MySpace has fallen on hard times since Facebook took over as the number one social media site. In an attempt to revamp the struggling website, MySpace has announced that it is cutting nearly half of its staff worldwide, or about 500 people.  The site took a major overhaul in October, 2010, allowing it to be run with fewer people.  MySpace, who once tried to be an all-purpose social networking site like Facebook, has recently stated it is no longer trying to compete with giant Facebook.  There are talks of MySpace’s parent News Corp revamping the site for a possible sale or spin-off.  For now, the company and its employees will be bracing themselves for major lay-offs.  Full article:  Huffington Post.

Those who are employed understand that now, more than ever, employment of any kind is crucial, and that “job security” has become a thing of the past.  During these tough times many companies are forced to lay-off workers to keep afloat.  Though many companies will act within the bounds of the law, some may use tactics that are unlawful.  It is crucial that employees know and understand their rights under the law.  The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. work to uncover unlawful business practices and empower employees to stand up for their rights.

Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC is a nationally recognized firm in the area of employment law.  Our firm has had considerable success in matters of employment discrimination throughout Long Island and the New York City area.  For more information, contact Leeds, Morelli and Brown, PC at 1-800-585-4658 for a free consultation.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge has ruled that the marital property agreement between L.A. Dodger owner, Frank McCourt, and his former wife, Jamie McCourt, is invalid. In a heated divorce trial, where over a million dollars of marital assets are trying to be divided, Frank McCourt attempted to keep Jamie’s half interest in the L.A. Dodgers out of the pot. Frank McCourt contended that the couple’s 2004 marital property agreement, which placed seven properties under Jamie’s name for the purpose of shielding the assets from creditors, also made Frank the sole owner of the L.A. Dodgers. Jamie contended she never consented to giving up her stake in the franchise. On January 14, 2011, L.A. Superior Court Judge Gordon finalized his decision that their marital property agreement is invalid. Full article: NBC Los Angeles.

An antenuptial agreement is a written contract created by two people planning to be married. The agreement typically lists all of the property each person owns, as well as their debts, and it specifies what each person’s property rights will be after they tie the knot. Antenuptial agreements often specify how property will be divided and whether spousal support (alimony) will be paid in the event of a divorce. NY Domestic Relations Law § 236(B)(3) states that a nuptial agreement made before or during the marriage must satisfy three requirements to be valid and enforceable in a matrimonial action. First, the agreement must be in writing. Second, it must be subscribed by the parties, and third it must be acknowledged or proven in the manner required to entitle a deed to be recorded. An antenuptial agreement will be void if created under force or duress.

The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. are experienced in all domestic relations matters, and have represented families in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island. For any questions concerning domestic relations matters, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529. Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C.’s divorce website is located at www.lbdivorcelaw.com.

Amber Portwood, star of the MTV hit reality show Teen Mom, has been charged with three felony counts for battery and child neglect and one misdemeanor count for battery by the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana.  The charges stem from MTV airing scenes of Portwood engaging in domestic violence.  Indiana Child Protective Services has taken the child from the home as a result of the violence in the home.  The child has been placed in protective services while Portwood is monitored for up to six months.  Portwood was caught on camera assaulting her fiancé, Gary Shirey, three times between August 2009 and July 2010.  MTV broadcasted the footage on their hit reality show Teen Mom.  Portwood maintains her innocence despite video footage that shows her being abusive to Shirley.  Full article.

Under New York law, a child is subject to a custody arrangement until age 18.  In New York child custody matters, the Court determines custody based on what it believes to be the best interests of the children.  Domestic violence against either a parent or a child is considered in deciding custody. Even where the violence was not committed in a child’s presence, it can still affect the child and will be considered.  A child custody decision is not set in stone. Changing circumstances within the family or with the child may make it necessary to ask the judge for a modification to the original child custody order.  This may include a parent becoming unfit.  Any modification is always based on the best interest of the child and it is never one factor that will determine the court’s decision.

The law firm of Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C. has represented clients in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island.  If you are facing a child custody proceeding, it is important to hire lawyers that are capable of advocating your needs.  For any questions, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529 or visit our divorce website at www.lbdivorcelaw.com.

Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic, however, for decades, the book has been disappearing from grade school curricula across the country.  The reason is for Twain’s repeated use of the “n” word.  Rather than let the novel fall into the banned from schools category, NewSouth Books plans to release a version of Huckleberry Finn, in a single volume with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, that does away with the “n” word by replacing it with the word “slave.”  This has teachers and scholars delighted that the American classic will be brought back into classrooms without reaching resistance.  Full article: publishersweekly.com.

When it comes to racial or ethnic slurs, sexually inappropriate language or ageist remarks, there is no denying that it continues to thrive in the workplace.  There is an overwhelming amount of reports of what is referred to as “water cooler banter.”  The use of the “n” word has become the most hurtful, racist words in the English language.  Deep seeded from a time where blacks did not have any rights in America, when the word is uttered it is instant pain.  The “n” word is not tolerated in the workplace, especially if used to harass another person.  Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Offensive conduct that rises to the level of harassment in the workplace is unlawful.  This may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.  For more information: EEOC Website

Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC is a nationally recognized firm in the area of employment law.  Our firm has had considerable success in matters of employment discrimination throughout Long Island and the New York City area.  For more information, contact Leeds, Morelli and Brown, PC at 1-800-585-4658 for a free consultation.