Legal Line
The Legal Line television series, hosted by Mary Powell, focuses on a variety of topics about New Jersey law and laws in the making. The weekly 30-minute show includes guest panelists of attorneys throughout the state. The series is sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, Camden County Bar Association and WPSJ Television.
"Alimony: Can I Collect It In New Jersey" - Attorneys Michael A. Diamond and Stefanie Z. Bloch discuss a variety of concerns about alimony such as how it can be obtained in New Jersey. Answers to other common questions include how payment may be determined if both parties work and have equal income; how can a medical or disability problem affect alimony payment; and can adjustments of payment be considered based on a change of income.
"Appeal An Unfavorable Court Decision" - Alison M. Nissen, Esq. and Peter J. Boyer, Esq. talk about how appeals are evaluated in the different courts. They also discuss the time period to file for an appeal, the filing fee, the fee for administrative costs and the fee for transcripts of the court proceedings.
"Auto Insurance" - Attorneys Michael A. Ferrara Jr. and Michael S. Berger discuss what makes auto insurance premiums go up year after year and review no-fault insurance, terms and conditions for payment of medical bills, types of policies and the tort system.
"Battling the Bully" - Municipal Court Judge Carol A. Fabielli and attorney Jerrold D. Colton answer such questions as what a child or parent can do when there is constant bullying; what the school system can do to students who are bullies; and what the court system does to minors who are bullies.
"Buying and Selling on the Internet" - Assistant Attorney General Mark Herr and Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Mark K. Chase examine the hazards of giving credit card numbers on-line or via e-mail, international and intra-state issues involving crime on the internet, access fraud and other computer-related crimes.
"Changes In New Jersey Child Support Laws" - Attorneys Betty M. Belafski, V. Richard Ferreri and Karen Rose Karpousis examine issues relating to child support, including how it is implemented, what the guidelines are for allowances and how one can apply for child support.
"Charitable Gift Planning" - This program addresses the difference between a charitable gift and a charitable contribution. Attorneys James L. Hatzell, Nina L. Cohen and John L. Conroy Jr. define what gift tax, estate tax and capital gains are. The show also examines the IRS website that contains a host of information pertaining to charity.
"Child Support" - This showed aired June 24, 1997, as a laws-in-the-making program. Effective September 1, 1997, the guidelines for child support for the courts changed. Attorneys Amanda G. Hanson, Karen R. Scheiner and Richard C. Klein discuss the terms and conditions. The guidelines include how income and/or shared custody affects payment and how alimony may factor into child support payment.
"Children Have Legal Rights Too" - Guest attorneys David Gorenberg, V. Richard Ferreri and Jamie Epstein discuss minors and their legal rights and examine whether children have the right to file a lawsuit.
"Common Problems in Estate Administration" - Answers to common concerns about estate administration are discussed. Topics include the responsibilities of the executor of a will, differences between an administrator and executor, and the differences between a beneficiary and heir.
"Computer Resources That Can Save You Money" - Attorneys Deborah Shore Ruge, Scott A. Hodes and Ronald J. Cappuccio share how on-line services and CD-ROMs can save clients money. Research via the internet, various web-sites and other guidelines which give the client an overview of the New Jersey court system are discussed.
"Corporate Compliance for Small Businesses" - What is a compliance program? What steps are taken to prevent violations? What are the risks or problems in some small businesses? How can a compliance program help a company? U.S. Attorney Valli F. Baldassano and attorneys Joseph E. Murphy and Nicholas C. Harbist discuss these questions.
"Creditor's Rights in Bankruptcy Court" - Attorneys Andrew B. Allenburg, Eric J. Clayman and David R. Lyons discuss the pros and cons of filing bankruptcy and some of the unpleasant issues creditors face during a bankruptcy claim. The attorneys also discuss the concept of secured vs. unsecured creditors and identify the different types of bankruptcy that can be filed.
"Doing Battle With the IRS" - Attorneys Robert W. Lynch, Kenneth W. Landis and Robert H. Williams discuss what circumstances may trigger an audit, what assistance may be given to a taxpayer in order to pay back taxes, and what the alternative methods of payment are if a person does not have money to pay taxes owed. The show also examines how to handle a notice sent by the IRS and the types of penalties that may be involved.
"Domestic Violence" - Legal Help for Victims of Domestic Violence - This show focuses on the types of domestic violence which include relationships modeled on control, one person imposing their will on another through fear or intimidation, and physical, psychological, emotional or verbal abuse. The panel of attorneys which includes Anne M. Mullins from the Rutgers Pro Bono Domestic Violence Project, David M. Gorenberg and Domestic Violence Team Leader Nancy L. Manuele of the Superior Court of New Jersey-Camden, also discuss the role of restraining orders.
"Drunk Driving" - Driving Under the Influence - What is the difference between DWI and DUI? Not much, according to guests on this program. Attorney Daniel B. Weitzman, Sgt. Thomas A. Connor and attorney Michael E. Joyce discuss the .10% or higher blood concentration alcohol level needed for a conviction. The panelists also discuss the national interest in lowering the level to .08%.
"Estate Planning" - Attorneys Douglas Fendrick, Steve Greenberg and Jim Halzell examine the importance of having a will and determining specific provisions. The program also examines what obstacles may challenge the validity of a will for unmarried partners. Tax inheritance, disinheritance, lineal descendants and who should witness an execution of a will are also reviewed.
"Estate Planning Pitfalls" - Attorneys John H. Reisner III, Nancy M. Rice and Christopher S. Young discuss why it is necessary to have a will and explain how the state intervenes if there is no will. The guests also define what the role of an executor, administrator or co-executor is.
"How To Keep The IRS Off Of Your Backs" - This program examines the power of the Internal Revenue Service and what measures the public can take in resolving issues with the IRS. Topics discussed include rules and regulations, sanctions that may be involved if a person does not comply with such rulings, and the role an attorney may play in negotiations.
"How Laws Are Made" - This program examines the necessary steps a bill takes from the prime sponsor to the governor's desk and the voting process from beginning to end.
"Issues of Attorney-Client Privilege" - Attorney panelists Thomas J. Hurley, Justin T. Loughry and Steven J. Fram define attorney-client privilege and explain when it becomes effective. In addition, other topics discussed include matrimonial fees, juvenile-attorney relationships, executive government cases, and when an attorney may disclose confidential information.
"Juvenile Justice" - Why juvenile justice is changing and how is discussed by Municipal Court Judge Carol A. Fabietti, Camden County Assistant Prosecutor Diane Marano and attorney Kimberle Moore. The panelists explain different types of crimes committed by juveniles, when a juvenile should be tried as an adult, and confidentiality versus public awareness of juvenile offenders.
"Jury Duty" - The juror's role in the court system is examined in this program by Michael F. Garrahan, Esq., Walesca Rivera, Jury Assembly Office Camden Vicinage and Nicholas Carugno, Assistant Court Administrator, Superior Court of New Jersey-Camden. The guests review the qualifications and skills that are needed to be a juror and how high profile cases in recent years have determined the strength of the jury system.
"Land Use Planning & Zoning" - Attorneys Donald C. Cofsky and Barbara A. Casey examine planning and zoning rules and discuss the differences between a planning board, which deals with developing property and a zoning board, which deals with complying with zoning requirements.
"Landlord-Tenant Issues" - The various concerns of both landlords and tenants are discussed by attorneys Jules Lieberman, Frank Griffin and Don Feeley.
"Legal Decisions In Starting A New Business" - Attorneys Mark S. Roderick, Daniel M. Baker and Richard P. Freedman explore what finances are necessary for securing a bank loan and what filing process is needed for a gift when starting a business. Other topics discussed are the necessity of accountants or attorneys; the legality of verbal commitments; and liability insurance.
"Legal Issues For People With HIV/AIDS" - Panelists Ronda Goldfein of the Aids Law Project, John Grogan of Camden Court Law and Social Justice and Cynthia Dennis of New Jersey Protection and Advocacy discuss the social impact of HIV/AIDS. In addition, the panelists examine available drugs on the market, anti-discrimination laws and legal services available for individuals or family members that need support.
"Legal Issues In Residential Real Estate" - This program takes a look at the information needed when buying or selling a home. Guest attorneys Jeffrey R. Gans, Leonard R. Rosselli, and Mitchell R. Cohen discuss the importance of retaining a lawyer before the contract is signed. Other topics discussed include the right to inspect the seller's home before purchase, securing a comprehensive list of items to be sold and the legal obligation to inform the buyer about the home and the seller's disclosure form.
"Legal Perils of Cohabitation" - Attorneys Theresa C. Grabowski, Michael A. Bonamassa and Lynda M. Scher discuss the pros and cons of unmarried persons living together and those issues that may affect cohabitation of same sex partners. The program addresses the outcome if one person in the partnership dies, the complexities for custodial issues pertaining to child support and how personal property is divided.
"Legal Resources When You Can't Afford An Attorney" - Attorneys Christine Allen-Jackson of Camden County Legal Services, Carlos M. Morcate and Janet H. Greenlee of the Community Health Law Project, discuss the legal resources available for persons with financial difficulties. The guidelines for qualifying for pro bono services, representation by a Legal Services attorney and legal representation for persons with disabilities are reviewed.
"Legal Rights of Military Personnel" - Military attorneys Salvatore J. Siciliano and Frederick W. Klepp discuss what is involved in a military trial. The different types of Court Marshall, non-judicial punishment, AWOL proceedings, types of discharges and how veterans benefits are effected are a few of the topics discussed.
"Limiting Your Right To Sue For Pain And Suffering" - Attorneys Michael P. Mullen, Michael S. Berger and Rocco A. DePersia define the terms verbal threshold and zero or no threshold and the criteria involved. The attorneys also discuss the insurance agent's outlook of the verbal threshold. In addition, frivolous lawsuits, the litigation process, the term no-fault as it applies to medical bills and the amount of lawsuits filed by consumers against insurance companies are reviewed.
"Male Alimony" - The Flip Side of Divorce Cases - Attorneys Joseph M. Weinberg, Diane B. Cohen and J. Patrick McShane III discuss the latest twist in divorce cases and examine the different types of alimony as well as the different types of case law in which men may receive alimony.
"New Tax Laws for 1998" - Do the 1998 changes make it easier to avoid tax penalties? What are some of the new methods for payment by a taxpayer? These are questions answered by tax attorneys, Donald L. Kingett, Candice I. Polsky and J. Kenneth Harris in this program. The panelists also give specific examples of how the new tax laws effect adoption, IRA's, estate tax, health insurance and self-employed insurance.
"Pension" - Is your pension all that it should be? Attorneys Irving Koffler, William H. Copperthwaith Jr. and Allen P. Fineberg explore the options of IRA, Qualified Retirement Plans, and 401K.
"Pet Owners" - Attorneys Lisa Sorokin Cohen and Mark S. Guralnick discuss the rights and responsibilities of pet owners.
"Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements - Do They Work?" - Guest attorneys Allen S. Zeller, Donafaye W. Zoll and Barry Chaizinoff discuss the primary considerations of pre-nuptial agreements. Questions answered include can a pre-nuptial agreement be changed and are there guidelines for 'last minute' agreements, just prior to a wedding.
"Property Tax" - How can you appeal your property tax assessment? Real estate appraiser Allen G. Black and attorney Steven M. Eisner discuss the subject. Topics addressed include determining the worth of the property, choosing an appraiser, determining an appraiser's fee, the time frame for filing and appealing, and what the terms and conditions are for commercial and industrial properties.
"Putting Children First In A Divorce" - Attorneys Richard C. Klein, Marissa Jo Costello and Richard B. Rotz discuss the best plan for parents when explaining an impending divorce to a child/children. The attorneys also examine how the court determines the best interest of the child.
"Repetitive Stress" - Dr. Anton Kemp and attorneys William P. Freemen and Alan L. Schwalbe discuss the legal rights of employees with repetitive stress. The panelists examine job description and work environment and how each factor into repetitive stress.
"Resolving Difficult Divorce Issues" - Attorneys Nancy D. Gold, Thomas J. Hurley and Amy C. Goldstein discuss the increasing concerns regarding mediation and evaluation for custodial rights of children, custodial vs. alternate residency, multiple sibling residency, child support and late payment, grandparents' rights, visitation and out-of-state residency.
"Rights of New and Used Car Buyers" - The guests for this program include attorneys who specialize in the fields of new, used and warranty leases for cars. Daniel C. Dietch (new cars), J. Philip Kirchner, (used cars), and Donna Siegel Moffa (warranty/leases) discuss what action is necessary if a car is a lemon, what determines a refund, how to read the fine print, what are the obligations of the consumer, what may determine breech of warranty, and what is 'as is'?
"Securing Visitation Rights With Grandchildren" - Attorneys Louis Cappelli Jr., Meredith Siegel Cohen and David Gorenberg examine issues relating to grandparents' rights.
"Securities Laws" - Raising Money From Investors - Guest attorneys William N. Levy and William S. Skinner are joined by underwriter/stockbroker Rhett H. Kirchhoff to discuss how an individual may raise capital to start or expand a business. The term public offer is also defined, as is the role of an underwriter, the significance of numerical control and how liability and risk are important factors.
"Social Security Disability: How To Make It Work For You" - This program discusses the issues of what determines disability and the restrictions which may or may not apply. The terms and conditions of the two types of social security disability - SSI and Title 2 are discussed. Panelists include attorneys Phillip Wolf, Robert Petruzelli and Alan Polonsky.
"Tax Planning For Benefits After Death" - Attorneys Raymond G. Console, Nancy L. Wasch and James L. Halzell share the options a person can use to reduce the penalties of tax and how the surviving spouse may also avoid paying taxes. In addition, the differences between traditional and Roth IRA's, how the type of benefit received may affect the amount of tax to be paid and the term excise tax (excess accumulation tax) are explained.
"Trusts and Wills" - Wills, Estate Planning and Guardianship - Guest attorneys Richard P. Fenton, Andrew B. Kushner and Michael W. Kwasnik examine estate planning and how complex it has become. The attorneys discuss whether a will should be updated every five to 10 years; the necessary documents for estate planning; the definition of probate; how to avoid inheritance tax; and the question of what to do if your lawyer and witness predecease you.
"The U.S. Constitution: Why Is It Still Working After 200 Years?" - This segment of the Legal Line television program focuses on the factors introduced by the founding fathers and the importance of such factors with regards to the stability and longevity of the Constitution. (Appropriate for grades 7 - 12 and adult audiences.)
"Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist" - Nearly 25 percent of all vehicles in the state of New Jersey are uninsured. Guest attorneys Michael Weiss, Tricia E. Habert and Thomas F. Karpousis discuss uninsured motorist coverage and what coverage an individual can have in his or her policy to compensate for an uninsured driver.
"Unraveling the Court System" (Parts 1&2) - These programs explore a variety of topics that affect the New Jersey Superior Court in Camden County. In Part 1, Trial Court Administrator Yvonne LaMons Long talks about how the court system is organized and Drug Circuit Team Leader Harry Carr defines what the Drug Court program is and how it is designed to rehabilitate. In Part 2, Family Division Manager Joseph Gunn talks about the different divisions of family law, how to apply to them and what programs are offered. Civil Division Manager Ruth Kravet discusses how to file a complaint, filing fees, pro se representation and how long it takes before a case goes to court. (Each tape requires a $50 deposit).
"Welfare Reform Laws" - Work First is a new concept in the state of New Jersey. Attorneys Karen M. Griffin, Robert J. Bowman and Karen Highsmith discuss the new laws which affect the state of New Jersey. The program explains what requirements are necessary to receive benefits, how long a person can receive benefits, what exceptions may be applicable and what role the federal government plays in allowing the state to address the needs of the population.
"What If You Are A Victim Of A Hate Crime?" - Linda Burkett, Victims Witness Coordinator of Camden County, Lee Solomon, Camden County Prosecutor and Charles Shai Goldstein, Executive Director, Anti-Defamation League of New Jersey discuss hate crimes.
"Your Civil Rights" - Detailed discussions of hypothetical cases involving such issues as the rights of motorists and random school locker searches. Also discussed are child custody cases, police questioning a minor without a parent present and legal counsel for children. (Appropriate for grades 7 - 12 and adult audiences.)
"Your Rights To Affordable Housing" - Attorneys Larry F. Scott and Frank J. Griffin are joined by Shirley M. Bishop, Council of Affordable Housing (COAH) to discuss the differences between public and affordable housing. In addition, the importance of the Fair Housing Act and its function to provide wide range housing options is also discussed.
"Alimony: Can I Collect It In New Jersey" - Attorneys Michael A. Diamond and Stefanie Z. Bloch discuss a variety of concerns about alimony such as how it can be obtained in New Jersey. Answers to other common questions include how payment may be determined if both parties work and have equal income; how can a medical or disability problem affect alimony payment; and can adjustments of payment be considered based on a change of income.
"Appeal An Unfavorable Court Decision" - Alison M. Nissen, Esq. and Peter J. Boyer, Esq. talk about how appeals are evaluated in the different courts. They also discuss the time period to file for an appeal, the filing fee, the fee for administrative costs and the fee for transcripts of the court proceedings.
"Auto Insurance" - Attorneys Michael A. Ferrara Jr. and Michael S. Berger discuss what makes auto insurance premiums go up year after year and review no-fault insurance, terms and conditions for payment of medical bills, types of policies and the tort system.
"Battling the Bully" - Municipal Court Judge Carol A. Fabielli and attorney Jerrold D. Colton answer such questions as what a child or parent can do when there is constant bullying; what the school system can do to students who are bullies; and what the court system does to minors who are bullies.
"Buying and Selling on the Internet" - Assistant Attorney General Mark Herr and Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Mark K. Chase examine the hazards of giving credit card numbers on-line or via e-mail, international and intra-state issues involving crime on the internet, access fraud and other computer-related crimes.
"Changes In New Jersey Child Support Laws" - Attorneys Betty M. Belafski, V. Richard Ferreri and Karen Rose Karpousis examine issues relating to child support, including how it is implemented, what the guidelines are for allowances and how one can apply for child support.
"Charitable Gift Planning" - This program addresses the difference between a charitable gift and a charitable contribution. Attorneys James L. Hatzell, Nina L. Cohen and John L. Conroy Jr. define what gift tax, estate tax and capital gains are. The show also examines the IRS website that contains a host of information pertaining to charity.
"Child Support" - This showed aired June 24, 1997, as a laws-in-the-making program. Effective September 1, 1997, the guidelines for child support for the courts changed. Attorneys Amanda G. Hanson, Karen R. Scheiner and Richard C. Klein discuss the terms and conditions. The guidelines include how income and/or shared custody affects payment and how alimony may factor into child support payment.
"Children Have Legal Rights Too" - Guest attorneys David Gorenberg, V. Richard Ferreri and Jamie Epstein discuss minors and their legal rights and examine whether children have the right to file a lawsuit.
"Common Problems in Estate Administration" - Answers to common concerns about estate administration are discussed. Topics include the responsibilities of the executor of a will, differences between an administrator and executor, and the differences between a beneficiary and heir.
"Computer Resources That Can Save You Money" - Attorneys Deborah Shore Ruge, Scott A. Hodes and Ronald J. Cappuccio share how on-line services and CD-ROMs can save clients money. Research via the internet, various web-sites and other guidelines which give the client an overview of the New Jersey court system are discussed.
"Corporate Compliance for Small Businesses" - What is a compliance program? What steps are taken to prevent violations? What are the risks or problems in some small businesses? How can a compliance program help a company? U.S. Attorney Valli F. Baldassano and attorneys Joseph E. Murphy and Nicholas C. Harbist discuss these questions.
"Creditor's Rights in Bankruptcy Court" - Attorneys Andrew B. Allenburg, Eric J. Clayman and David R. Lyons discuss the pros and cons of filing bankruptcy and some of the unpleasant issues creditors face during a bankruptcy claim. The attorneys also discuss the concept of secured vs. unsecured creditors and identify the different types of bankruptcy that can be filed.
"Doing Battle With the IRS" - Attorneys Robert W. Lynch, Kenneth W. Landis and Robert H. Williams discuss what circumstances may trigger an audit, what assistance may be given to a taxpayer in order to pay back taxes, and what the alternative methods of payment are if a person does not have money to pay taxes owed. The show also examines how to handle a notice sent by the IRS and the types of penalties that may be involved.
"Domestic Violence" - Legal Help for Victims of Domestic Violence - This show focuses on the types of domestic violence which include relationships modeled on control, one person imposing their will on another through fear or intimidation, and physical, psychological, emotional or verbal abuse. The panel of attorneys which includes Anne M. Mullins from the Rutgers Pro Bono Domestic Violence Project, David M. Gorenberg and Domestic Violence Team Leader Nancy L. Manuele of the Superior Court of New Jersey-Camden, also discuss the role of restraining orders.
"Drunk Driving" - Driving Under the Influence - What is the difference between DWI and DUI? Not much, according to guests on this program. Attorney Daniel B. Weitzman, Sgt. Thomas A. Connor and attorney Michael E. Joyce discuss the .10% or higher blood concentration alcohol level needed for a conviction. The panelists also discuss the national interest in lowering the level to .08%.
"Estate Planning" - Attorneys Douglas Fendrick, Steve Greenberg and Jim Halzell examine the importance of having a will and determining specific provisions. The program also examines what obstacles may challenge the validity of a will for unmarried partners. Tax inheritance, disinheritance, lineal descendants and who should witness an execution of a will are also reviewed.
"Estate Planning Pitfalls" - Attorneys John H. Reisner III, Nancy M. Rice and Christopher S. Young discuss why it is necessary to have a will and explain how the state intervenes if there is no will. The guests also define what the role of an executor, administrator or co-executor is.
"How To Keep The IRS Off Of Your Backs" - This program examines the power of the Internal Revenue Service and what measures the public can take in resolving issues with the IRS. Topics discussed include rules and regulations, sanctions that may be involved if a person does not comply with such rulings, and the role an attorney may play in negotiations.
"How Laws Are Made" - This program examines the necessary steps a bill takes from the prime sponsor to the governor's desk and the voting process from beginning to end.
"Issues of Attorney-Client Privilege" - Attorney panelists Thomas J. Hurley, Justin T. Loughry and Steven J. Fram define attorney-client privilege and explain when it becomes effective. In addition, other topics discussed include matrimonial fees, juvenile-attorney relationships, executive government cases, and when an attorney may disclose confidential information.
"Juvenile Justice" - Why juvenile justice is changing and how is discussed by Municipal Court Judge Carol A. Fabietti, Camden County Assistant Prosecutor Diane Marano and attorney Kimberle Moore. The panelists explain different types of crimes committed by juveniles, when a juvenile should be tried as an adult, and confidentiality versus public awareness of juvenile offenders.
"Jury Duty" - The juror's role in the court system is examined in this program by Michael F. Garrahan, Esq., Walesca Rivera, Jury Assembly Office Camden Vicinage and Nicholas Carugno, Assistant Court Administrator, Superior Court of New Jersey-Camden. The guests review the qualifications and skills that are needed to be a juror and how high profile cases in recent years have determined the strength of the jury system.
"Land Use Planning & Zoning" - Attorneys Donald C. Cofsky and Barbara A. Casey examine planning and zoning rules and discuss the differences between a planning board, which deals with developing property and a zoning board, which deals with complying with zoning requirements.
"Landlord-Tenant Issues" - The various concerns of both landlords and tenants are discussed by attorneys Jules Lieberman, Frank Griffin and Don Feeley.
"Legal Decisions In Starting A New Business" - Attorneys Mark S. Roderick, Daniel M. Baker and Richard P. Freedman explore what finances are necessary for securing a bank loan and what filing process is needed for a gift when starting a business. Other topics discussed are the necessity of accountants or attorneys; the legality of verbal commitments; and liability insurance.
"Legal Issues For People With HIV/AIDS" - Panelists Ronda Goldfein of the Aids Law Project, John Grogan of Camden Court Law and Social Justice and Cynthia Dennis of New Jersey Protection and Advocacy discuss the social impact of HIV/AIDS. In addition, the panelists examine available drugs on the market, anti-discrimination laws and legal services available for individuals or family members that need support.
"Legal Issues In Residential Real Estate" - This program takes a look at the information needed when buying or selling a home. Guest attorneys Jeffrey R. Gans, Leonard R. Rosselli, and Mitchell R. Cohen discuss the importance of retaining a lawyer before the contract is signed. Other topics discussed include the right to inspect the seller's home before purchase, securing a comprehensive list of items to be sold and the legal obligation to inform the buyer about the home and the seller's disclosure form.
"Legal Perils of Cohabitation" - Attorneys Theresa C. Grabowski, Michael A. Bonamassa and Lynda M. Scher discuss the pros and cons of unmarried persons living together and those issues that may affect cohabitation of same sex partners. The program addresses the outcome if one person in the partnership dies, the complexities for custodial issues pertaining to child support and how personal property is divided.
"Legal Resources When You Can't Afford An Attorney" - Attorneys Christine Allen-Jackson of Camden County Legal Services, Carlos M. Morcate and Janet H. Greenlee of the Community Health Law Project, discuss the legal resources available for persons with financial difficulties. The guidelines for qualifying for pro bono services, representation by a Legal Services attorney and legal representation for persons with disabilities are reviewed.
"Legal Rights of Military Personnel" - Military attorneys Salvatore J. Siciliano and Frederick W. Klepp discuss what is involved in a military trial. The different types of Court Marshall, non-judicial punishment, AWOL proceedings, types of discharges and how veterans benefits are effected are a few of the topics discussed.
"Limiting Your Right To Sue For Pain And Suffering" - Attorneys Michael P. Mullen, Michael S. Berger and Rocco A. DePersia define the terms verbal threshold and zero or no threshold and the criteria involved. The attorneys also discuss the insurance agent's outlook of the verbal threshold. In addition, frivolous lawsuits, the litigation process, the term no-fault as it applies to medical bills and the amount of lawsuits filed by consumers against insurance companies are reviewed.
"Male Alimony" - The Flip Side of Divorce Cases - Attorneys Joseph M. Weinberg, Diane B. Cohen and J. Patrick McShane III discuss the latest twist in divorce cases and examine the different types of alimony as well as the different types of case law in which men may receive alimony.
"New Tax Laws for 1998" - Do the 1998 changes make it easier to avoid tax penalties? What are some of the new methods for payment by a taxpayer? These are questions answered by tax attorneys, Donald L. Kingett, Candice I. Polsky and J. Kenneth Harris in this program. The panelists also give specific examples of how the new tax laws effect adoption, IRA's, estate tax, health insurance and self-employed insurance.
"Pension" - Is your pension all that it should be? Attorneys Irving Koffler, William H. Copperthwaith Jr. and Allen P. Fineberg explore the options of IRA, Qualified Retirement Plans, and 401K.
"Pet Owners" - Attorneys Lisa Sorokin Cohen and Mark S. Guralnick discuss the rights and responsibilities of pet owners.
"Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements - Do They Work?" - Guest attorneys Allen S. Zeller, Donafaye W. Zoll and Barry Chaizinoff discuss the primary considerations of pre-nuptial agreements. Questions answered include can a pre-nuptial agreement be changed and are there guidelines for 'last minute' agreements, just prior to a wedding.
"Property Tax" - How can you appeal your property tax assessment? Real estate appraiser Allen G. Black and attorney Steven M. Eisner discuss the subject. Topics addressed include determining the worth of the property, choosing an appraiser, determining an appraiser's fee, the time frame for filing and appealing, and what the terms and conditions are for commercial and industrial properties.
"Putting Children First In A Divorce" - Attorneys Richard C. Klein, Marissa Jo Costello and Richard B. Rotz discuss the best plan for parents when explaining an impending divorce to a child/children. The attorneys also examine how the court determines the best interest of the child.
"Repetitive Stress" - Dr. Anton Kemp and attorneys William P. Freemen and Alan L. Schwalbe discuss the legal rights of employees with repetitive stress. The panelists examine job description and work environment and how each factor into repetitive stress.
"Resolving Difficult Divorce Issues" - Attorneys Nancy D. Gold, Thomas J. Hurley and Amy C. Goldstein discuss the increasing concerns regarding mediation and evaluation for custodial rights of children, custodial vs. alternate residency, multiple sibling residency, child support and late payment, grandparents' rights, visitation and out-of-state residency.
"Rights of New and Used Car Buyers" - The guests for this program include attorneys who specialize in the fields of new, used and warranty leases for cars. Daniel C. Dietch (new cars), J. Philip Kirchner, (used cars), and Donna Siegel Moffa (warranty/leases) discuss what action is necessary if a car is a lemon, what determines a refund, how to read the fine print, what are the obligations of the consumer, what may determine breech of warranty, and what is 'as is'?
"Securing Visitation Rights With Grandchildren" - Attorneys Louis Cappelli Jr., Meredith Siegel Cohen and David Gorenberg examine issues relating to grandparents' rights.
"Securities Laws" - Raising Money From Investors - Guest attorneys William N. Levy and William S. Skinner are joined by underwriter/stockbroker Rhett H. Kirchhoff to discuss how an individual may raise capital to start or expand a business. The term public offer is also defined, as is the role of an underwriter, the significance of numerical control and how liability and risk are important factors.
"Social Security Disability: How To Make It Work For You" - This program discusses the issues of what determines disability and the restrictions which may or may not apply. The terms and conditions of the two types of social security disability - SSI and Title 2 are discussed. Panelists include attorneys Phillip Wolf, Robert Petruzelli and Alan Polonsky.
"Tax Planning For Benefits After Death" - Attorneys Raymond G. Console, Nancy L. Wasch and James L. Halzell share the options a person can use to reduce the penalties of tax and how the surviving spouse may also avoid paying taxes. In addition, the differences between traditional and Roth IRA's, how the type of benefit received may affect the amount of tax to be paid and the term excise tax (excess accumulation tax) are explained.
"Trusts and Wills" - Wills, Estate Planning and Guardianship - Guest attorneys Richard P. Fenton, Andrew B. Kushner and Michael W. Kwasnik examine estate planning and how complex it has become. The attorneys discuss whether a will should be updated every five to 10 years; the necessary documents for estate planning; the definition of probate; how to avoid inheritance tax; and the question of what to do if your lawyer and witness predecease you.
"The U.S. Constitution: Why Is It Still Working After 200 Years?" - This segment of the Legal Line television program focuses on the factors introduced by the founding fathers and the importance of such factors with regards to the stability and longevity of the Constitution. (Appropriate for grades 7 - 12 and adult audiences.)
"Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist" - Nearly 25 percent of all vehicles in the state of New Jersey are uninsured. Guest attorneys Michael Weiss, Tricia E. Habert and Thomas F. Karpousis discuss uninsured motorist coverage and what coverage an individual can have in his or her policy to compensate for an uninsured driver.
"Unraveling the Court System" (Parts 1&2) - These programs explore a variety of topics that affect the New Jersey Superior Court in Camden County. In Part 1, Trial Court Administrator Yvonne LaMons Long talks about how the court system is organized and Drug Circuit Team Leader Harry Carr defines what the Drug Court program is and how it is designed to rehabilitate. In Part 2, Family Division Manager Joseph Gunn talks about the different divisions of family law, how to apply to them and what programs are offered. Civil Division Manager Ruth Kravet discusses how to file a complaint, filing fees, pro se representation and how long it takes before a case goes to court. (Each tape requires a $50 deposit).
"Welfare Reform Laws" - Work First is a new concept in the state of New Jersey. Attorneys Karen M. Griffin, Robert J. Bowman and Karen Highsmith discuss the new laws which affect the state of New Jersey. The program explains what requirements are necessary to receive benefits, how long a person can receive benefits, what exceptions may be applicable and what role the federal government plays in allowing the state to address the needs of the population.
"What If You Are A Victim Of A Hate Crime?" - Linda Burkett, Victims Witness Coordinator of Camden County, Lee Solomon, Camden County Prosecutor and Charles Shai Goldstein, Executive Director, Anti-Defamation League of New Jersey discuss hate crimes.
"Your Civil Rights" - Detailed discussions of hypothetical cases involving such issues as the rights of motorists and random school locker searches. Also discussed are child custody cases, police questioning a minor without a parent present and legal counsel for children. (Appropriate for grades 7 - 12 and adult audiences.)
"Your Rights To Affordable Housing" - Attorneys Larry F. Scott and Frank J. Griffin are joined by Shirley M. Bishop, Council of Affordable Housing (COAH) to discuss the differences between public and affordable housing. In addition, the importance of the Fair Housing Act and its function to provide wide range housing options is also discussed.