card or debit card. Some signs of credit and debit card fraud include charges on your statement that you do not recognize, charges from unfamiliar locations, or a significant drop in your account balance. 

Data Breach Litigation

Perpetrators acquire social media login information, email addresses, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information through data breaches. Typically, the goal for hackers obtaining this information is to use it for identity theft. As a result, criminals can take out loans in your name, make purchases, or complete other fraudulent transactions.

Companies that store individual account information may be liable for the harm that is caused when hackers obtain this information through a data breach.  Joseph, Greenwald & Laake is national counsel for the plaintiff class in the Marriott Data Breach Litigation, currently pending in United States District Court for the District of Maryland. 

Debt Collection Fraud 

In some cases, debt collection is legitimate. Debt collection fraud occurs when companies engage in illegal, deceptive, or improper tactics in the collection of debt. 

Some indicators of debt collection fraud include:

  • Continual harassment by a debt collection company.
  • Debt collectors pretending to be police or lawyers to gain trust.
  • Intimidation, threats, bribes, and other forms of harassment from “debt collectors.”

False Advertising

Another common type of consumer fraud is false advertising. Under law, a business is required to make accurate representations and statements about their product’s characteristics, qualities, and benefits.  When a business misrepresents an item for sale by making untrue claims or declarations, this may be false advertising. Examples of false advertising include false claims that a product can improve your physical health, mental health, or capabilities. 

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Consumer Fraud

If you suspect you are the victim of any of the above fraudulent activities, the consumer fraud attorneys at JGL Law are here to assist you. We specialize in consumer protection law nationwide and are committed to excellence. Backed by over five decades of experience, we deliver strategic solutions and zealous advocacy to all of our clients, and we are committed to helping those who have been victims of unlawful business practices or fraud. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our skilled consumer fraud attorneys.

Joseph, Greenwald and Laake has been representing clients in suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia for almost 50 years. With offices in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, we have lawyers who focus their practices in diverse areas of the law, including employment and whistleblower actions, family law, estates and trusts, civil rights, business planning and commercial litigation, personal injury, medical and professional negligence.

In this episode, Drew LaFramboise discusses the following:

  1.  Laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive commercial and trade practices in the sale of goods and services   
  2. a) the types of damages available under the laws, and b) how a person may go about seeking a remedy, including applicable statutes of limitations.  
  3. Rule 23 requirements and the Class Action Fairness Act. 

JGL LAW FOR YOU brings you up close and personal with our lawyers who will be discussing how to navigate the many legal processes,  developments in the law, other current events and how they may affect you.

“The estate of Bowen Levy and the Anne Arundel County Board of Education entered into a consent decree Wednesday under which the system will pay $2.5 million, implement a Pica Safety Protocol and provide special education substitute staff vacancy data quarterly to the family of a student who died after choking on a disposable glove at school.” 

The consent decree addresses the chronic staffing shortages in special education and lack of supervision which led to Bowen’s tragic and unnecessary death. The Levy Family filed this suit to make sure no other child is placed at risk like Bowen was.  They will work vigorously to enforce the consent decree to make sure special education programs in the county are properly staffed and supervised and safe for all children.”

JGL attorneys representing the Levy Family are Tim Maloney, Matt Bryant and Alyse Prawde. 

Read more about the story on:

Capital Gazette, May 5th 2022: Anne Arundel County schools agrees to pay $2.5 million in consent decree settling Bowen Levy lawsuit – Capital Gazette

Maryland Federal Court Certifies Largest Data Breach Class Ever. JGL’s Veronica Nannis and Tim Maloney proudly serve on the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee in the now largest data breach class ever certified – affecting over 130 million American consumers.

Rare for these types of cases, the Court issued his 73-page opinion on May 3 certifying an initial class of affected consumers for trial, and renamed Nannis and Maloney to the PSC for the next phase of this large class action. JGL is proud to play its small part in this litigation. This case is of huge importance not only for the 130+ million consumers affected by the data breach, but also for this quickly developing area of litigating the security of our personal financial information.

Read more about the story here:

Business Wire, May 5th 2022: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005762/en/DiCello-Levitt-Gutzler-Federal-Judge-Rules-Massive-Marriott-Data-Breach-Class-Action-May-Proceed

Law.com, May 4th 2022: Judge Certifies Classes of Marriott Guests Hit With Data Breach | Law.com