A hint by SSA at a status conference yesterday-good news for married same sex couples
social security administration announces approach for same sex married couples
NPR story about POLST and discussion of end of life medical care options
The idea of talking to doctors about the dying process, and your medical wishes, has been discussed before, including these pages, a little more than a month ago. Typically all adults speak for themselves when it comes to care and medical decisions. But how informed are these decisions? And if a person can't speak and [...]
Speech and Special Education for Children with ASDs
By Mary Kathryn McKinley OSEP- The Last to Know? On July 6 the US Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), sent out a “Dear Colleague Letter” to the States. They have apparently “received reports that a growing number of children with ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) may not be receiving needed speech and [...]
It's "Quit Claim" not "Quick Claim"
. . .the term is a QUIT Claim deed, and NOT Quick Claim. . Deed drafting can have many consequences, and a few words in a deed can make a world of difference..
EEOC takes firmer stand on LGBT employment discrimination
(EEOC) has come to take the position that discrimination against transgender persons and discrimination against gay and lesbian persons might be treated as sex discrimination under Title VII. This position may allow some lgbt individuals, who have been fired largely because of their sexual orientation, to make an employment discrimination claim.
A break for smaller non-profits? New simpler IRS process.
Some non-profits are on the smaller side, and now the IRS is making it easier for those non-profits to apply for recognition of tax exempt status. The new procedure just kicked in at the beginning of the month, and takes under its umbrella most organizations with less than a quarter million dollars in assets and [...]
End of Life–Medical Treatment and Frank Discussions
With more than 30 years as an attorney under my belt, I can tell you that most of my clients have some fairly strong thoughts on end of life care and treatment, usually based on their faith or study, personality or pluck. Sometimes these thoughts are well considered and reasoned, other times they seem slightly [...]
Have a meaningful safe and fun holiday
http://unfinishedlivesblog.com/2011/07/01/harvey-milk-speaks-out-on-july-4th/ http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2010/07/04/martin-luther-kings-july-4th-speech/ We are open today, the 3rd, as we are busy meeting with clients. But we know many are taking a long weekend if they are working. Perhaps, to reflect a bit on the 4th, you might find the sites above interesting--I know I did. Have a great weekend everyone. http://www.archives.gov/global-pages/larger-image.html?i=/calendar/july4/images/banners/facebook-banner-lincoln-l.jpg&c=