Perspectives

Sometimes all you need to navigate the legal landscape is a little information. Our blogs and articles touch on a wide spectrum of legal matters that can pop up in both business and everyday life, and we hope they’ll shed a little light wherever you happen to need it.

Some Simple Rules to Follow During a Traffic Stop

Traffic stops occur for many reasons, most commonly for ordinary moving violations. They are never a fun experience. However, always be mindful that conducting a routine traffic stop can put a police officer in very dangerous situation. Officers are trained to observe and interpret behavior and movements during traffic stops, which sometimes means that behavior a lay person may consider innocent could be interpreted as potentially threatening. Here are some simple rules to follow if you find yourself the subject of a traffic stop:

Gary Van Domelen Receives Rotary Honor

Gary Van Domelen was awarded a special honor tonight when he became a member of the Rotary Works Foundation Legacy Club. This special award is given by the eight Rotary Clubs in the Southwestern Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota areas, for distinguished public service to the community. Gary was recognized for his work in helping create the area Foundation and his role as president during the 2011-12 Rotary fiscal year.

Bob Judd’s 40 Years with WFJ

On behalf of WFJ, we want to congratulate and thank Bob Judd for his 40 years of faithful service to our clients!  Bob is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. He started his legal career as an attorney with WFJ in 1972 after completing his service in Vietnam in the Army. Over his 40 years with the firm, Bob has demonstrated that he is an accomplished litigator and effective enforcer of creditor’s rights. He has tried cases and made appearances in over 50 different counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Today he also manages litigation on behalf of our clients in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.

Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Debt collectors have become an issue that many people have to face. Given the current state of our nation’s economy, many people find themselves unemployed, underemployed, or simply in a position in which they are unable to pay all their bills. This is a position in which no one wants to be, but have ended up in as a result of circumstances. While you may owe the debt legitimately, you are not without rights. Other times, companies may not have the correct records and send your account off to collections erroneously. Following is a list of protections on your side, no matter how you ended up having to deal with a debt collector.

Top 5 Things to Know About a Wisconsin Divorce

“I know I need to get a divorce, but I don’t know where to start.” This is the most frequent comment I hear from people after making the decision to get a divorce. Understanding the issues that are going to be determined and the law governing them is the best place to start. Divorces involve many decisions—children, finances, where to live, etc. An informed decision is always a better decision. The following is my “Top 5” list of things to know before commencing a divorce in Wisconsin; these are the big five issues decided in most divorce cases:

Have You Used a Drug or Medical Device That has Been Recalled?

The FDA has forced manufactures to recall certain drugs or medical devices that have proven unsafe and to have harmful side effects to those who use them. Currently, there are recalls on the following drugs and devices which you may have used. Wagner, Falconer & Judd can assist you if you believe you have suffered an injury or illness due to the following recalled drugs and medical devices.

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

At the end of your tenancy in Minnesota, your landlord has 21 days to either return your security deposit or give you a written statement explaining why the deposit will not be returned. Here are some frequently asked questions about security deposits and their recovery: