Pennsylvania to Conduct Historic Judicial Elections in 2015
In 2015, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will hold statewide judicial elections that will have a long-lasting impact on all Pennsylvanians, and it is imperative that everyone vote. For the first time in the 243-year history of Pennsylvania's Supreme Court, the Commonwealth will conduct elections to fill three vacancies on the seven-member court. Pennsylvania's primary election is May 19, 2015, with the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Supreme Court Victory for PA Healthcare Workers and the Public
On Nov. 20, 2014, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in a 5 to 1 decision, issued a decision in a lawsuit filed by Willig, Williams & Davidson partner Bruce M. Ludwig on behalf of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, a number of individual nurses, and various state senators and representatives. The lawsuit challenged the Corbett Administration’s ill-conceived plan to close 26 State Health Centers and eliminate 26 public health nurse positions.
These Centers and nurses guard against the spread of tuberculosis and other communicable diseases, educate the public on the risks of lead poisoning and provide other essential health services in the 60 counties in Pennsylvania which do not have their own health department.
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Child Custody and Relocation - Don't Move Until You Read This
People choose to relocate for a variety of reasons, such as a new job, a remarriage or even the desire to reside in a different climate. In the United States, we take it for granted that an adult is free to relocate throughout the country without the approval of the court or of a governmental agency. However, when a parent involved in a child custody matter wishes to relocate with their children to another state or even within the same state, they may be required to receive permission from the other parent and/or the Family Court.
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Illinois Governor Issues Executive Order Threatening Refusal to Comply with Fair Share Fee Law
On Feb. 9, 2015, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an Executive Order directing the Illinois Department of Central Management Services and all other state agencies to violate state law as well as the state's contractual obligations by refusing to turn over fair share fees withheld from the pay of bargaining unit employees who are not dues-paying members of the unions that represent them.
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Domestic Relations in the New Era of Marriage Equality
The year 2014 will be remembered as a watershed year for same-sex couples in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In May 2014, U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, issued a decision in the case of Whitewood v. Wolf, striking down as unconstitutional Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act. This landmark decision directed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to allow same-sex couples to marry and to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. Pennsylvania's recognition of marriage equality for same-sex couples is a wonderful, long-overdue development in the law. But as with any other legal evolution, there are sure to be bumps in the road moving forward.
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What is Probate (and Do I Have to Do it)?
Probate is the procedure by which an estate is opened when a person passes away. In Pennsylvania, when a person passes away, it is necessary for the executor or next of kin to analyze the assets that were owned by the decedent in order to determine whether it is necessary to probate and open an estate. It is not always necessary to open an estate. The mere fact that a person has a will does not necessarily mean that the will must be probated and an estate opened.
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Attorney Marianne Henry Saylor Discusses Stress in the Workplace and Workers' Compensation
Would the stress of working for an overbearing, unreasonable boss be covered by workers' compensation in Pennsylvania? Our workers' comp attorney Marianne Henry Saylor answers this question and others about stress and its application to Pennsylvania workers' compensation cases. Click here to watch the full video...
Featured Practice Area: Employment Law
Today's tight economy can put workers in difficult positions, but employment law protections apply to all workers. Willig, Williams & Davidson is one of a handful of law firms in the United States specializing in negotiation and litigation on behalf of employees.
The field of employment law is a highly specialized area fraught with legal minefields which, if not avoided, can result in employees losing their rights without ever reaching the courthouse door. In an employment dispute, workers are often pitted against companies that have substantial resources to commit to defending against employee claims.
Read more about the firm's employment law practice here...
Workers' Compensation Q&A – Did You Know?
Our firm often answers questions about workers' compensation. Here are some of the most frequently asked:
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