New Deadlines for Retirement Plans, Tax Filings and Paid Leave Policies

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES”), and IRS and Department of Labor (“DOL”) rules establish new and revised deadlines for retirement plans and other benefit programs.  The following is an outline of key dates: Item Date Paid Leave  Effective date for paid sick and childcare leave under Families First Coronavirus Relief Act …

The Virus and Virtual Parenting

The Coronavirus has affected the lives of virtually every routine social interaction.  Millions have lost jobs or are facing an uncertain financial future. The virus’s ravages have also spread into the family law arena.  Long-standing custody agreements are suddenly unraveling and, simultaneously, many of the courts are not open to address the new and unforeseen …

As Federal Aid for the Gaming Industry Lags in the US, Gaming Properties Prepare for Eventual Re-Opening

Over the past several weeks, we have seen the gaming industry scramble to gain inclusion in relief under the hastily passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (“CARES”), including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). CARES was designed to assist businesses and furloughed employees in their efforts to tread water until the pandemic …

Relief for Partnerships

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) offers tax relief which may be beneficial to entities taxed as partnerships. These provisions include (i) retroactive relief for entities taxed as partnerships by temporarily increasing the interest deduction limitation from 30% to 50% of adjusted taxable income, and (ii) clarifying that “qualifying investment property” …

Parenting Plans During a Pandemic: 5 Tips for Complying with Parenting Orders

One of the most common question family law attorneys have been receiving is whether parents who live separate and apart must still comply with parenting orders during the pandemic.  The short answer, even before most states and counties announced guidelines, is yes.  Many states and counties now have specific guidelines regarding custody orders and you …

Can I Still Get a Divorce During a Pandemic?

You were finally just about ready to make that appointment with a lawyer to discuss the possibility of a divorce from your spouse and then the world seemed to change overnight as COVID-19 (the coronavirus) took center stage on world news.  Now what?  With law offices working remotely, courts reducing schedules, custody evaluators conducting teleconferences …

Employee Benefit Provisions in the CARES Act Provide Employer and Participant Relief

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act became law on March 27, 2020.  The Act includes important provisions that impact employer sponsored benefit plans.  Consistent with its name, the Act provides participants enhanced access to retirement plan money, provides employers relief regarding defined benefit pension plan funding, aids employees by requiring payment of …

IRS Provides Details on the Extension of the April 15 Filing Date

In a series of FAQ’s issued on March 24, the IRS has provided additional information on the extension of the April 15 tax deadline announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As mentioned in a prior tax blog prepared by Dickinson Wright, the IRS has provided an automatic extension to July 15, 2020 of Federal income tax returns and …