Minnesota's New Wage Disclosure Law: What Employers Should Know
May 22, 2015 | Bradley KletscherEmployers should be aware of Minnesota’s new wage disclosure law. The question sometimes arises whether an employer can require their employees not to discuss their wages with other employees. Minnesota now has a law that provides that an employer cannot require an employee not to disclose their wages. The new law codified at Minn.Stat. 181.172 provides in part: “(a) An employer shall not: (1) require nondisclosure by an employee of his or her wages as a condition of employment; (2) require an employee to sign a waiver or other document which purports to deny an employee the right to disclose the employee’s wages; or (3) take any adverse employment action against an employee for disclosing the employee’s own wages or discussing another employee’s wages which have been disclosed voluntarily. . . . (c) An employer that provides an employee handbook to its employees must include in the handbook notice of employee rights and remedies under this section. (d) An employer may not retaliate against an employee for asserting rights or remedies under this section.” Minn.Stat. 181.172 (2014). One important element of this new employment law is the requirement that if an employer provides an employee handbook, the employer must include in the handbook a notice of the employee’s rights and remedies under Minn.Stat….
Read MoreDivorce vs. Legal Separation in Minnesota
May 8, 2015 | Elizabeth A. SchadingOften what a “couple” considers separation versus what a court considers “separation” are two very different things. There’s a difference between “separation” and “legal separation.” Just because you and your spouse are living apart, it doesn’t mean that you’re legally separated. So, what is legal separation, and how does it differ from a divorce? What is Legal Separation in Minnesota? Legal separation actually changes the status of your marriage. Before you and your spouse can be legally separated, you’ll need to file and serve a petition. It’s important to remember that this is a completely separate process from a divorce. Unlike other states, you’re not required to legally separate before getting a divorce in Minnesota. Legal separation can take just as long as a divorce, and it can be just as costly. For all intents and purposes, legal separation is just like a divorce. Property, child custody, child support and spousal maintenance issues are all resolved. The couple’s debts and assets are divided. Legal Separation vs. Divorce So, what makes legal separation different from a divorce? You’re still married. If you want to end the marriage, you’ll need to go through the divorce process. When Legal Separation Makes Sense Why would a couple choose legal separation over a divorce? For some, it’s their…
Read MoreBGS Habitat for Humanity Day
May 4, 2015 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.On April 29th, 2015 several BGS Attorneys and Staff volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Minneapolis. They were lucky to enjoy the warm spring we are having this year and happy to help get some siding on the house at 2212 Elliot Avenue South. This year’s group of volunteers learned news skills and honed old ones as they worked together to help build a house for a family in need.
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