Duration of Copyright
The numerous changes Congress has made to the term of copyright duration have made it ludicrously difficult to determine the copyright status of a work. (To add to the confusion, there can be different standards for literary works, photographs, sound recordings, and foreign works.) In previous posts, I have explained these complex rules at length, but here’s a different approach — a chart...
Read MoreLast Chance to Use File and Suspend Strategy for Claiming Social Security Benefits
Time is running out to use a potentially very lucrative Social Security benefits-claiming strategy. Spouses will no longer be able to use the “file and suspend” strategy after April 29, 2016. Beware, however, that the new rules are causing confusion at some Social Security offices. The federal budget agreement that was signed in fall 2015 ended two Social Security strategies that...
Read More10 Ways the Elderly Can Avoid Financial Abuse
Increased dependency due to illness, disability or cognitive impairments can make seniors susceptible to financial abuse. Nest eggs accumulated over decades also often make seniors attractive targets for predators, whether an offshore bogus sweepstakes or a care provider who sees an opportunity to be paid more than an hourly wage. Just as sunlight makes the best disinfectant, transparency...
Read MoreNegotiating Tips — No Agent
Some small and independent publishers will refuse to negotiate an unagented publishing agreement, and first-time authors often back down immediately, fearing the publishing offer will be withdrawn. Other publishers may respond to a modification request by stating: “That’s a standard clause.” The implication, of course, is that you’re too green to understand industry standards, and further you...
Read More6 Things to Ask Before Agreeing to Be a Trustee
Being asked to serve as the trustee of the trust of a family member is a great honor. It means that the family member trusts your judgment and is willing to put the welfare of the beneficiary or beneficiaries in your hands. But being a trustee is also a great responsibility. You need to go into it with your eyes wide open. Here are six questions to ask before saying “yes”: 1. May I...
Read More