Archive for April 2020
Coronavirus auto insurance refunds: Here’s what you need to know
COVID-19 (coronavirus) stay-at-home orders have led to fewer people on the road and many cars sitting in driveways. Now, most major auto insurance companies like State Farm, Geico and Liberty Mutual are offering policyholders economic relief in the form of refunds and credits to account for the time spent at home and off the roads. The refunds are expected to save policy holders more than $6.5 billion over the next…
Read MoreMaryland Court of Special Appeals: Victims’ Voices Must be Heard Before Plea Deals are Approved
Originally published in The Daily Record, By: Steve Lash “Court-approved plea bargains can be scrapped if the crime victims were not given an opportunity to challenge the deal, Maryland’s second-highest court ruled this week. In a reported decision, the Court of Special Appeals said vacating the plea agreements preserves the victims’ constitutional and statutory rights to give impact statements. Meanwhile, vacating the agreements does not violate the defendants’ protection against…
Read MoreBEWARE of coronavirus-based scams.
Recently, we warned about the practice of deceptive practice concerning recorded deed notices, wherein companies send an official-looking letter to new Maryland homeowners requesting $95 in exchange for a copy of the homeowner’s deed. We advised that a copy of your deed is available online for free and that your county land records will make a copy of the deed for a few dollars. We also cautioned about a similar…
Read MoreImportant Changes Since the Passing of the CARES Act
Two weeks ago, we provided a breakdown of the newly-enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Since this Act became law, there has been several significant expansions and government responsive actions of which you should be aware: Federal and State Tax Filing and 2019 IRA Contribution Deadline Extended – The Treasury Department and the IRS announced that the deadline for filing and paying 2019 federal income taxes (without…
Read MoreEstate Planning Documents to Consider or Review during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, stress and anxiety is wreaking havoc. From health and safety, to the economy, to the stock market and personal finances. For many, the current crisis is serving as a wake-up call to get their estate plans in order. Now more than ever we need to focus on our well-being and that of our families. As part of this process you should review your current estate…
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