Archive for the ‘Author’ Category

From Attorney Tim Bupp, chair of the CGA Law Firm Estate Law practice group. Farming is Pennsylvania’s number-one industry, producing significant benefits for the Commonwealth. It not only sustains the livelihood and well-being of those who make their living in farming but also serves as an economic engine, driving sectors such as agricultural technology, food processing, and transportation. This ensures that our citizens have access to food and other farm products.  However, our changing world continues to create tension between the farm activities of farming and non-farming residents who reside within farming communities, who love and benefit from the country’s… read more »

The excitement of graduation is unparalleled. As you and your child embark on the journey of their future, it is crucial to be ready for surprises and adversity. Planning can help you and your graduate prepare for the substantial changes that come with early adulthood. While you and your child have many tasks to accomplish, there is one more thing to do—ask your child to sign both a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive. Confidentiality laws—like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (more commonly known as “HIPAA”) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”)… read more »

Where do lobsters go to borrow money? The prawn shop. Or in the case of Red Lobster, the “Stalking Horse”, in its recently filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.  In 2003, Red Lobster lost millions of dollars on an all-you-can-eat “Endless Crab” promotion as a result of the unanticipated rising crab prices. Hindsight is 20/20, they say; however, 20 years later, Red Lobster repeated history with an “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” promotion, which has caused the chain to seek the protection of a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. But have no fear; the Cheddar Bay biscuits will prevail due to the chain’s strategic use of… read more »

From Attorney Tim Bupp, chair of the CGA Law Firm Estate Law practice group. In this biweekly column, Attorney Tim Bupp shares with you lessons and perspectives from his twenty-five years as an estate planner with CGA Law Firm. Farm owners and farm families face unique challenges related to their estate planning.  The focus is often on ensuring that the next-generation farmer or farmers can stay in farming and that the non-farming family members are treated fairly and equitably while the parents ensure that their future holds a safe and secure retirement.  These often competing goals can create tension in… read more »

CGA Law Firm’s President, Craig Sharnetzka, has received recognition for a consecutive year on the Central Penn Business Journal’s 2024 Power List for Law. This accolade acknowledges individuals who play a significant role in shaping our communities and impacting our quality of life through the legal foundations upon which our society relies. “It is an honor to have been recognized and named to the Power List for Law as published by the Central Penn Business Journal.  It is humbling to be included on a list with so many talented attorneys. I have a tremendous support network of colleagues and staff at… read more »

From Attorney Tim Bupp, chair of the CGA Law Firm Estate Law practice group. In this biweekly column, Attorney Tim Bupp shares with you lessons and perspectives from his twenty-five years as an estate planner with CGA Law Firm. Is a prepaid funeral the right thing? I do not sell funeral plans, but I recognize them as an important issue related to estate plans. Funerals are complicated, expensive, and deserve our attention. Who makes funeral decisions? By time-honored caselaw in Pennsylvania, the responsibility of planning a funeral falls to your next of kin. While you could appoint someone in your Will to… read more »

From Attorney Tim Bupp, chair of the CGA Law Firm Estate Law practice group. In this biweekly column, Attorney Tim Bupp shares with you lessons and perspectives from his twenty-five years as an estate planner with CGA Law Firm. Everyone has heard of a Last Will and Testament and knows that a Will is an important piece of an estate plan. But is it the most important piece? Let’s discuss the power of attorney – an underappreciated but vital part of an estate plan. A power of attorney is a document where you appoint some trusted individual to take any… read more »

The agriculture industry represents a critical component to a thriving Pennsylvania economy. Currently, Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture estimates that farmlands occupy 7.3 million acres of land across the state. This means that farm lands constitutes twenty-five percent of Pennsylvania’s  total land mass!! Agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to the economy each year, and one out of every ten jobs in Pennsylvania belongs within the agriculture industry. The significance of agriculture in Pennsylvania truly cannot be overstated. The significance of agriculture also renders it worthy of protection. The agriculture industry receives protection from all three branches of the Pennsylvania government. The General… read more »

In 2021, the Sunshine Act was amended to provide new requirements for publishing and posting public meeting agendas.  The amendment required local governing bodies to post agendas to their publicly accessible website at least 24 hours in advance of the public meeting. The Sunshine Act amendment, however, provided limited exceptions to allow governing bodies to add items to its already published agenda within 24 hours of the public meeting or at the public meeting.  Those exceptions are enumerated in Section 712.1 of the Sunshine Act and include the following: a matter that relates to a real or potential emergency involving… read more »

CGA Law Firm President and Shareholder Craig Sharnetzka has been recognized on the Central Penn Business Journal’s 2024 Power 100 List. This list recognizes leaders from various fields, such as law, finance, education, government, healthcare, business, and nonprofits. The Central Penn Business Journal’s editorial team and leadership curate this list based on the impact these individuals have on our communities and the quality of life in Central Pennsylvania. “It is certainly an honor to be recognized in the Power 100 List along with many talented and influential business and community leaders. I am humbled to be included on this list… read more »