About Katrina Styx
Katrina Styx was an editorial assistant and writer at Super Lawyers. She attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she earned a degree in English-Literature and a minor in journalism.
Articles written by Katrina Styx
How Can I Protect My Right To Vote?
Voting rights are essential in a democratic society. "It's the right from which all others derive," says Richard Bell, a New York personal injury and civil rights lawyer. “Voting gets you the elected officials who pass laws on every other right and appoint judges who rule on every other right. When you don't vote, then somebody else makes the choice for you, and you may not like that choice." Voters anywhere can face problems with voter registration, finding their polling location, or voter …
'The Best Lap'
Despite the danger, Kyle Fox is hooked on motorcycle racing“Anybody who does this and says they’re not afraid is probably lying.” Yet for Kyle Fox, spending his weekends reaching speeds up to 165 mph on his 2019 Yamaha R6—leaning deep into corners, surrounded by the whine of 20-30 engines on a racetrack—is too much fun to quit. “Way, way too much fun,” he says. “You cannot come away from a weekend without a smile on your face and thinking that that’s the best thing you can do, possibly in your life.” He says it’s more than the …
Including Pets in Your Estate Plan: Pet Trusts
To say that pets are family members doesn't encompass the depth of feeling that comes with loving and cherishing a furry, feathery, or scaly member of the clan. As with all facets of estate planning, the responsible thing is to make formal arrangements for the care of your beloved pet well before your death. “People are living longer and many older people are alone,” notes Chester B. McLaughlin, an estate planning attorney in Prescott, Arizona. “And so their pets become incredibly …
Lawyer by Day, Mayor Also by Day
Kathy Martin is a leader in law and in local governmentFor 35 years, commercial real estate attorney Kathy Martin has had a hand in major projects like the Mall of America, Target Field and the redevelopment and preservation of the State Theatre and its surrounding block. She’s been chair of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section. But her time in public office is a more recent development. “My interest in politics goes back quite some time,” she says. “But my actual desire to run for office came very …
'Knowledge Is Power'
Siria Gutiérrez’s volunteer work is all about helping others succeed through educationSiria Gutiérrez had never met a lawyer until her first week of law school. “Latino students, in particular, are often first-generation, and they’re not going to have the same access that a lot of our peers may have,” she says. That’s why, in 2008, she helped found Huellas, a mentorship program run by La Voz, a student organization at William S. Boyd School of Law. The program brings together high schoolers, undergrads and law students with practicing attorneys and judges, giving …
What Happens if I Get Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?
The aftermath of being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can be both physically and emotionally damaging. In the worst-case scenario, getting hit by a car can result in death. And while the number of pedestrian fatalities decreased in 2023, pedestrian deaths remained above pre-pandemic levels. Personal injury attorneys share insights on what to do if you or a loved one has suffered pedestrian injuries — including seeking fair compensation through insurance, pursuing a personal injury …
'I Was So Ill I Didn't Know I Was Ill'
Ira Leesfield’s battle with COVID-19 gave him new perspectiveIra Leesfield works out four times a week, minds his nutrition and takes care of himself. He had never been hospitalized. Until last year. In June, after a family Father’s Day event, he lost his sense of taste and smell, and stopped eating and sleeping. He didn’t really notice, but his wife and his longtime doctor did. On July 7, they admitted him to Baptist Health’s South Miami Hospital with COVID-19. “There’s a cognitive side of this [disease],” says Leesfield, a plaintiff’s …
When Should You Contest a Will in Georgia?
There a several reasons why someone might want to contest a loved one’s last will and testament. In the Georgia probate process, a will can be challenged if the decedent was a victim of undue influence, if they lacked capacity when they signed the will, if the will itself is fraudulent or unlawfully altered, or if the will was executed improperly. But there are other factors to consider before embarking on the difficult process of contesting a will in court. If you question the …
Understanding Oregon's Measure 110
In 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 110, a new law that decriminalizes possession of small amounts of certain “street drugs.” It is the first state to take steps on drug decriminalization. The law went into effect Feb. 1, 2021, but that doesn’t mean these drugs are completely legal. “It is still illegal to possess any controlled substances in Oregon under federal law,” says Bryan Boender, a criminal defense attorney in Eugene. “Only Oregon state law has legalized marijuana for …
Can I Give Family and Friends a Home Mortgage Loan?
Most first-time homebuyers need a mortgage. Typically, you will get a mortgage from a bank, credit union, or other licensed mortgage lender. But what if you know an individual, such as a close friend or family member, who wants to offer you that mortgage loan? Getting a family mortgage loan can be a great option for first-time buyers. However, potential buyers should understand the risks involved with loans through loved ones. If you have concerns about getting a private mortgage and how to …
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