About Judy Malmon, J.D.
Judy Malmon has blended law and writing throughout her career. She got her J.D. from University of California, Davis and practiced elder and disability law in California and Minnesota. She honed her writing by drafting appellate decisions in a nationwide class action, writing blogs for law firms, and writing for Westlaw. She loves digging into everyday legal questions, deciphering the complexities of law, and telling personal stories.
Articles written by Judy Malmon, J.D.
Laws of the Road for Minnesota Bicyclists
As more commuters take their bikes to get to work, school, or around town, there can be increased tension between bikes and cars over rights to the road. Minnesota cyclists are responsible for knowing applicable traffic laws, which often — but not always — follow the rules for other vehicles. “I think most people feel bicycles shouldn’t be on the road and should just stay on sidewalks, but in most cities it’s actually illegal for a bicycle to be on the sidewalk,” says Randy G. …
What To Expect if You Challenge a Neighbor Under Georgia’s Nuisance Law
Barking dogs, stinky garbage, junk vehicles, excessive water runoff. Is there anything you can do about your neighbor’s behavior that you don’t like (or vice-versa)? The short answer is “maybe" — especially if the neighbor’s behavior falls under state nuisance law. For legal advice on your situation, speak with a local real estate lawyer. What Is Nuisance Law? For the most part, disputes over things that bother us within close proximity of where we live come under the umbrella of …
When You Need Disaster Insurance in Florida
Sandy, Irene, Katrina, Harvey, Irma. It seems like every year a major storm hits the U.S., causing devastation, tragedy and an influx of insurance claims. Even worse: A staggering number of people are left uninsured and undercompensated afterward. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to be aware of insurance coverage tips in case the next windstorm, flood or other natural disaster hits near home. “The insureds are human beings whose lives have been turned upside-down, and the stress of it …
How To Change Your Name in Maryland
There are many reasons why people seek to legally change their name, the most common being upon marriage, divorce, or adoption. You don’t need a specific event or reason to change your name in Maryland, however. You can do it simply because you don’t like the one you have. But there are a couple of limitations: You’re not allowed to change your name as a means to avoid creditors, financial institutions, or to perpetrate any kind of fraud You can’t take the name of a celebrity, an …
Why You Should Establish a Health Care Proxy
“Often when I see clients who want to develop an estate plan, they’re thinking about what happens to their wealth at their death. They want to be mindful of how that’s distributed,” says Melissa Langa, an attorney with Bove & Langa in Boston. “But what they’re not thinking about is something short of death: incapacity. When you talk about what happens to their wealth during incapacity, they get nervous because they don’t want to make their family go into court to get a …
Why You Should Establish a Durable Power of Attorney
“Often when I see clients who want to develop an estate plan, they’re thinking about what happens to their wealth at their death. They want to be mindful of how that’s distributed,” says Melissa Langa, an attorney with Bove & Langa law firm in Boston. “But what they’re not thinking about is something short of death: incapacity. When you talk about what happens to their wealth during incapacity, they get nervous because they don’t want to make their family go into court to get …
HIPAA and Protecting Privacy of Your Medical Records
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects private health information (PHI) and medical records from being used or disclosed improperly according to HIPAA privacy rules. Part of the federal HIPAA law is the Privacy Rule. The Privacy Rule regulates when a patient's protected health information may be disclosed or used by health providers and health plans. If you have concerns about your health information, contact a health law attorney for legal advice. Health Care …
Look Out Georgia Left-Lane Drivers!
In 2014, Georgia enacted a “Slowpoke Law,” making it a citable offense to camp out in the passing lane (or fast lane) of a highway and hold up traffic behind you, or to otherwise impede the flow of traffic. The stated basis for the law is that drivers going slower than the speed of traffic create risk, to themselves and others on the road, as well as add obstructions to already congested freeways. Proponents of the law, which has since spread to states like Indiana, Tennessee, Florida and …
The Pennsylvania Adoption Home Study Process
If you’re considering adopting a child, the state of Pennsylvania wants to ensure that you will provide a safe and caring home. As an initial part of the adoption process, you’ll be required to participate in a Pennsylvania home study — a review that assesses your home environment and those who live there, and provides an opportunity for you to learn about bringing a baby or adopted child into your life. “It’s important to start from the beginning with the attorney, especially because …
What Is a Public Benefit Corporation?
The phrase “social enterprise” may bring to mind a high-minded, community-oriented endeavor. Maybe one that serves a common good and uses its profitability to advance such values as empowering workers, supporting independent businesses or improving disenfranchised communities. But there is not a lot of specificity to the term in an official sense. Until recently, use of the phrase was largely a marketing and brand-building identifier rather than a term that carried any legal significance. …
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