Category: Law

Despite good intentions and considerable effort, some marriages do fall apart. When you have decided to file for divorce in North Carolina, you must consider reading up on state laws. While the law doesn’t require you to hire an attorney, it is best to seek legal representation, just for your own interests and rights. Also, if you have a minor child, the divorce can get messy in no time, especially when both parents don’t agree on important aspects. In such cases, talking to a Charlotte child custody lawyer can help in tiding through the tough times, for a more amicable divorce and separation. In this post, we are sharing more on child custody laws in North Carolina.

Understand how child custody laws work

In almost every state, the court always take a decision considering the “best interests of the child”. North Carolina is no different. However, the courts here usually want parents to settle the concerns related to child custody and support matters outside of court. Most child custody disputes in the state are actually resolved like that. This kind of allows the parents to cooperate with one another and come with a parenting and custody agreement that’s acceptable to both sides. 

What if the co-parents cannot agree?

The court will ask co-parents to go for mediation, to find a possible arrangement that’s in the best interest of the child and is acceptable to both parents. If that doesn’t happen, courts usually granted primary custody to one parent, depending on all other factors. In most cases, parents can share legal custody of the child, but typically, one parent only has visitation rights and not physical custody. There is, however, no favoring in such decisions. For instance, the court will consider income of the parents, ability to pay for support, ability to be present for the child, and if there was a history of domestic violence or abuse in the past. 

Call a child custody lawyer

When you want the best interests of your child and wish to retain your rights as a parent at the same time, talk to a skilled attorney. A good child custody lawyer knows what it takes to handle such circumstances, and even when you are not talking to your spouse, they can encourage communication. Your lawyer can talk to your spouse and their lawyer, to come to an agreement that is fair and will be acceptable in court. 

Not all marriages are made in heaven. If divorce seems like an impending decision in your marriage, probably it’s time to take action. Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory to file for divorce in North Carolina, but you definitely need legal representation. In this post, we are discussing more on basics of NC divorce and why you must consider engaging one of experienced Wilmington attorneys. 

Basics for divorce  

North Carolina is among the states that allows for no-fault divorce. This means that you don’t need a specific ground or blame your spouse to get a divorce. However, there are also valid grounds – incurable insanity and marital misconduct – for filing for divorce in North Carolina. The requirements include staying apart and separately for at least a period of one year. This should be a continuous year. Also, to file for divorce here, one of the spouses must be resident of North Carolina and must have lived in the state for at least six months. 

Should you hire an attorney for your divorce?

While this is a personal call, there are many benefits of having an attorney by your side, such as- 

1. Expertise. You know that a lawyer can guide on all aspects of your divorce. For instance, for some couples, legal separation may make more sense than an absolute divorce. Your lawyer can also offer insight on grounds and options that will make the whole process as simple as possible. 
2. Protecting your interests. You may agree on many aspects of the divorce and probably are in sync with your spouse on important considerations. However, you still need an attorney, just to protect your rights and interests. Your lawyer will ensure that you don’t take a decision that can impact your future adversely. 
3. For negotiations. When a couple decides to file for divorce, matters like child custody, child support, and alimony become immediate concerns. To avoid ugly fights and a court case, it makes sense to allow an attorney to handle negotiations related to the divorce. They can talk with your spouse and their lawyer, to minimize friction. 

A skilled divorce lawyer in NC can ensure that you are aware of all options. Also, it is quite a relief to know that an expert is taking care of the paperwork and divorce proceedings. Talk to your lawyer in advance about your expectations related to the divorce, so that they can offer genuine advice on resolving issues. 

 

You may have heard of cases, where people have suffered renal failure and kidney diseases because of proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec and Nexium. Something like this can impact your life and ability to work in more ways than one. The good news is you can contact a proton pump inhibitor lawyer to get assistance for your case. A skilled lawyer is your best bet at ensuring that your lawsuit is strong enough and you get the compensation you deserve. In this post, we are sharing more on proton pump inhibitors and things worth knowing. 

What is proton pump inhibitor used for?

PPI or proton pump inhibitor is used for reducing acid levels in the stomach lining. In general, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed for patients dealing with diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease and ulcers of the stomach. PPIs are typically consumed in form of capsules and tablets. 

Risks related to PPIs

People who are using proton pump inhibitors are at a higher risk of diseases, such as dementia, pneumonia, pancreatitis, live ailments, kidney disease, and heart disease among other things. PPIs can lead to chronic kidney disease, and there comes a point when you may need dialysis. Taking proton pump inhibitors for a long time can impact your bones, making you more prone to fractures. 

Why should you ask for compensation?

Considering the side effects of proton pump inhibitors, it is not wrong to assume that a patient may have to pay considerable medical bills out of the pocket because of the risks and side effects. Now, just because you used a proton pump inhibitor doesn’t mean that your case is strong enough, or you can bring a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company. Instead, you need to consult a lawyer, who will determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case and guide you further on the lawsuit. 

Working with a lawyer

If you, or someone you know, have been injured because of PPIs, it makes sense to talk to a lawyer. Most law firms will be happy to offer a free and no-obligation case consultation, so you can discuss every aspect of your case. Your lawyer is also the best person to explain how much you can realistically expect in compensation and if your entire claim is worth the time and effort. 

Lawyers usually work on a contingency basis on these cases, so you only pay them for your civil lawsuit, if they win. 

 

 

Regardless of the value of your estate, you must plan for what will happen to your assets while you are still alive and when you die. An experienced McKinney estate planning attorney can help you create a living trust which can ensure your assets are distributed quickly, avoid unnecessary taxes, and keep your wishes private. Before you write a living trust, your attorney will let you consider the following tips:

Create a List of your Assets

Your list should include everything you own. These include tangible items such as your house, car, and jewelry as well as intangible ones such as bonds, stocks, and life insurance policies. This list will help you get a clear picture of your estate and decide how you would want to distribute them when you die. Also, ensure you have all of the paperwork such as titles, stock certificates, deeds, and life insurance policies in order. You will need to hand these documents to your lawyer to prepare your living trust. You may not want to hold all your property in your living trust. Consider including just the big-ticket items that would otherwise go through probate.

Pick Your Beneficiaries

You must name the people who will receive assets when you die before you write your living trust. Your beneficiaries can include family members, friends, or charities. Also, take into account the people you don’t want to receive anything. Discuss this with your lawyer.

Remember that if your insurance policies or retirement or saving accounts have beneficiaries named, these may conflict with your plans regarding your living trust. Make sure to discuss this with your attorney to prevent your beneficiaries from facing legal battles after your death.

Pick a Successor Trustee

In a living trust, you serve as the trustee, so you continuously take control of your assets during your lifetime. But, you need to have a successor trustee who will pay your debts and distribute your assets based on your instructions after you die. Also, should you be incapacitated, your chosen successor trustee would also handle your affairs. After you make your choice, discuss it with your chosen individual to ensure they are willing to take on this responsibility.

Pick a Person Who Will Manage your Property for your Young Children

If you have children or young adults who you want to inherit your property, you must pick an adult to manage what they will inherit. You can make them a property guardian, a trustee, or a property custodian, so they can have authority over a child’s property.

 

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has hardly hit people in West Virginia and throughout the country. Since April of last year, millions of people filed unemployment claims. As the coronavirus is still in full effect in communities and businesses starting to reopen or still closed, a lot of Americans are expected to file bankruptcy claims. If this global crisis has left you experiencing serious financial difficulties and you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you must seek advice from a reputable bankruptcy lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia. Your attorney will guide you through the filing process and help you understand your options. Here are tips to help you get started:

Explore your Options

If you have mounting debts you can no longer manage to pay back, you have some options. You can continue to make your minimum payments, negotiate a settlement with the debt collectors, or file for bankruptcy. Usually, it is logical to explore your options first before considering filing for bankruptcy. 

Ask About Assistance Programs from Your Lender

Because of the current pandemic, a lot of regulators, lawmakers, and financial institutions are rolling out several assistance programs you can take advantage of. In fact, some major lenders have developed hardship programs to allow their borrowers to defer some payments, including credit card debt, student loan debt, and car loans. If the pandemic has left you in financial turmoil, contact your lender and ask about any assistance programs they are likely offering. 

Understand your Filing Options

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the most common kinds of bankruptcy filed. If you choose a Chapter 7 filing, you will need to sell some of your assets to pay off your debt. Your outstanding debt will be wiped clean when the bankruptcy is approved. Meanwhile, if you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a repayment plan will be made to let you pay off all of your debt within three to five years. This type of bankruptcy is a typical option for people who are behind on their mortgage payments and are in fear of foreclosures. With this option, these people won’t lose their homes in the process. 

No matter which bankruptcy you want to file for, you need to appear in court to get the various aspects of your case approved by a judge. While the majority of federal courts shuttered during the start of the pandemic, a lot are open now. But, as courthouses are still close to the public, a lot of court hearings are being held online.

A work-related injury can have devasting impact your personal life. You could be out of work for weeks, and bills and expenses can pile up in no time. In some states and specific cases, it is not possible to sue the employer, but you can definitely demand a compensation for your injuries. Sad news is many work injuries happen over a period of time, and sometimes, the pain and suffering are not immediately apparent after the incident. Working with a Tucson workers compensation attorney can help your case, and if you are wondering if you need legal help, here are some reasons to consider.

–   You don’t know your rights and the law. In general, workers’ compensation is always complicated, and many victims don’t even report their injuries, because they don’t believe that the matter holds any premise in the legal word. That’s now it all works, and you have to consider talking to a lawyer, who can explain your rights.

–   You have been offered a low amount. How much is your workers’ compensation claim worth? It is hard to just guess, because every single aspect must be considered. For instance, does the injury impact your life after a few years? Will you have the same quality of life after getting better? Are you likely to be out of work? These are some of the things that must be considered, beyond the immediate medical bills.

–   Your employer is not cooperating. Insurance companies are not quick to accept claims, and in many cases, employers just don’t want to deal with the consequences of the incident. In such times, having an attorney by your side will help in making the most of workers’ compensation laws and what you are entitled to.

Check online now for the law firms in Tucson for workers’ compensation cases.

 

Despite so much being written about on-road safety and current strict laws, the number of auto accidents in the US is astonishingly high. Many accidents have fatalities, while in others, victims suffer serious injuries and losses. If you believe that your injuries in a car accident is because of someone else’s fault, you should consider filing a personal injury claim. While not compulsory, hiring a Yuma car accident attorney may benefit your case in more ways than one. Here are some aspects worth knowing.

How can an attorney help?

Attorneys with experience in handling car accident cases can do the following –

–   Initiate an early investigation into the accident

–   Talk to doctors and medical experts to know injuries and impact better

–   Reconstruct the accident scene

–   Review the possible ways in which the case can shape up

–   Handle all the paperwork involved

–   Talk and negotiate with insurance companies

–   Go to trial where needed

Most attorneys have their own approach to the job, but you can expect an experienced lawyer to give you a fair idea of the possible outcomes. Where needed, your attorney will also talk to authorities, police, and get witnesses, to prove your claim.

Dealing with a lawsuit

Sometimes, it may happen that the other party believes you are at fault and file a lawsuit. Having an attorney is important, because you don’t want to get punished for a crime that you haven’t committed. Even when you are at fault, you need a lawyer to defend you in the case.

Without an attorney, you are really on your own. Find a car accident attorney that you can trust, and make sure that you meet them in person before you hire them for the case. Experience of an attorney is worth paying for, especially in case of auto accidents.