While these can both be part of your Estate Plan, they are not the same thing. P.O.A. stands for Power of Attorney and is a designation of rights which allows someone other than you the right to access your financial account or health information while you are alive. Usually these are used when you are incapacitated and cannot pay your own bills or make your own health care decisions. The important thing to remember with a Power of Attorney is that the power to write checks ceases immediately upon your death. This is where the P.O.D. takes over.       &n ..read more

The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) recently issued a new rule that significantly expands who qualifies as a joint employer under the National Labor Relations Act. Under the new rule, an entity may be considered a joint employer of another entity’s employees if the employers “share or codetermine” the employees’ essential terms and conditions of employment. The new rule defines “share or codetermine” to mean for an employe “to possess the authority to control (whether directly, indirectly, or both) or to exercise the power to control (whether directly, indirectly or both) one or more o ..read more

The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) recently issued a new rule that significantly expands who qualifies as a joint employer under the National Labor Relations Act. Under the new rule, an entity may be considered a joint employer of another entity’s employees if the employers “share or codetermine” the employees’ essential terms and conditions of employment. The new rule defines “share or codetermine” to mean for an employe “to possess the authority to control (whether directly, indirectly, or both) or to exercise the power to control (whether directly, indirectly or both) one or more o ..read more

What is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident in Wisconsin? Every state establishes their own statutes of limitations, which are the legal deadlines for filing civil and criminal claims in the courts. These legal time frames vary depending upon the type of claim being filed, and the jurisdiction. Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims If someone was injured in a car accident—including the driver, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists—they may file a personal injury claim to recover damages. In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a person ..read more

Slipping or tripping can happen to anyone. However, many slip and fall accidents are caused by negligence on the part of property owners and occupiers. You may be entitled to pursue compensation if you were involved in a slip and fall on another party’s property. Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen? A slip and fall accident can occur just about anywhere at any time, including: Shopping malls Grocery stores Hotels and resorts Amusement and water parks Restaurants Office buildings Apartment complexes Nursing homes Stadiums Additionally, slip and fall injuries often happen outside, includin ..read more

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and its state-law counterpart, the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act (WFMLA) are laws that grant employees the right to take unpaid leave for qualifying reasons while ensuring job protection. However, understanding FMLA and WFMLA and effectively managing employee leave issues can be complex for employers. This blog aims to provide valuable insights, practical advice, and legal solutions to help businesses navigate the intricacies of FMLA and WFMLA compliance and address employee leave matters with confidence. Overview of FMLA The Family and Medical ..read more

As an employer, understanding how to create valid employment contracts is essential for your business’s legal and operational integrity. A contract that ticks all the right boxes ensures a clear, enforceable agreement between you and your employees. Here’s what you need to know about the basic elements of a valid employment contract and the factors that could render it void. What Does a Valid Employment Contract Look Like? Here are some key elements that should exist in every employment contract to ensure it is valid: Clear Offer: The contract should precisely define the employee’s job positi ..read more

Baraboo, WI – November 1, 2023 – Wayne Maffei and Nicole Marklein of Cross Jenks Mercer and Maffei LLP have been named to the 2023 Super Lawyers list. This recognition is awarded to only the top 5% of lawyers in Wisconsin, and it is a testament to their outstanding legal skills and commitment to their clients. Attorney Maffei, partner of CJMM, focuses on personal injury law, civil litigation, and insurance defense. Attorney Nicole Marklein, also a partner of CJMM, focuses on the areas of employment law, civil and insurance defense litigation, and alternative family planning. They are both expe ..read more

Are you considering buying or selling real estate? Whether it’s your first home, an investment property, or a commercial space, real estate transactions can be complex and overwhelming. In such moments, having the right guidance and protection is vital. This is where a skilled and experienced real estate attorney comes into play. From negotiating contracts to ensuring legal compliance, their expertise can safeguard your interests throughout the entire process. Join us as we explore the importance of having a trusted advocate by your side when dealing with real estate. Introduction to Real Esta ..read more

Car accidents can be a traumatic experience that can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. The aftermath of an accident is often overwhelming, with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and legal matters to contend with all at once. Making the wrong choices after an accident can have long-term consequences that may affect your recovery and compensation. To help you avoid these costly mistakes, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes made after a car accident. Mistake #1: Not Calling the Police After a car accident, it’s important to call the police and report the inci ..read more