Aging: The need for Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives
It was recently reported by CBS News that Aretha Franklin passed away, without any Will regarding her nearly $80 million estate. Therefore, the State of Michigan will be deciding the distribution of her assets rather than she. Unfortunately, this is too often the headline in the paper, yet the rest of us go on with… Read more »
Airbnb In Maine: A patchwork of regulation
Maine is renowned as a summer tourism destination. In Portland, my hometown, even the “budget” hotels can cost over $300/night during the peak season. Given the shortage of rooms, and high prices, it’s no surprise that vacationers have looked to other options to shack up. Enter Airbnb. Founded in 2008, Airbnb is a platform on… Read more »
What should I do if charged with a Maine OUI?
In Maine, drunk driving is called operating under the influence, or OUI for short. An OUI conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a license suspension. Your license will likely be suspended by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you even go to court. If you are arrested for OUI, there are five… Read more »
What do the new amendments to Maine’s Marijuana Legalization Act mean for employers?
By citizen’s initiative, Maine voters approved the Marijuana Legalization Act in November 2016. As originally enacted, the law prohibited employers from refusing to hire or penalizing applicants or employees for off-site marijuana use. In 2018, the Maine Legislature passed L.D. 1719, “An Act to Implement a Regulatory Structure for Adult Use Marijuana.” The Governor vetoed… Read more »
A “Hat Trick” for Libby, O’Brien, Kingsley & Champion
June was an extraordinary month for Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion. Gene Libby lead trial teams composed of associates Tyler Smith and Keith Richard to prevail in three multi-day jury trials that resulted in three unanimous jury verdicts for our clients. The trials were held in the Maine Superior Court in York County. When a case… Read more »
LOKC prevails in legal malpractice suit
Attorneys Gene Libby and Keith Richard represented a woman who received negligent legal services during her divorce in 2008. Her counsel at the 2008 trial failed to conduct discovery, failed to provide the Court the necessary language to divide military pensions under the Armed Services Former Spouse Protection Act, and failed to request spousal support… Read more »
LOKC wins plaintiff’s verdict in property dispute jury trial
Attorneys Gene Libby and Keith Richard won a unanimous plaintiff’s verdict on behalf of a client in a property dispute case. The land at issue is situated in the Moody Beach area of Wells. The Plaintiff owned a waterfront parcel on Moody Beach. She also owned a vacant parcel next to the Defendant across the street… Read more »
LOKC wins summary judgment on whistleblower, defamation, and wage and hour claims
Attorneys Tim O’Brien and Tyler Smith recently won summary judgment on behalf of an employer who was sued for whistleblower retaliation, defamation, and back pay. The employee argued that the employer had retaliated against him for complaining about perceived breaches of his employment contract, made defamatory statements about him, and owed back wages as a… Read more »
LOKC Wins Defense Verdict in Undue Influence Jury Trial
Attorneys Gene Libby and Tyler Smith won a defense verdict on behalf of a client in a tortious interference with inheritance jury trial. The plaintiff and defendant are brothers. Prior to their father’s death, the father transferred his home to the defendant, and changed his life insurance policies to name the defendant as the sole… Read more »
Don’t let the tail of the increased federal exemption wag the estate planning dog
On December 22, 2017 the President signed the TAX CUT AND JOBS ACT (The “Act”) that became effective January 1, 2018. For estate tax purposes and for estate tax planning purposes, the Act essentially doubled the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions through the end of 2025. This means that as of January… Read more »