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.
Does My Landlord Have To Fix My Refrigerator?
Rental properties can range from large multi-unit buildings to single-family homes, from poorly maintained apartments to well-appointed mansions. Given this range, tenants may have very different ideas about what their landlord is expected to provide. However, Massachusetts landlord-tenant laws apply equally to all renters and landlords within the state. State laws provide a starting point for baseline requirements, generally framed by health and safety laws and what is known as a warranty of …
Digital Spying in Washington State
Cell phones, spyware, tracking devices, and smartphone apps allow us to peep into other people’s lives — to check up on suspicious behavior or unearth concealed information — in ways heretofore unprecedented. In a messy divorce, it may be mighty tempting to use electronic surveillance on your ex in an attempt to gain the upper hand. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should — or that it’s legal. Speak with a local family law attorney for legal advice. Laws on Spying and …
You Don't Need To Avoid Probate in Georgia
There is a widely held belief that going through probate court is a nightmare. Probate is the court-administered process by which property and debts owned by someone who died are officially transferred to that person’s heirs. Because probate laws vary considerably from state to state, there are indeed places where the complexity and expense of probate make it a process to avoid if possible. But Georgia is an exception. Georgia has among the most user-friendly of probate laws, allowing many …
Tips on Managing Your Divorce Lawyer Bill
No one expects to be embroiled in a divorce, but the fact is, many marriages end there. And, if you need to hire a divorce attorney to help dissolve your marriage and obtain a custody order for your children, the expenses for legal services can vary widely — depending on factors such as whether you have children and how much property you and your ex need to divide. Surprisingly, though, the most expensive factor can be within your control: To what extent are you paying to fight? Elizabeth …
Who Can Make Health Care Decisions for Teens?
As teens move closer to the legal line of adulthood, their maturity and decision-making abilities are not as clearly delineated as the date of their 18th birthday. “Growing up” is a process that takes many years, varies from person to person, and frequently depends on circumstances. Many teens are interested in privacy and control with respect to their health information, particularly regarding their sexual well-being and mental health. The legal age for providing medical consent under …
Three Steps To Catch Up on Student Loan Delinquency
Student debt is second only to mortgages in total debt owed nationally. With income lagging behind rising living costs, it’s unsurprising that many people just can’t keep up. Massachusetts student loan attorney Adam Minsky knows this first hand. He ran into trouble with his own loans shortly after graduating, finding no one to answer his questions or help. “I also encountered a number of other people who had similar issues, and I realized there’s a need for this practice,” Minsky …
Expats Still Must Pay US Taxes
If you’re working in another country as a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you may think you’re off the hook when it comes to filing and paying taxes to the U.S. government. That’s not the case. There are a number of specific rules that apply to U.S. taxpayers living in other countries. Your tax liabilities will likely be relatively straightforward if you’re working for a U.S.-based employer while living in a foreign country. If, however, you’re self-employed while living abroad — …
Considering a Land Installment Contract in Ohio
If you’re buying or selling a house, certain procedures and traditional financing options are so commonplace they’re unquestioned in many transactions. But, because the purchase or sale of real property is one of the most significant financial events in a person’s life, a one-size-fits-all solution is hardly ever the best choice. Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, one arrangement worth considering is a land installment contract or installment sale. Consult with an experienced real …
Can You Give a Bad Job Reference?
When a hiring manager or recruiter contacts you about a former employee, be careful what you say. Even if you fired the former employee for a good reason, negative references could expose you to a retaliation or defamation case. Even if you were telling the truth, you may have to deal with the former employee's complaint and any harm to your company's image. You don't have to provide a reference about a former employee, positive or negative. If you do choose to provide references, be sure to …
Avoiding Trouble at Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Inevitabilities associated with aging present the need to make important life-planning decisions. The time to consider what level of care you might want if you or your spouse should need care down the road is when you’re in good health. An option that has emerged in recent years with the “aging in place” trend is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life care community. CCRCs offer a continuum of care in a single location, from independent living to assisted …
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