In Defense of Relaxation
The “DeWitt Law Review” airs every Sunday at 10 a.m. on 107.3 FM and 580 AMWDBO. It is always our goal to bring the listeners of Central Florida the latest legal news and create a forum where they can ask legal questions anonymously from the comfort of their own home without having to retain an attorney. To listen to this month’s episodes or any episode of the “DeWitt Law Review,” you can visit our website at dewittlaw.com, where you can download the podcast from Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We receive many legal questions from our listeners each month, and we wanted to share some of the interesting questions in hopes that they may also benefit others facing similar legal issues. If you would like to ask a question, give us a call, and leave a voicemail at 407-536-6737. You can also text questions to 407‑536‑6737 or email ask@dewittlaw.com. THIS MONTH ON THE ‘DEWITT LAW REVIEW’
If you’re one of the 50% of Americans who would prefer a higher salary over paid vacation days, then the thought of relaxing by the pool probably makes your skin crawl. According to a 2019 Allianz Global Assistance survey, most Americans would only give up their vacation days for a 48% raise, but as Forbes reports, about 1 in 5 workers would only need a 24% raise to willingly fork over their vacation days. The rise of what experts are calling “performative workaholism” is evident in the hustle-and-grind culture of working long hours, skipping lunches, working throughout the weekend, and taking very few breaks. But medical and psychological experts caution that addiction to the hustle comes at a price. Recent evidence suggests that working long hours over extended periods of time actually makes you a worse employee. As exhaustion creeps in, your ability to complete even the most mundane or simple task decreases. In those moments, it’s important to take a short break, but it’s also vital to recognize when your body needs an extended refresher. This could make you better at your job. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Norway have some of the world’s most productive workers. Coincidentally, they also provide many vacation days. So, what’s great about taking a vacation? Experts at a Midwestern hospital system, Allina Health, report that stepping away from work for a short period of time can decrease your risk of heart disease, improve your quality of sleep, create a better mood, and boost your relationships. Researchers in the Netherlands even found that simply planning for and anticipating a vacation can improve your happiness level! If you can’t stand the thought of taking time off, you’re not alone. More than 40% of respondents in a 2016 survey said they felt they couldn’t take a vacation because there wasn’t anyone to cover them. Communicate your concerns with your employer to find a compromise. Start slow, too. Schedule a long weekend and pack your days with activities, like getting a massage, hiking, or traveling to a local destination. Look to travel sites like Expedia, Airbnb, and Travelocity for local deals and tips on the best vacation methods. Soon, you’ll be the biggest advocate for taking time off. WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR VACATION DAYS
Q: Is alimony taxable?
A: No, as of 2019, alimony is no longer taxable as income to the spouse receiving it. However, if you have an order for alimony prior to 2019 and the order has been modified, then you will want to speak to an accountant to determine if you fall under the new or old tax scheme.
Q: Can my house be seized for failing to pay my child support?
A: No, typically your home cannot be forcefully sold for child support arrearages. However, if you ever sell your home, a child support lien could be placed on the proceeds for any arrearage that you owe.
Q: If someone lies in their petition for an injunction, is there a penalty if it is found that they lied? A: Typically, the injunction would just be dismissed if the person was found to be untruthful or to not present sufficient evidence to support the injunction. However, the court does have the ability to sanction someone for bringing a frivolous claim. The person could also be subjected to perjury charges in some circumstances.
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