2015

Legal Drugs and DUI: A Closer Look for Drivers

If you are like the majority of the population, then when you imagine someone getting charged with a DUI offense, you visaualize someone who has been drinking alcohol or using illegal substances. However, legal drugs, such as those prescribed by your doctor or purchased over the counter, can also land you with a DUI charge. The fact is, even some drugs you think are safe and harmless can have an affect on your driving abilities.


When Guardianship Is Necessary: Reasons To Apply For Guardianship Of A Loved One In Your Life

When you have an adult child, parent, or even a friend that is not able to make sound decisions, it may be time to apply for a guardianship on their behalf. Depending on the nature of their disabilities, a guardianship can be temporary, or it can extend throughout their lifetime. A legal guardianship is designed to protect the person, to help them make decisions, to ensure their needs are being met, and to protect them from the financial exploitation of other people.


3 Ways To Empower Yourself And Reclaim Your Life After Divorce

There is no higher self-esteem than empowerment. Reclaiming your independence during a divorce makes the statement that you are a survivor. Once part of a team, you may now find yourself standing alone while you continue to struggle with emotions from a failed marriage and subsequent divorce. While your attorney will work on the legal entanglements, reclaiming your life will be up to you. Below are some tips to help.


Addressing Frequent Questions About Civil Rights Cases

Legal problems can take many forms, and regardless of the problem that you are facing, it is important to be as informed as possible about your rights. Unfortunately, there are many people that have a limited understanding about their civil rights, and this can cause them to be uncertain about how to proceed when they suspect a violation has occurred. Once you have the answers for the following couple of questions, you will find that you are far better prepared to have these issues addressed.


3 Types Of Marital Separations

The challenges of being married are many and frequently lead to divorce. However, before you can have a divorce finalized, you must go through a separation period. The specifics of the separation may vary from state to state, and you should discuss this with your divorce attorney. However, knowing the various types of separations which married couples may consider can help you during this time. Type #1: Trial separation If you aren’t certain whether you want to end the marriage, you may want to consider a trial separation.


When Pain Can Be Good: Understanding Pain and Suffering in Car Accident Cases

The phrase “pain and suffering” may sound just awful, but in car accident cases it can actually mean good things in terms of money. Certain kinds of damages in car accident cases are very clear-cut, like vehicle repair costs and medical bills. Other damages are not nearly as obvious, and those damages are collectively referred to as pain and suffering. Read on to find out exactly what those pain and suffering damages are and how much they can be worth in your car accident case.


Personal Injury Law: Is It Worth Hiring An Expert Witness?

For many personal injury cases, your attorney may recommend that you hire an expert witness to testify on your behalf at trial. With medical experts charging an average hourly rate of $567 for their testimonies and non-medical experts charging an average of $33 per hour for their testimonies, you might be wondering whether it’s worth it. What Does Hiring an Expert Witness Entail? If you’re hiring an expert witness, you are not only hiring him or her to testify on your behalf.


Earning Money While Collecting Social Security Disability

If you receive a monthly benefit amount from the SSA (Social Security Administration), you may already be aware that you cannot continue to work at your job and continue to receive benefits. However, the SSA recognizes the need for people to go back to work and earn money in some capacity, so they have put in place a program that allows participants to do just that. The Trial Work Period


Where There's A Will, There's...A Lot Less Fighting At The Funeral

Countless stories are told of seemingly tight-knit families being torn apart over who gets what when a loved one passes away. Brothers will fight over who gets Dad’s chainsaw and sisters will not speak to each other for years because they both claim to be rightful heirs of Mom’s teaspoon collection.  The best way to avoid such disagreements is to have Mom and Dad put their wishes in writing. By preparing a will ahead of time, people can make sure their assets go exactly where they want them to go even though they will not be there.


A Guide to Worker's Comp Cases

Getting hurt on the job is something that you can bounce back from in a straight forward manner, as long as you take it upon yourself to handle the situation in a proper manner. Worker’s compensation law is on your side, but you must make sure that you are putting your best foot forward on the legal end of things. Follow this guide, so that you are able to get the payments that you need to heal your injuries and make up for any lost wages.


Why Your Last Will May Not Be Executed According To Your Plans

A last will is useful in determining how your estate is divided among your beneficiaries after a divorce. However, do not assume that it will be followed exactly to the letter. Your state’s interstate laws will also play a role in determining who gets what. Here are four reasons why your will may not be executed exactly as you wished: You Have To Pay Tax Few things are as inevitable as taxation; if the government says that you have to pay it, then you can’t escape.


Three Ways To Reduce The Risk Of A Motorcycle Accident

Obeying the traffic laws while riding your motorcycle is not enough. A car driver can be at fault in an accident, and it will be the motorcyclist that is most likely to suffer the worst of it. However, there are a few defensive riding techniques that can reduce your chances of getting hit by a careless or distracted driver. The following are three tips to keep your risk of car collisions low.


What To Do If Your Social Security Has Been Denied For Failure To Cooperate

If your disability claim has recently been denied because you failed to cooperate with the Social Security Administration, you could be wondering what you can do to prevent a denial when you appeal the decision. Although this is a common cause of people’s disability being denied, there are a few different things that cause it. If any of these things apply to your situation, then you will need to make some changes when you reapply.


Is There A Way To Extend The Statute Of Limitations For A Wrongful Death Claim?

When someone dies due to the negligence or actions of another, the last thing that may be on your mind is filing a lawsuit against the perpetrator. However, all states have a statute of limitations in place that set a time limit on how long you have to bring suit against the other party before you lose that right forever. If the statute of limitations has passed in your case, there may be a way to get an extension.


A Legal Virtual Visitation Agreement Can Help You During Long-Distance Parenting

You’re planning to get a divorce and your ex wants to relocate with the children. If you’ve decided not to fight this decision in court, don’t despair about maintaining a close relationship with your youngsters. Especially with 21st-century technology, you can communicate with them regularly. In fact, divorce attorneys are increasingly setting up a legal arrangement known as virtual visitation to guarantee routine scheduled contact.  The Basics of Virtual Visitation Decades ago, long-distance parents were essentially relegated to phone calls and written letters when they couldn’t see the kids in person.


3 Tax Situations To Consider When Divorcing

There are many issues that you and your spouse need to address before your divorce can be finalized. One of those is how you file your taxes now and in the future. Here are four common considerations that need to be resolved before your divorce can be finalized. Current Filing Status Some people believe that since they are getting divorced, they have to file with a single or head of household status.


Factors Considered During Sentencing

If you have recently been convicted of a crime, you may wonder what your court fine and sentencing will be like. If you have already retained an attorney to represent you in your case, you’ve probably already been told what to expect at sentencing. But even so, it helps to have a good idea as to what courts will look at when determining how much to charge you for a fine, and what your overall sentencing will be.


Do You Have A Defective Product Lawsuit Claim? Here's What You Need To Know

If you spend your money on a product, probably the last thing you’re worried about is being injured by it. You may worry about it not living up to expectations or maybe not working as advertised, but you likely don’t have safety concerns. Unfortunately, problems do happen. And if you’re injured by a product through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for compensation though a defective product lawsuit.


The Legal Obligations To Pay Child Support When Biologically Paternity Is Not Established

When two parties decide to divorce, issues concerning paternity will often come up. When emotions are high, it’s common for some fathers to question whether a child is biologically theirs or not. Depending on the state in which you live, how the birth certificate is signed, and who has raised the child so far, will all play a role in determining if child support payments will be due. The Presumed Father Pays Child Support Unless Paternity is Proven Otherwise


What to Do if Your Company Is Sued for Discrimination

If you are a business owner that has recently found out has an ongoing investigation regarding discriminatory acts, you will want to take the proper steps in order to avoid further problems. Here are some steps you can take to keep your business in good-standing while proving that you did not engage an any discrimination of your employees. Hire a Business Attorney When your business is sued over discrimination, you must have a lawyer to represent you.


Deflecting The Blame: Common Ways You Could Get Blamed During A Worker's Comp Claim

It does not matter if you have been employed at a place of business for only a few months or you have more seniority than everyone in the building. In the event of an on-the-job injury, there is a good chance you will see an entirely new face to the employer that you have. A worker’s compensation claim can change everything you think you know about the company you work for and their ethical practices.


Two Questions To Answer Before Suing For Food Poisoning

When you get food poisoning after eating in a restaurant, you can file a food poisoning claim and get compensated for it, right?  Maybe, but it isn’t as straightforward as that. There are several questions you need to answer first, and two of the most important are: Is It Worth It? The worth of a personal injury case is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not to sue.


3 Of The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Filing A Wrongful Death Claim

If a family member passes away, it’s almost always an emotionally overwhelming time. If it was under circumstances that shouldn’t have been, it can be tough to focus on anything else for a while. Fortunately, you do have rights if you suspect your family member’s death was in a wrongful situation. But, since this is a process most people never deal with, it can be confusing. Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes people make when filing a wrongful death claim.


What To Do When Bitten By A Dog

If you are bitten by a dog, then you may be entitled to compensatory damages depending on the circumstances of the incident. However, there are a few measures you should take before you can get this compensation. Here are a few steps to take immediately following a dog bite: Try To Identify the Dog and Seek Medical Care Identifying the dog is good because it helps to know whether it has rabies.


Thinking About Selling Your Oil & Gas Interests? Read This First!

If your property has oil and gas interests, you have probably been approached by a number of salespersons and companies. These people are focusing on one thing: getting you to sell your mineral rights to them for a one-time cash payment. Keep reading to find some reasons why it may be smart to sell your rights and other reasons why selling might just be the worst thing you can do. 


3 Things You Need To Do If You Are Charged With A Crime

If you have been arrested it is important that you do everything to protect yourself. Even if you have been falsely accused, you should make sure that you are not doing anything to incriminate yourself. The police obviously have some reason to suspect you, so you need to make sure that you are careful about what you do and say. Here are a couple things that will protect you. 1. Don’t Say Anything Without A Lawyer


Your First DUI Offense: 3 Things You Need To Know

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI for the first time, you may understandably be looking for guidance. Should you hire a DUI lawyer? What kinds of penalties and fines could you be facing if convicted? These are all legitimate questions, but the answers to these questions must be taken on an individual basis, as no two DUI cases are the same. Regardless, if this is your first DUI charge, you should be aware that most states treat first offenders differently than repeat DUI offenders.