SRNM Current Law Updates to Keep You IN THE KNOW

In the Know...

What's Hot!:

There’s lots of talk about artificial intelligence and speculation whether computers will replace us all. For fun, we asked ChatGPT: “What are the most frequent questions asked of lawyers? It’s answer:

What are my legal rights and obligations in a particular situation?
How can I protect my interests in a legal dispute or negotiation?
What legal documents do I need to prepare, sign or submit?
What are the potential consequences of a particular course of action?
How can I resolve a legal dispute or issue in the most efficient and effective way possible?
What legal options do I have to address a specific problem or issue?
What are the possible risks and benefits of pursuing a legal action?
What legal remedies are available to me in a particular situation?
How can I minimize my liability or exposure in a legal matter?
What legal requirements do I need to comply with in a particular situation?

Not bad! These are the sorts of questions SRNM lawyers deal with daily. More importantly, it’s lawyers who provide the answers.

Education:

When a teacher or employee retires, make certain they get all the benefits to which they are entitled to even if they overlook them. A school district recently learned this the hard way. A few years into retirement, a teacher realized she hadn’t received a retirement insurance program benefit. The teacher neglected to notify the school she was enrolled in the Teachers Retirement System program or authorized TRS to release information regarding her enrollment. That was no excuse for the school! Here’s a link to the case. The Appellate Court approved an award to the teacher of the unpaid benefit under the Wage Payment and Collection Act along with interest and even sent the case back to the trial court to award attorney’s fees. Make certain employees get what they are entitled to even if they forget to ask.

Estate Planning:

Ever do any “deep cleaning” at home? Get rid of unused or unneeded items. Get organized. Simplify things. Estate planning can involve some “deep cleaning” as well. One of those “deep cleaning” items might be to deal with small holdings held with Computershare or a similar firm (click here for an article on this!). Possibly liquidate the shares, add them to a brokerage account, or add a beneficiary. Another item could be U.S. savings bonds. Treasury Direct has information to deal with bonds or ask your bank. Don’t forget too that these bonds cease to earn interest after 30 years. It’s not uncommon to find some dusty bonds – which older folks call “War” bonds – stuck away not earning a cent for years. You will help your family by dealing with these items rather than leave it to them.

Firm News and Highlights:

Kevin S. Bross has joined the law firm as an associate with the firm's litigation team. “We are excited to have Kevin join our firm. He is just the kind of lawyer our office needs to add to enhance our already excellent litigation group." said Mike Bickhaus, Managing Partner of SRNM. "His mindset for community involvement aligns well with our overall firm’s involvement in the tri-state area and beyond. We are proud that he is now a part of our team.” A Palmyra native, Bross is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law. Bross is licensed in Illinois and Missouri. Prior to joining the firm, Bross practiced in St. Louis with a focus on insurance defense work and earlier served as a prosecuting attorney in Monroe City.

Community Involvement:

Kevin Bross, as part of the "Flower Children" team of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, hosted its 21st annual Spring Fling on April 29th in Palmyra. The event included a dinner, live & silent auctions, and a raffle that combined raised over $65,000 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life!

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May 10, 2023

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