When most people hear the term trust, images of wealthy “trust fund babies” and elderly individuals with high net worths come to mind. However, trusts can be beneficial for anyone seeking to protect their family’s inheritances and avoid probate. Trusts allow you to control who receives your assets and how...
An estate planning lawyer is a specialist within the legal profession. They help individuals prepare their legal documents and estate for the eventuality of their death or incapacitation due to illness. Their duties and responsibilities include counseling clients on their estates, providing guidance on living wills and trusts and helping...
A Will and a Trust are both important estate planning documents to consider, but they have different purposes. Knowing the difference between the two can help you decide which is best for your situation. A will is a legal document that establishes who will receive your assets and names an...
In order to obtain a divorce, one spouse must show that the marriage has irreconcilable differences. This can be done by a court order or through a separation agreement between the two parties. These agreements can cover a range of issues including property division, child support, and custody arrangements. If...
You might be a caretaker or the primary caregiver of an aging parent, or you may need to take on that role for a family member who is sick. Getting a power of attorney, or POA, is a crucial step in ensuring that you can provide for your loved one’s...
Many people assume that filing for bankruptcy will wipe out all of their debt, but this is not necessarily the case. In fact, some unsecured debts, such as credit card balances and medical bills, can be discharged in bankruptcy, but you still may have to pay them back over time...
If you are facing discrimination at work, you may want to file a claim with a state or federal agency. The government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and many state agencies enforce anti-discrimination laws. If you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, talk with an experienced attorney. Identifying...
A criminal conviction is a devastating time in anyone’s life. It means you are locked up, deprived of your freedom and may face severe penalties in the future. Luckily, there is an option to appeal a criminal conviction, which can be done with the help of an experienced appellate attorney....
When a relationship has gotten to the point that it’s impossible to repair, many people turn to divorce as a way to break away from the other person. However, there are other options that couples may use to end a marriage if they’re not ready for a divorce. What is...
If you’ve become a victim of identity theft, it’s critical to report the crime as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance of recovering from it. The fastest growing financial crime in the United States, identity theft involves thieves stealing your personal information, such as your social...
Bankruptcy is a difficult and often scary experience. Many people face debt due to medical problems, unemployment or divorce, and other circumstances beyond their control. When this happens, it can be devastating to your life and finances. The good news is that bankruptcy does not disqualify you from getting a...
The number of sexual assaults reported in the US is a staggering 1 in 5 each year. Despite this, many victims do not report these crimes. This can be due to embarrassment and fear of retaliation. In a majority of sexual assault cases, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows....
The main purpose of a trust is to ensure that your assets are passed down to your beneficiaries. It also allows you to control how these assets are spent, which can be useful for many purposes. There are different types of trusts and you should talk to an estate planning...
Cruise ships are a fun way to vacation. You can enjoy a variety of activities, meet new people and have some time off work. However, these vessels can also cause problems if you are injured or sick while aboard. Getting hurt on a cruise ship can lead to expensive medical...
Property rights are individuals’ rights to do with something what they choose, whether it’s a physical item or intangible resource such as ideas, thoughts, and feelings. They include the right to hold on to it, sell it, rent it, or transfer it. People can also gain access to the resources...
Workers compensation laws are set up to protect workers. They pay for medical costs, lost wages and rehabilitation costs. If a worker is injured on the job, he or she can file a workers’ compensation claim. In some states, injured workers can also sue for damages when the injuries were...
Personal injury is a legal term that is used to refer to harm that another person may cause to you. These injuries are most commonly associated with car accidents and falls, although they can occur in many other ways. The term can also apply to crimes such as libel or...
Assault is an offense that involves threatening someone. It may also involve physical contact. The law determines the level of assault by determining the extent of injuries resulting from the incident. Depending on the circumstances, penalties for assault can range from misdemeanor probation to felony prison. In addition to jail...
A will is an important document that protects your property and gives your loved ones the right to receive your belongings after your death. Wills are used for a variety of purposes, including passing assets to friends or family, distributing property between families, and naming guardians for minor children. To...
You want to end your marriage, but you don’t think your husband will allow it. This isn’t necessarily because your husband is a bad man or a selfish person. It may be because your spouse is trying to stay in the marriage because he or she believes it will be...
If you are given a traffic ticket in New York, you may be wondering whether you need a lawyer. The truth is, not everyone needs an attorney to defend themselves. But if you are in the market for one, here are some things to consider. First and foremost, you should...
