New York City Business Law Blog

When employees start a new job, it's safe to say that they spend a fair amount of time thinking about their wages. Is that salary enough to pay the bills? Do they like the idea of earning overtime pay? How does the pay compare to similar jobs, especially when considering a total compensation package that may also include things like investments, health insurance benefits and much more?

As such, when something goes wrong with the pay, they're very quick to complain. They count on those bi-weekly paychecks. They depend on getting every last cent and getting it on time. Some of the most common complaints include:

• Not getting paid as much as they were entitled to for a set period
• Not getting paid extra for overtime when they deserved it
• Not getting paid properly for their vacation time
• Not getting paid on time at all
• Being paid differently than other employees

When people marry into a "ready-made" family, they often become important to the children of that family. The reputation of step-parents, in general, is unfavorable. However, these unique individuals invest a multitude of love and heart into their new families. If divorce becomes imminent, step-parents may lose what matters the most: Their time and contact with the kids they have come to know and love.

All of our attorneys agree that these situations are tragic in so many different ways. Losing contact is devastating to the step-parent and in most cases to the involved children as well. Courts across the nation try to look out for the best interests of the children of divorce. However, the rights of step-parents (and step-children) may fall by the wayside.

When you and your spouse married, you likely had plans for your future. Perhaps you both had good-paying jobs, or you were working your way up the ladder of success. As your income grew, you may have expected to avoid the common topic many spouses argue about: money. However, having more money does not necessarily eliminate problems with it.

You may be surprised to know that New York couples with high assets have just as many disputes over money as those who earn very little. Often, it is not the lack of money that causes strife between spouses. In many cases, and perhaps in yours, it is a discrepancy in philosophies about the household finances.

The first step toward creating a successful business is to choose the right business partner. A wrong choice at this juncture can put the entire enterprise in jeopardy. Starting a business is always difficult, and the survival rate for new businesses is not nearly as high as you likely wish that it was. Having the right partner gives you an edge and helps set you up for future success. It can also help you avoid some difficult legal situations in the future.

So, how do you find this type of partner? Here are a few things to look for:

• Someone who offers a unique skill, preferably something that you do not have on your own. You and your business partner should both complement one another so that the business is strongest when you work together.
• Someone who offers financial stability and who will contribute to the business the same way that you will. While it may not be perfectly equal, be wary of a partner who expects you to take all of the financial risks.
• Someone who shares your vision and your spirit. You do not want someone who isn't engaged and excited about the company, for instance, or someone who has a very different vision of what the company can become. You need to work together on this.
• Someone who respects you and the values what you bring to the table. An unhealthy relationship can turn toxic as the company grows.