It’s a little late, but…

My apologies for not posting in a while; posting more frequently is one of my many goals for 2010.  And what better way to start off than with a post on my goals for the year and some legal issues to keep an eye on?  So without further ado, onto the goals!

Goal #1:  As I stated above, I want to post more to this blog.  One of the reasons I started this firm, and chose the virtual platform, was to make the law more accessible.  Through the blog, I hope to explain various legal issues and demonstrate the ways in which the law impacts our daily lives.   Also, I hope that by having some knowledge of legal issues, readers will have a better idea of whether they need a lawyer’s assistance. 

Goal #2: Speaking of accessibility, I will be working to change the format of this blog so readers can comment on posts.  In the mean time, feel free to email me: chris@chrismcchesney.com.  You can email general questions, comments, or ideas for posts.  One caveat – if it’s a specific legal question, please register and ask through your secure user page.

Goal #3: Research and write more on green estate planning.  I was surprised to find so little on this subject matter.  We have started to go green in all aspects of life, so why not in death?  As someone who strives to be environmentally friendly, I certainly don’t want the assets of my estate to be utilized in an environmentally unfriendly manner, nor do I want my body to release pollutants as it returns to the earth.

Goal #4:  This is more of a personal goal, but it impacts the Firm as well; move to Florida!  I’m done with snow and ready to move back home.

Things to keep an eye on:

Estate planning – The fate of the estate tax is currently unknown.  After a phase out, the tax is repealed for 2010, but it comes back in 2011 at the rate from 2001.  Congress may or may not extend the repeal, and, to complicate things more, Congress could instate the tax for the 2010 year even though it is currently repealed.  You can find a good article on it here: On Congress, the Estate Tax, and the Constitution.

Marriage equality – There is a very exciting case just starting in a Federal court in California that has tremendous potential to advance marriage equality and could wind up in the Supreme Court.  The case is Perry v. Schwarzenegger, and has been written about by many publications, but I think the most in depth story can be found here:  Gay Marriage, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, and the Supreme Court.

Adoption rights – In 2008, a court ruled Florida’s ban on gay adoptions is unconstitutional.  The state appealed the decision and arguments were heard by the Third District Court of Appeals in August of 2009.  The Third District has not issued a ruling yet.