Marriage provides more legal rights than cohabitation, including property rights, child custody, and financial support. Common law marriage grants some legal rights, but varies by location. Domestic partnerships offer similar rights to marriage through a legally binding contract, while cohabitation lacks legal documentation. Citizenship may also be affected by marriage or domestic partnership. The main […]
Legal contract age is the age at which a person can enter into a binding agreement. In most developed countries, minors cannot be bound by contracts, but there are exceptions. The legal age of contract varies by jurisdiction and can be affected by mental capacity and emancipation. Legal contract age refers to how old a […]
Legal counsel provides legal assistance to clients, ensuring their actions are lawful. They may specialize in areas such as family law, employment law, or commercial law. They can research, provide materials, and act as an advocate for clients. Government officials and companies often employ legal counsel, and individuals can seek legal advice from legal aid […]
Defamation is false information that harms a person’s reputation. Libel is written defamation, while slander is spoken. To sue for legal slander, the victim must prove that others understood the statement as defamatory. Defenses include truth, accident, consent, privilege, and opinion. Public figures must prove malice in defamation cases. Defamation per se assumes harm in […]
Legal proceedings involve court processes for criminal or civil cases, such as claims or seeking redress. Costs and the need for a lawyer vary. A court document initiates proceedings, with fees required. Everyone involved is bound by rules and granted rights, such as the right to defend oneself. Legal proceedings refer to processes involving a […]
Financial institutions must keep legal reserves to meet obligations from deposits and premium payments. The reserve requirement is set by the central bank or government and ensures institutions can pay claims in dire situations. The reserve requirement can also affect a nation’s economy. Insurance companies have complex reserve calculations based on each policy issued. A […]
Legal experts are called to testify in court due to their specific knowledge, experience, or education. Their status as an expert is established by considering their educational background, work experience, and accolades. The expert must handle pressure and express opinions and facts clearly. They form their expert opinion based on information and research, and may […]
Legal aid provides assistance to low-income individuals with legal matters. Legal aid organizations are common in urban areas and offer free or low-cost legal aid to qualified individuals. Funding comes from governments, donations, and volunteer hours. Legal aid attorneys can help with civil cases, connect clients with social service agencies, and provide affordable legal services. […]
Breaking company policies, breaking the law, being intoxicated, losing qualifications, and reaching retirement age can be grounds for termination. Disciplinary procedures can reduce wrongful termination claims, but employers must have adequate evidence before firing. Violating a company’s policies on numerous occasions despite warnings may be grounds for termination. Usually a person can be fired if […]
Prepaid Legal Services offer access to attorneys for consultations, document review, preparation, and legal representation in court. Members pay a monthly fee and can access services through direct sales, independent representatives, or employers. Attorneys operate independently and members can select from a list of participating attorneys. Court representation is available at a discounted rate or […]
Statutory liens are legal claims on property that allow creditors to collect a debt without a court order or property owner’s consent. They vary by region and can be automatic, such as tax liens, or created by certain transactions, such as mechanics’ liens. Liens can only be revoked by settling the debt and can negatively […]
Legal aid services are available for low-income residents who cannot afford legal advice. Eligibility is based on income and other financial information. Legal aid lawyers are generally well-educated and qualified, but in some cases, recipients can choose private attorneys. Seeking legal aid early and being honest with the lawyer can greatly influence the outcome of […]
Legal judgments are decisions made by judges in response to arguments and evidence presented by attorneys. They typically include a statement of facts, an application of relevant law, and a legal judgment. There are several types of legal judgments, including summary judgments, default judgments, and declaratory judgments. Legal judgments can be appealed for mistrial, change […]
A legal memorandum presents a legal problem and conclusion, with varying expectations and formats. It includes identifying information, a legal issue, relevant facts, applicable law, and a conclusion. The memo should have a recipient’s name, author’s name, date, and a short title. The legal issue is usually presented in a question format, followed by a […]
Legal writing is technical and uses legal authority to construct opinions, statutes, and administrative regulations. It may use technical terms unique to the legal profession and aims to express legal opinions or persuade readers. It also involves drafting legal documents and using templates to streamline the process. Legal writing is a type of technical writing […]
Legal disclaimers are used to define and limit duties between parties in various situations, but standardization is difficult. They may not always limit risk, as willful breach of duty can still result in liability. Disclaimers must be properly communicated and accepted to be valid. A legal disclaimer is a disclaimer or limitation of liability between […]
Becoming a legal consultant requires a law degree, passing an entrance exam, and obtaining licenses and certifications. Developing skills in reading, writing, decision-making, and public speaking before law school is also important. Legal consultants can work for law firms or other agencies, and networking is a useful tool for finding employment. Becoming a legal consultant […]
Legal remedies are used to resolve disputes and compensate those who have been wronged. They include compensating for injuries, enforcing contracts, and issuing injunctions. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of fraud. Divorce decrees may include provisions for asset division, child custody, and alimony. Legal remedies are used by a court to resolve claims […]
A defense attorney is a military lawyer who acts as legal adviser to the command to which they are attached. They undergo special training in military law and perform a wide variety of legal duties, including practicing civil and military labor law. They are essential to the planning and execution of military operations and are […]
Legal death is declared by a qualified individual when further medical care is no longer suitable for a patient. Specific conditions must be met, and brain death is considered a coma that cannot be reversed. Cryonics can be legally performed after a patient has been declared legally dead. Legal death occurs when a qualified individual […]