Covid-19 Economic Recovery
Small Business Loans
Our economy is facing the greatest stress since the Great Depression. The Federal Government has created a new Paycheck Protection Program. Small Business with under 500 employees and self-employed people can get a loan for payroll and certain overhead expenses. Read more details here.
Unemployment Benefits
The Federal Government has added $600 a week to most unemployment benefit awards, expanded who qualifies for unemployment benefits, and added additional weeks for coverage. You will qualify for Unemployment Benefits if your work-place is closed for COVID-19, you have COVID-19 symptoms, or you are caring for someone in your household with COVID-19. Part-time workers, self-employed workers, and workers without a long work history can receive benefits under the new guidelines. Here is the link to apply. Email the Unemployment Benefits Agency directly with application questions at Workforce.COVID19@wv.gov. Please call our office or another lawyer with questions if you feel you were unfairly denied unemployment benefits under the new guidelines.
Commerical Leases and Commerical Mortgages
Many Lenders are renegotiating commerical leases during the Covid-19 crisis. Make sure to get all agreements to waive or refinance rent and mortages in writing. An amendment to a legal contract should have both parties signature and the date. (Usually, I’d push notarizing signatures but this is an extra challenges under social distancing rules).
Estate Plans
Show your love for your children and grandchildren. Make sure you have updated guardianship plans and estate plans with a valid will. A simple trust can give your family flexibility, privacy, and peace of mind time during this stressful time. CAKE offers many free and low cost Estate Planning Documents online and a special Covid-19 Resource List.
For clients who own property inside West Virginia, but live in a different state, make a will in your state of “residence.” The State Bar of West Virginia has a new simplified “Ancillary Estate Process” to transfer land ownership.
If you have detailed questions, contact this law office or another qualified Estate and Trust attorney.
Property Rights. Energy Law. Litigation.
Hire A Lawyer With Local Roots & a Fancy Education.
Abigail Benjamin is a West Virginian lawyer with a specialized practice in Real Estate Law, Energy Law, and Environmental Law.
Hire a local West Virginia lawyer to protect your property rights during the COVID-19 crisis. Abigail Benjamin is a small business owner following the best practices recommended by CDC and State Bar. All client meetings are conducted by video or telephone until the Governor of West Virginia lifts emergency pandemic measures. Call Abigail today to discuss problems with commerical leases, property rights, and ownership of family mineral rights.
Abigail helps property owners protect their land.
You want to keep family land in the family. You want to buy a new house or hunting land for your kids. You have a mineral lease which isn’t being followed. A pipeline company has injured your farmland and doesn't respond to your phone calls. Don't let problems with your property rob you of precious sleep.
A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Abigail graduated with honors from both the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2000 and Smith College in 1997. In October 2016, she won a concession from major state utility in a 30 million dollar natural gas pipeline permit case. In December 2018, Abigail negotiated a large settlement on a mineral lease with a Fortune 500 company. "The Journal" and "WHAG TV" recognize her as a legal expert. Abigail lives in Buckhannon, WV with her husband Jon and their seven children.
The Law Office of Abigail Benjamin is located in Central West Virginia at 12 North Kanawha Street, Suite 1, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Photography by Claire Watson Photography
“Committed to serving the community and advocating for justice. Dedicated, principled, and always fighting for a brighter future!”
“Pleasant disposition and a willingness to tackle difficult problems. ”
“I need a lawyer!”
“She’s like Katniss, only less depressed!”