Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can I Use a Revocable Living Trust to Skip Probate in New Jersey?
A revocable living trust is a popular, potentially powerful estate planning tool that people can use to retain control over their assets while alive and direct their distribution after death. In New Jersey, assets properly transferred into a revocable trust can bypass the probate process entirely—as long as the trust is properly funded. Here,… Read More »
Four Bad Things that Might Happen If You Fail to Set Up a Business Succession Plan
Every business in New Jersey and New York should have a comprehensive succession plan in place. Without a business succession plan, ownership disputes can erupt and threaten the stability of your company. Further, key employees may leave due to uncertainty, there may be operational disruptions, and, worse yet, heirs/co-owners might clash over control of… Read More »
New York Limits Damages in Frequency of Pay Cases
The New York State Department of Labor explains that state law “requires manual workers to be paid weekly, and clerical and other workers at least twice per month.” If pay frequency laws are violated, affected workers can seek compensation. However, recently, New York lawmakers took action to limit the damages that can be sought… Read More »
DOL Reaches Settlement With New Jersey Bakery
On May 21st, 2025, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with a bakery in New Jersey. The company will pay nearly $180,000 to resolve allegations of workplace safety violations related to a 2023 accident that resulted in a worker undergoing partial finger amputations. Here, our New Jersey… Read More »
New Jersey Regulators Put Stop Work Order in Place Against Construction Company that Misclassified Workers
On March 4th, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development announced that a stop work order has been placed against a construction company on the grounds that it misclassified workers. Imperio Castillo Construction Corporation allegedly misclassified nine workers. In this article, our New Jersey employment attorney provides a more comprehensive overview… Read More »
New York State Senate Passes “No Severance Ultimatums Act”
In March of 2025, the New York State Senate passed the No Severance Ultimatums Act. The proposed law is designed to “prevent employers from giving coercive ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to such employee’s severance from employment.” If it becomes law, the bill would give workers in New Jersey the right to… Read More »
New Jersey Supreme Court: WPL Protects Worker “Commissions”
On March 17th, 2025, the Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled in favor of an employee in the case of Rosalyn Musker v. Suuchi, Inc. In an employment law dispute arising from Bergen County, the court determined that “commissions” are “wages” for the purposes of the New Jersey Wage Payment Law (WPL). The case… Read More »
Three Tips for Estate Planning for Your Pet
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that approximately two-thirds American households own at least one pet. Many people own several pets. It is a good idea to make a plan for your pet as part of your overall estate plan. In this article, our New Jersey pet trust attorney highlights three tips for… Read More »
Contractor in New Jersey Faces Unpaid Wage Claim
On February 13th, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development announced a stop work order and additional enforcement action against a contractor. True Tone Painting, LLC faces allegations that it failed to pay at least three employees in a timely manner. Here, our New Jersey unpaid wage attorney discusses the enforcement… Read More »
I Was Left Property That Was No Longer Owned—What Now?
Are you the beneficiary of a will? Were you left specific property within your loved one’s will that they no longer actually own? You may have questions about your rights and your options. This concept is referred to as “ademption” in the context of estate planning law. In this article, our New Jersey estate… Read More »