Married couples have legal rights, but unmarried couples’ rights depend on jurisdiction. Common law marriage and written agreements can grant rights similar to marriage. Without legal protection, unmarried couples may face issues with decision-making, inheritance, and separation. While all countries and localities grant certain rights to married couples, things are much less predictable when it […]
Legal custody is the right of a divorced or separated parent to make important decisions for their child. Joint legal custody allows both parents to make decisions, while sole legal custody grants one parent this right. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. A custody agreement is necessary, but if not reached, a judge […]
Marriage for citizenship is illegal, and obtaining citizenship through marriage is a complex process that varies by country. In the US and UK, a conditional status is granted, and the legitimacy of the marriage is thoroughly investigated. Certain conditions, such as communicable diseases or criminal conduct, can render foreign-born citizens ineligible for residency or citizenship. […]
To become a legal analyst, one must have post-secondary legal training, relevant work experience, excellent communication skills, and pass the job interview process. Legal analysts analyze cases, produce legal opinions, and advise lawyers on strategies. They work independently in law firms or think tanks and require excellent research and writing skills. The job interview process […]
Legal notice is a right for parties in legal proceedings worldwide, with different methods of service depending on jurisdiction and type of case. In the US, defendants usually receive actual legal notice through authorized means, but public notice may be used when a defendant cannot be located. Constructive notice is used in real estate to […]
Legal disputes arise when parties cannot resolve their disagreements. They can involve contracts, property, naming rights, and fraud. Disputes can take months to resolve and involve issues such as copyright infringement, construction, and public funds mismanagement. A litigation is a lawsuit brought by one party against another party when it is unable to resolve its […]
Legal fraud is intentionally deceiving someone for personal gain, causing harm or injury. It can occur in various ways and victims have the right to seek compensation through a court of law. To prove legal fraud, the plaintiff must demonstrate complete ignorance of false information, evidence of damage or injury, and that the defendant had […]
Legal transactions can refer to payments made after a court case or an agreement to settle a case before a judge rules it. The terms of the settlement become a court order that all parties must comply with. Settlements can impose obligations on all parties and are often reached to avoid the expense and damage […]
Questions of law are decided by judges, while questions of fact are decided by juries. Judges use statutes, case law, and legal opinions to assess questions of law. Lawyers can raise questions of law during trials and appeals. Legal technicalities can create openings for appeals. Judges may issue opinions when there is no previous body […]
Legal defense funds provide legal aid to those who cannot afford it, often organized around a cause. They offer legal advice and education, participate in class action lawsuits, and work with lawmakers to protect civil rights. They are supported by donations and may assist individuals with legal expenses. A legal defense fund is a charitable […]
Legal evidence is material used to prove or disprove a point in a legal case. There are different types of evidence, including witness testimony, documentary evidence, demonstrative evidence, and real evidence. The evidence must be relevant and presented in its original form, with exceptions for fragile or destroyed evidence. The goal is to ensure only […]
DNA analysis can identify or exonerate criminals, determine paternity, and save lives. It can also be used to identify endangered species and authenticate rare treats. DNA laws vary by location. A deoxyribonucleic acid analysis, or DNA analysis, can legally be used to identify or exonerate criminals or crime suspects. It can also be used to […]
The difference between salary and overtime depends on labor laws. In the US, salary is fixed pay while hourly wages vary based on hours worked. Overtime is paid to hourly workers, while salaried workers may be exempt. The legal difference between salary and overtime depends on the labor laws in a particular country, region or […]
Legal software is used by lawyers and laymen to complete law-related tasks, such as document management and creating legal documents. Practice management software can include billing and financial organization tools, while specialized software can address areas such as criminal law and estate planning. Legal software for laymen includes applications for creating legally valid documents. Software […]
Law clinics are facilities run by law schools that provide free legal services to the public while training students in clinical law. Students gain experience handling real legal problems and work under supervision. Clinics can specialize in various areas of law and help communities with serious issues. Any citizen can visit a clinic for assistance, […]
During a free legal consultation, the attorney will listen to the client’s situation and offer options, but will not give legal advice. It’s common to speak to multiple attorneys before deciding who to hire, and privacy laws prevent attorneys from sharing personal information. It’s important to find an attorney who makes the client feel comfortable. […]
Legal abuse is the use of the legal system to cause mental distress, often through unfounded lawsuits or threats of legal action. It can lead to a state of mind similar to PTSD and is often referred to as Legal Abuse Syndrome. Legal abuse refers to the use of a legal system to cause mental […]
Legal funding includes plaintiff, defendant, law firm, legal aid, and private financing. Legal aid is public or non-profit money for low-income individuals. Private financing is available through loan companies for parties awaiting settlement or to file a lawsuit. Legal financing can provide access to courts for those who cannot afford it. Private financing groups provide […]
Legal services plans offer basic legal advice and services for a fixed membership fee, with additional fees for more complex matters. They are managed by a network of attorneys and can benefit individuals and small businesses. Prospective members should research the plan’s track record, services, and costs before joining. A legal services plan is an […]
Legal aid services, provided by non-profit organizations, offer free assistance in areas such as family law, immigration, consumer disputes, and elder law to low-income individuals. Law schools may also provide similar services through clinical programs. Bar associations can provide a list of organizations and private practice attorneys offering free legal services. Victims of domestic violence […]