You work in a shoe store in a trendy Houston neighborhood, and your first customer of the day has asked you if you have a particular sandal in her size. When you go to the stockroom to check, you slip in a puddle of mop water that your coworker forgot to clean up the night before. You fall heavily to the floor and sprain your ankle so badly it hurts to stand, let alone walk. Do you have a legal claim against your Read More
The Difference Between Elder Law and Estate Planning
The terms “elder law” and “estate planning” are often used interchangeably, but in fact, they are two separate, yet related, areas of law. As the average lifespan increases, individuals have to consider what type of quality of life they want in their golden years and how they will achieve it. They also, of course, must make considerations for what will happen after they pass away. This is the primary difference Read More
Six Essential Pieces of a Pre-Planned Adoption Agreement
When you choose to become a parent through surrogacy, it’s important to take the time to cover all of your legal bases. Surrogacy, also referred to in some states as “pre-planned adoption”, is a complex area of law that protects the rights of the contractual surrogate and the intended parents. A pre-planned adoption agreement is a comprehensive contract that should include several different components. Date and Read More
What You Need to Know About Medicaid Eligibility As You Age
In recent years, the cost of care for elderly people -- such as nursing home enrollment, adult daycare programs, and in-home care -- has skyrocketed beyond what most people can afford. Even people who have never struggled to make ends meet financially throughout their adulthood look at the costs of being cared for as they age and think, “There is no way I will ever be able to afford that.” How do people afford care Read More
3 Possible Legal Issues Surrounding Military Retirement Benefits
One of the perks of choosing a career in the military is what comes after – retirement benefits. As a US Service member, you are eligible for pensions and medical benefits upon retirement, which will certainly come in handy in your post-military life. To retire from the military, you must have typically been in service for at least 20 years. However, there are certain instances where you can retire due to medical Read More
Understanding the Difference Between Dependent and Independent Estate Administration
There are generally two ways to settle estates in Texas: dependent and independent estate administration. The probate process will depend on the route you take, so it is important to understand the difference between the two types of administration. Here is how dependent and independent estate administration differ. Dependent Administration Dependent administration is usually used when there are disputes among Read More
How to Protect Your Company’s Trade Secrets
The importance of protecting your company’s trade secrets cannot be overemphasized. Trade secrets are the reason behind your company’s success. The continued success of your business will depend primarily on your ability to keep this information from your competitors' hands. While there are certain laws that protect intangible assets such as trade secrets, you and your associates must do your part too. Here are a few Read More
4 Reasons to Contest a Will
Contesting a Will is not as simple as most people believe. You cannot challenge a Will solely because you do not agree with its terms. There are certain legal elements that must be established first, and proving each one of them is not a walk in the park. The process involves a large expenditure, from expert fees to attorney’s fees to the court fees. However, if you can prove that at least one of these elements Read More
5 Benefits of Choosing Mediation for Your Divorce
Divorce is often a messy and painful affair, and it can be very costly as well. The good news is that there is an alternative to make it less stressful and more affordable. This method is known as mediation – a unique approach to divorce that offers a smoother conflict resolution process between feuding couples, ultimately leading to a less volatile, more productive separation for everyone involved. Mediation uses Read More
Understanding the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid
How well have you planned for your healthcare? Do you have proper coverage in case anything unfortunate happens? Medicare and Medicaid are two government-run healthcare programs that were created to cater to older and lower-income citizens who cannot afford to buy private health insurance. While these programs were both introduced in 1965 to relieve low-income families of the burden of illness, they are different in Read More
