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2020 has been the most “2020” year ever. We have had all sorts of odd surprises, like an earthquake in Bristol County and the death of Eddie Van Halen; to the contrary, we are not really surprised by the litigation of the Presidential election results.

We will take no position on the allegations, merits or likelihood of success regarding the challenges to the election results; however, we are certainly interested in the legal argument and precedent that might be created.

Here’s what we know so far:
1. Election law is it’s own specialty and one that we don’t have any experience with firsthand;
2. Election laws vary from state to state at this point; and
3. There is some pretty solid case law already established which may determine what happens next.

If you are interested in learning more about some of the established law in specific states, follow this link for more information:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/docs/pacei-voterfraudcases.pdf

 

 

There are moments in life where the world just suddenly stops and pauses to reflect for a moment; for us, the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg is one of those times.

The hearings leading up to her confirmation on the Supreme Court of the United States was arguably the last time that a confirmation had solely to do with qualifications. Her legacy as a Justice should set the standard for the future of the Supreme Court where she was well respected for her work and work ethic.

We could certainly discuss some of her contributions to case law and culture, but, for us, we are currently focusing on how she treated others during her career and life. Even those who did not agree with her decisions and dissents understand that she always did what she thought was right and did it in a respectful manner. Rumor has it that Justice Scalia, who often had a different thought process, was one of her closest friends. There is no stronger statement that can be made of how friendships based on mutual respect and interest in understanding someone else’s perspective.

We are not going to make any statement regarding whether we think President Trump and the Senate should move forward in nominating Justice Ginsberg’s successor; however, we offer this link to anyone seeking information on the appointment process, limitations and obligations regarding timing and appointment of a Justice:

https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44235.pdf

 

The legal experts of Twitter and Facebook are discussing Donald Trump Jr.’s* recent request for financial disclosures from his soon to be ex-wife, Vanessa. People are confused and asking many questions, including:

 

  • Don’t they have a Prenuptial Agreement** ? The answer to this is probably yes; and
  • Why would he care what his wife has when he’s the one with the deep pockets? Insert boring legal procedure here.

Massachusetts requires that parties make financial disclosures during the divorce process.*** This is true whether the parties have a Prenuptial Agreement** or the divorce is contested. Parties must fill out and exchange Financial Statements, listing all of their income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Parties must also exchange three (3) years of individual and joint taxes, bank statements, investment statements, and inheritances**** (such as Vanessa Trump’s alleged inheritance from her father, who was an investor in a marinara sauce company).

As always, please let us know if we can provide any additional information for you regarding this or any other legal matter.

Warmest Regards,
John and Faye

* This is not intended to be a commentary on any member of the Trump family or their politics. It is merely intended to provide information about divorce procedure.

** For more information regarding what makes a Prenuptial Agreement valid, please see: https://wjslegal.com/category/divorce/page/2/

*** We can’t confirm that this is true in every state in the country, but New York seems to have similar requirements to Massachusetts.

**** For more information on whether inheritances are considered individual or marital assets, please see: https://wjslegal.com/category/divorce/page/3/

Service.

Lawyers Weekly recently published an excellent article regarding branding during the 2016 Presidential Election. During the campaign, President Trump always wore a suit with a tie and Hillary Clinton wore a pantsuit; the consistency became part of their “logo,” and fodder for SNL. While reading the article, we started to think about what our logo represents: Service.

 

The true inspiration for our logo is the brave service of our military and love of our country. While many lawyers have scales of justice, our scales are enveloped by an American Flag.

 

We could not be the people we are today without those who have died protecting us, veterans, and their families. Our logo was developed with that gratitude in mind and the reason for the giant 9/11 flag that adorns our main hallway. We like the constant reminders of just how fortunate we are to live in the United States, where we have opportunities because of those who keep us safe, both internationally and locally.

 

To those who have given their lives, those who keep us safe, and their families, THANK YOU.