Frankfort Legal Blog

How joint assets are split in Kentucky

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in divorce on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Since Kentucky is an equitable division state, marital assets are divided equitably as opposed to equally. There are several factors that go into determining how marital assets are split, which may include the length of the marriage as well as how much a given item is worth. If a spouse chose to stay at home during the marriage, his or her contributions to the household may be considered when determining how to divide joint property.

A married couple may be able to decide on its own how to negotiate an end to a relationship. However, any agreement that a couple creates will still need to be reviewed by a judge. If the agreement seems unfair or illegal in any way, all or part of it could be rejected. It is worth noting that Kentucky has passed the Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act (UDCPRDA).

Summer driving can be dangerous for teens

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Monday, June 3, 2019.

Parents in Kentucky may be especially concerned about their teen drivers in the summer months. As school comes to an end and many teens pursue active schedules of jobs, parties, internships and summer fun, they spend much more time behind the wheel. However, teens are also inexperienced drivers with a significantly greater risk of motor vehicle accidents when behind the wheel. Summer roads are often crowded with vacationers, and the increased traffic on the road can be even more difficult for teen drivers to navigate.

Statistics show that parents' concerns about the safety of summer driving are well-placed, especially when teens are involved. The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day mark a high point for various types of motor vehicle accidents. Health professionals and emergency workers say that the summer months are some of their busiest. Not all of the increase in emergencies is due to auto accidents; many summer activities and outdoor events carry dangers of their own. However, drivers may want to pay special attention to safety when the roads fill with teens and vacationers. Ford Motor Co. says that the summer months are particularly dangerous to teen drivers due to the high number of accidents during this period.

Driving while drowsy, a dangerous trend

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Monday, May 20, 2019.

Drowsy driving is to blame for 9.5% of all car accidents, according to a AAA study made back in 2018. In a survey, also conducted by AAA, nearly one third of respondents admitted to having trouble keeping their eyes open behind the wheel at least once in the previous month. Kentucky residents should know that this trend is growing and is also, where there are no comprehensive public transit systems, inevitable.

Yet drivers can reduce the risk for a crash by taking precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seven hours of sleep every night. Even drivers feel tired even with that, they may have a disorder like obstructive sleep apnea. Also, if they take medications like antidepressants, antihistamines or muscle relaxers, these will naturally cause drowsiness. They may ask their doctor about changing the timing of each dose.

Can CBD cause you to fail a drug test?

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

Products containing cannabidiol, known as CBD, are rapidly growing in popularity. Derived from the nonintoxicating part of the cannabis plant, CBD doesn’t get its users high. Proponents of CBD sing its praises. They claim it can do everything from reducing seizures in epilepsy patients to relieving stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Though CBD is in a legal gray area at the federal level, it is widely available commercially and tolerated by law enforcement in many states, including Kentucky. But since CBD comes from the same plant as THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, many people wonder if it will keep them from passing a drug test.

Planning for divorce

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in divorce on Monday, May 13, 2019.

Divorce may be the only viable way forward, but it is not easy. It untangles the complexities of a shared life that includes kids, finances, property, and even an attic filled with boxes. It can be stressful and emotional with decisions that can impact your life for years to come.

Experts believe it is in the best interests of the family to have a plan that works towards some crucial goals. This is done while equitably dividing assets and debts, drafting a custody or parenting plan, and countless other details.

How tracking cold medicine sales works in Kentucky

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC on Friday, April 19, 2019.

How tracking cold medicine sales works in Kentucky

Have you ever wondered why you need to show your ID to purchase cold medicine? The state of Kentucky acted against suspicious cold medicine sales in the mid-00s by passing the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in both cold medicines and methamphetamines. This program was an attempt to slow both methamphetamine users and cooks from accessing the drug.

Safety coalition aims to end traffic fatalities by 2050

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in personal injury on Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

Kentucky drivers who wear their seat belts, prioritize safety and have safety technology in their vehicles may help make roads safer in the years ahead. According to the Road to Zero Coalition, all of these elements could contribute toward eliminating traffic deaths by 2050. In the meantime, however, traffic fatalities are actually rising. Nearly 37,500 people died on American roads in 2016.

While seat belt use is already at 90 percent, half of the people who are killed in traffic accidents do not wear them. Improving seat belt compliance could be one of the simplest ways to lower the death rate. The coalition also hopes for a cultural shift toward putting safety first and reducing behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving.

Are the possible expenses of bankruptcy holding you back?

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in blog on Monday, April 30, 2018.

Many people take different approaches to the ways in which they address their debt. Some individuals may think they can handle their financial liabilities on their own over time and do their best to explore their options for following that route. On the other hand, others may find themselves feeling so overwhelmed by their debt issues that they ignore them as best as possible.

Though you could follow either of these options, neither may be in your best interests when it comes to finally getting your financial affairs back on track. Therefore, you may want to consider a more upfront avenue such as bankruptcy. The two most common types of personal bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Making The Decision To File For Bankruptcy

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in bankruptcy on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

With a massive amount of debt including loans and credit card payments, many consumers might think that bankruptcy is the solution to getting back on the right financial track. When collectors continue to call and it seems like there is no way to get out from under the umbrella of being in debt, then bankruptcy might be the best option. Most people don't think that bankruptcy would be something that they would need to do, but it can result in a feeling of freedom.

There are over 700,000 consumers and businesses expected to file for bankruptcy of one chapter or another in order to clear away debt that is owed. This estimate is higher than the number of people who filed in 2017, but it is lower than the number of bankruptcy filings in 201. Overall, the household debt in the United States is more than $13 trillion. This amount includes credit card debt as well as student loans.

OSHA announces fifth annual Stand-Down

On behalf of Robinson Salyers, PLLC posted in workers' compensation on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

Falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers across Kentucky and the rest of the United States. This fact has led a multitude of national safety groups and government agencies to sponsor the National Safety Stand-Down each year. For 2018, the Stand-Down is scheduled for May 7 to 11.

The Stand-Down, sponsored by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Center for Construction Research and Training and several other related groups, is urging construction workers to stop work during the event to discuss the hazards of falls and potential ways to prevent them. These events are held at individual construction sites and can include talks, demonstrations or videos.

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