We all know that drinking too much alcohol and jumping behind the wheel is a dangerous mix. Yet, many people still do it. The consequences can be serious injury, damage to property, fatalities, and legal ramifications. The CDC estimates that 29 people in the United States die each day in a motor vehicle crash that...
Category: Legal Advice
Tips to Avoid Potential Tax Filing Problems
Tax season is upon us. For many people, gathering all documents, ensuring proper forms are used, and getting them filed on time can be a stressful process. Let’s look at some tips on how be properly prepared in order to reduce anxiety and avoid potential problems. Get Organized This may seem obvious but the first...
Incapacity Plan: What is it and why you need it
While his life’s work was all about making people laugh, the last years of legendary actor and comedian Groucho Marx were anything but pleasant. While he had a will, Marx did not plan for incapacity. As a result, his partner and children fought for years over the right to make decisions regarding his finances and...
Business Matters that Business Lawyers Can Do for SMBs
There is a common misconception that small businesses don’t need an attorney; that there are not enough legal-related matters going on for a business lawyer to see to. If there are matters for which a business owner needs legal advice, they can just consult an attorney or a fellow entrepreneur who has encountered the same...
Licensing Requirements for Adopting Kids in Indiana
Adoption rate in Indiana is higher in the last three years than it has been since 2009 (based on the available data from Indiana Department of Child Services). Since 2018, the number of adoptions crossed the 2,000 mark. Last year, Indiana DCS granted 2,317 adoptions — only 89 adoptions short of 2019. Indiana ranks highest...
The Dangers of DIY Estate Planning: Why An Estate Attorney Is Necessary
Wills and testaments are necessary for ensuring that the wealth of a person who has passed away is allocated according to his or her wishes. Unfortunately, two out of three adults in the country don’t even have estate planning documents on hand. Only 28 percent of people over the age of 55 are motivated to...
Succession Planning: 4 Steps to a Lasting Legacy
According to the US Census Bureau, 90 percent of businesses in the United States are family owned. And they account for more than half of our nation’s employment. This includes farm operations, of which 97 percent are family owned, per the USDA. Surprisingly, it’s estimated that nearly six out of ten family businesses don’t have...
Things a Family Lawyer Can Do for You
Family lawyers perform a myriad of legal services, from managing estates and enforcing wills to getting things in motion for a divorce proceeding. They handle legal issues that invoke family law, such as prenuptial agreements, child custody, guardianship, and domestic violence. They can also mediate between conflicting family members who decide to settle their differences...
How to Choose a Business Structure for Your Startup
Starting a new business is exciting but can be a confusing process. There are numerous decisions to be made when planning to launch and one of the first is determining the legal structure. Choosing the business type is important as it effects operations, taxes, the amount of paperwork to be filed, and how much personal...
5 Reasons Why You Need a Mergers and Acquisitions Attorney
Mergers and acquisitions are often good for small businesses. They can get more resources for production and product development and benefit from the leadership of experienced businessmen (presumably from the older, more established company). Still, such agreements are risky considering the large assets at stake. Both sides must agree on the distribution of labor and...