Prepaid legal plans provide reduced-rate legal services for a monthly fee, with coverage varying by plan. Plans may offer discounts, consultations, and additional services such as credit monitoring or identity theft protection. Some plans offer self-service legal assistance and access to a network of attorneys. Prepaid legal plans offer policyholders access to legal services at […]
Different types of bonds are used in the legal field, including municipal bonds, bail bonds, and appellate bonds. They secure obligations such as financing public projects, guaranteeing court appearances, and ensuring payment of judgments. Laws vary by jurisdiction. There are many different types of bonds used in the legal arena. Some of the more common […]
Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to schedule consultations with at least three attorneys who specialize in the relevant area of law. Research the attorneys beforehand, gather all relevant documents, and prepare a list of questions to ask during the consultation. Check the Bar Association’s records to ensure that the attorney is in good standing. […]
Legal arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside of court, with an arbitrator making decisions after hearing evidence. It can be used for various issues, and is often cheaper and faster than going to court. Companies may include arbitration clauses in contracts, which can be mandatory or voluntary and may be binding or non-binding. […]
Legal commissions advise on legislative reform by examining topics of interest and making recommendations. They may review existing legislation, identify outdated laws, and suggest new laws. Members need extensive experience and expertise in different areas of law to be effective. A legislative commission is an advisory body that assists nations in legal reform by examining […]
A legal description is a way to locate properties in legal documents in the US, using a combination of lettered abbreviations and numbers based on a grid system created by the Public Land Survey System. The system divides each state into a grid system, and each property is located within a specific township and range. […]
Legal transcription involves converting spoken dialogue into written documentation. It can be a flexible career choice, requiring excellent typing and computer skills, as well as a grasp of legal terminology. Transcriptionists use digital dictation recordings and may need to contact employers for clarification. Formatting the document into a legal report is also necessary. Legal transcription […]
Legal negotiation involves a lawyer advocating for their client while seeking a mutually satisfactory agreement. Communication skills and good faith bargaining are important. In litigation, the goal is to settle before trial, while in commercial transactions, the goal is to protect the client’s interests through effective drafting and persuasion. Flexibility and concessions are necessary for […]
Legal due diligence is a process where attorneys hired by a buyer review documents and conduct interviews to determine the validity and value of a potential acquisition. It includes legal, financial, and operational reviews and can take up to 18 months. The process results in a written memorandum of assessment. Legal due diligence is a […]
Breach of contract occurs when a party fails to fulfill their responsibilities as specified in the contract. Remedies for breach of contract include monetary compensation, cancellation of the contract, or modification of the terms. Jurisdictional laws may affect the remedies, and a judge may need to determine if a breach has occurred. Parties may resolve […]
Legalese is a technical writing style used by lawyers and legal scholars, which can be difficult for laymen to understand due to its assumption of legal knowledge. It includes careful word usage, professional terms, reliance on sourcing and precedent, and high formality. Consumer advocacy organizations advocate for plain text translations to ensure understanding. Legalese is […]
Legal nurse consultants offer medical opinions for legal cases, reviewing medical records and working as expert witnesses. They can work for various employers and industries, including pharmaceutical, food, and personal care. They may also create plans for injured employees and work with attorneys during trials. Legal nurse consultant jobs vary greatly depending on the employer […]
Legal aid provides free legal assistance and representation for low-income individuals in cases such as divorce, domestic violence, paternity, child support, and custody. Criteria for qualifying vary by jurisdiction. Most countries offer legal aid, and every US state has at least one legal aid organization. Family legal aid organizations handle divorce, protection orders, paternity, and […]
Asset protection lawyers use techniques such as trusts, business entities, and retirement plans to minimize financial losses from litigation. However, not all techniques work, and judges may override them if they suspect fraud. Lawyers encourage clients to develop protection plans before litigation arises. Legal protection refers to asset protection techniques aimed at minimizing financial losses […]
A litigation attorney is necessary for anyone suing or being subpoenaed. It’s important to find an attorney with experience in the same type of law as the case. The attorney will advise on the preliminary course of action and may settle out of court. Counseling should take place at every stage of the process. Winning […]
Questions of law involve the interpretation of the law and are decided by a judge, while matters of fact concern concrete facts and are decided by a jury. Appeals usually focus on questions of law, and judges may issue written opinions that become part of the jurisprudence. A question of law is a question that […]
A legal guardian takes responsibility for another person’s legal, financial, healthcare, personal care, and educational decisions. They may need to file paperwork with the court system and prove their suitability. Adults with disabilities or mental health problems may also require a guardian. Becoming a guardian can be simple or complex, and a lawyer can help. […]
Changing custody requirements vary by jurisdiction. A formal procedure usually involves applying for custody, a fee, and a court hearing. A change may only be granted if it benefits the child or there is a change in circumstances. Mediation may be required before a court hearing. The requirements a person must meet to change custody […]
Legal fictions are assumptions of fact used to facilitate a fair resolution of a legal situation. They cannot challenge the law or obstruct justice. They are used to avoid cumbersome handling of a court case and can be challenged if they result in a mistrial. Examples include corporate personality, adoption, and handling wills and probate. […]
Legal aid companies offer free or low-cost legal services to low-income residents for civil cases such as divorce, landlord-tenant disputes, and bankruptcy. Funding comes from local, regional, or national sources, and eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction based on income and assets. Services range from counseling to representation by a licensed attorney, and fee waivers may […]
