Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

My Father's Will

The year was 1981, the state was Florida, and I had just flown back from Germany for my father's funeral. My sister and her family were down from New York, and, a few days after the funeral, we were sitting with my mother in a lawyer's office in downtown Pensacola. My mother had just learned that she didn't have any say over what happened to the money she and my father had saved over the year. . .

What About Alabama Child Support!

Alabama Child SupportIn order to receive Alabama child support you must first establish child support. In order to establish child support in the state of Alabama, you must make sure you have a court order verifying the amount of medical support and payment required. You must also locate the non-custodial parent who is avoiding child support. Some parents avoid paying child support by relocatin. . .

What Comes After Sarbanes Oxley?

The Sarbanes Oxley Act was passed in 2002 to curb accounting abuses that led to the bankruptcy and financial ruin of several major companies, and the loss of billions of dollars to investors who have every right to expect their money to be safe. The Sarbanes Oxley Act is a major auditing nightmare for most companies, though no one is questioning its necessity.When it was first implemented in 20. . .

Law School Does A Great Job Of Training Lawyers To Be Pro...

That's Part Of The Reason Their Own Marketing Efforts Are Destined To Fail.Here Are 8 Great Suggestions From Law Firm Marketing Professionals That Are Guaranteed To Produce Results. Lawyers practice law, NOT marketing. Effective marketing takes a certain amount of faith and patience. It just doesn't happen overnight. To make matters worse most lawyers tend to over analyze any marketing plan. So. . .

Road Accident Compensation

Before making a road accident compensation claim, there are special issues which may affect liability.Council Immunity: This states that a victims injury may limit an injury victim's ability to sue when the driver of the vehicle that causes an accident is a council employee who is working at the time of the accident, or where the accident involves a council-owned vehicle in view of a road accid. . .

Product Liability and Personal Injury Compensation Claims...

There are strict laws in the UK governing the manufacture and sale of products. If a manufacturer sell a product that is defective and the defects cause injury, loss or damage then that manufacturer is liable to pay compensation. Fortunately, suing a manufacturer for compensation in a product liability case is easier than you think. Products Liability is generally considered a strict liability . . .

Stress at Work in the UK

At Claims Master Group we understand the unhappiness, depression ill health and stress which can be brought on by bad working conditions & unfair working practices. In many cases, there are good grounds for claiming compensation for stress at work For example:Unrealistic service levels or deadlines at work causing stress and depressionThe rise in sexual discrimination can lead to stress and dep. . .

Road Traffic Accidents

Regrettably, most of us will experience a road traffic accident at some time in our lives. If you are involved a road traffic accident, even if you are fortunate enough to not be injured, there is valuable advice you should follow including things that you should and shouldn't do.If you, a friend or a loved one is unfortunate enough to suffer a personal injury from a road traffic accident, you . . .

Road Traffic Accident Compensation

Most road traffic accident compensation involves two drivers, with a driver or passenger from the one vehicle seeking compensation from the driver of the second vehicle. Based on evidence that the accident was caused through negligence. The road traffic accident compensation claim will lead to legal proceedings that will involve the driver and possibly, passengers of both vehicles claiming inju. . .

14 Steps You Can Take to Prevent Identity Theft

Becoming a major epidemic, Identity Theft occurs when a criminal uses another person's personal information to take on that person's identity. Identity theft includes the misuse of a Social Security number, credit cards, mail fraud, scam, schemes, frauds, or any other form of misuse or abuse of a victim’s identity.The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, known commonly as FACTA, was put in. . .

How To Sue eBay and Paypal and Drive Up Their Legal Costs

Consumers who have experienced unfair business practices from eBay and Paypal, e.g., where the companies refuse to live up to their buyer protection programs, may have recourse in a court of law. Typically unsatisfied consumers have bought a product on eBay or pay for it using Paypal only to find that the article is not as represented, is a different color or size than pictured, or arrives in a. . .

Cobra Notice

AN EMPLOYEE QUIT LAST YEAR AND YOU'RE PRETTY CERTAIN THAT YOU SENT HIM A COBRA NOTICE, BUT CAN=T PROVE IT. YOU WANT TO KNOW YOUR POTENTIAL LIABILITY? B IT COULD BE STAGGERING!An employer is required to notify an employee and qualified beneficiaries of their rights to continue their group health plan benefits within 14 days from the date notified of a Aqualifying event.@ 26 U.S.C. '4980B(f)(6)(. . .

Don't Let The New Bankruptcy Law Scare You

On October 17, 2005 the world of bankruptcy law changed for the worse. Or did it? Is it really that much harder to file bankruptcy under the new bankruptcy law?In the run up to the effective date of the new law, bankruptcy filings increased to record numbers in virtually every bankruptcy court district in the United States. Scary terms like "means test" and "bankruptcy credit counseling" seemed. . .

Understanding The Lemon Law

Lemon laws were designed to protect the consumer. Buying a vehicle is one of the major purchases a person can make and having protection against a bad deal is important. Lemon laws differ from state to state, but the basics of the law are standard throughout the United States.The lemon law gives consumers a basic definition of what considers a vehicle to be a lemon. It also states the manufactu. . .

Junk Faxes – New California Law Challenged

I hate junk faxes. You hate junk faxes. We all hate junk faxes! California legislators passed a law banning them, but it has been delayed to a legal challenge. Junk Fax Prevention ActIn 2005, the State of California passed the Junk Fax Prevention Act. Legislators were reacting to the bevy of businesses screaming about the junk faxes being received daily. The problem with junk faxes, besides bei. . .

How to Fool a Breathalyzer

Want to trick a breath machine into a low test result? Or make sure that you're not causing a false high reading? Not that difficult, says a law firm of San Diego DUI attorneys and lawyers: just control your breathing.The simple fact is that these breath machines which determine guilt or innocence in DUI cases are not exactly the reliable devices that law enforcement would have us believe. Ther. . .

Courtroom FEA: FEA = Finite Element Analysis

As a product liability professional, it is important that you know what Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can do for you. If you don't, your adversary might. Whether you serve plaintiffs, defendants or both, you're probably already familiar with FEA.Simply put, if a loss, injury or death is due to something bending or breaking, FEA can help explain the failure.An experienced FEA expert can determin. . .

Preparing for 2006 – Getting Your Legal Life In Order

As we wave goodbye to 2005 and charge into 2006, it is time to get your house in order. This is particularly true for the legal issues in your life. Legal PlanningAs drab as it may seem, legal planning can help you avoid disasters in your life. With the turn of the calendar, now is the time to give your life and business some thought. On the family front, you should be thinking about changes yo. . .

Patents: So You Have An Idea - So What?

Okay, you have come up with a fantastic idea that will solve all the woes of the universe - or at least make you $millions$ - what do you do? How do you start?Well, the first thing to do is get all your ducks in a row. Start a hard-bound journal and put everything in writing. Draw pictures or diagrams of how your invention works. Date and sign each page, and get someone you trust to look at it . . .

Avoid Feeling Used - Research Before Being Stuck With A U...

You can save a lot of money when buying a used car. However, before you sign on the dotted line and fork over your hard earned cash, do a little research on your state’s lemon laws to see if you could have a potential used car lemon on your hands. By gathering up your research on your potential "new" used car right now, you could be saving a whole lot of heartache. After all, you do not want to. . .

How Do I Become a Mediator?

People from a wide variety of backgrounds can make good mediators. Presently, California has no mediator licensing requirements, which makes the answer to the question “How do I become a mediator?” as individual as the mediators themselves.Before embarking on the journey to become a mediator, there are some questions you may wish to ask yourself in order to have a realistic approach in develop. . .

What's the Difference Between: A Lawyer, Solicitor, Advoc...

Have you ever wondered where all these somewhat confusing terms came from? Well the answer is they are all types of Lawyers originated from various legal systems. Some of the terms are from the English legal system, some are from Scotland and some from the American legal system.An Attorney is somebody legally empowered to represent another person, or act on their behalf.A Lawyer is somebody who. . .

What Does It Take To Be A Lawyer?

When you see all these handsome Lawyers in TV series like LA Law, sitting in their fancy offices, driving these flashy cars, have you ever realized what they have been through in terms of time, years of education, money, Certifications etc’.Let me Describe to you the Lawyers course of training. Formal educational requirements for lawyers include a 4-year college degree, 3 years in law school, a. . .

What Is The Lemon Law - A Concise Definition

Lemon law refers to the statement from the government that was created to protect consumers from defective piece of automobile. An automobile that has manufacturing defect or if it asks for repeated repairs after purchase and if the automobile is under warranty period, such a vehicle is termed as a lemon. A law was placed for the benefit of consumers to prevent them from a lemon vehicle. In a n. . .

How To Choose The Right Disability Lawyer / Attorney

Research shows that people spend WAY more time selecting a car then they do an attorney – of any type! However, if you are looking for, and need, the services of a Disability Lawyer, it is STRONGLY recommended that you spend time preparing a search for, actually selecting, and actively working with the “right” one for you. Here are some suggestions for you in this process.WHY WOULD I NEED A DIS. . .

DISABILITY and WORKING: Making the Systems Work For You

In a previous article, we discussed the JAN – the Job Accommodation Network, and just how valuable a resource that link is to those of us who are disabled, yet still working.Alsoin that article, we left me as the VP-HR for an entire Ship Repair Yard. As you can probably imagine, my job description was very extensive. For example, consider the following.Ø I was responsible for, and/or did all th. . .

Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 Or Was That Page Not Found 404!

Sarbanes Oxley 404 refers to the section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley act according to which it entitles to have stricter internal controls while documenting the financial status of the company. Most of the senior executive in the top corporate world emphasize on compliance with Sarbanes Oxley 404 section. Sarbanes Oxley 404 is directed towards management, members of corporate teams working toward. . .

Consumer Protection In The Form Of A Used Car Lemon Law

Lemon law was created to protect consumers from faulty and defective automobiles. Used car lemon law refers to legal support to consumers from buying used cars that turn out to be lemons. According the used car lemon law, the dealer needs to provide a written warranty. The written warranty as per used car lemon law ensures that the dealer shall repair, free of charge, any defects in covered par. . .

Scaffolding Accidents in the UK

We all know how hazardous shoddy scaffolding can be. Insecure bracing, poor materials, unsafe construction, lack of attention to safety board regulations – all lead to scaffolding accidents all over the UK. An estimated 2.3 million construction workers, or 65 percent of the construction industry, work on scaffolds frequently. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents may prevent . . .

9 Sensible Steps To Prevent Identity Theft BEFORE It Happens

Unfortunately, identity theft has become the crime of the new millenium. Though credit card companies and various agencies work to prevent it, it is, ultimately, the responsibility of each individual to take their own precautionary measures against this crime. Fortunately, there are some simple changes that can be taken, even today, to protect ourselves and, better still, prevent a theft from. . .

Motor Insurers Bureau Compensation Claims

It's a fairly common practice, claiming compensation from the another driver’s insurance company in the event of a road traffic incident. However, if the driver whom you had the accident with had left the scene and subsequently cannot be trace - then what? Also, what can you do if the other driver doesn't have insurance? Well thankfully, you may still be able to make a claim compensation from t. . .

Road Traffic Accidents Legal Proceedings

Even though there have been advancements in road and car safety, road traffic accidents are still common place in our society. Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will be involved in a serious road traffic accident at least once in their lifetime. We will discuss when such accidents may lead to legal proceedings.If you are involved in a car accident, you should speak to a legal expe. . .

Pucker Up On The Latest Lemon Law

Is your car making you pucker up like you have eaten a lemon? A spoonful of sugar will not make it all better. You need to brush up on the latest lemon laws in your state. It seems you may have gotten a dud of a car, a car lemon for lack of a better term. So you can brush up on the latest lemon law or you can consult with one of probably many lemon law attorneys available in your state.Let us s. . .

If You Had To Choose Just One Way To Attract New Web Base...

What would that way be? Ask 10 different “lawyer marketing experts” and you will probably get 10 different answers. They may not all agree on which way is best, but you can bet an elephant not one would dispute the fact that if you want to get noticed in 2006 you better deliver great information in the form of a content rich web presence.Great information? Content rich? Web presence? Where is t. . .

The 7 Common Myths of Divorce

1. One lawyer is a good as another.There is a tremendous difference between lawyers. Some are down to earth and some are distant and hostile. Some call you back the same day and others wait 5 days to call you. There are attorneys that only practice in divorce and marital law. Others are like a jack of all trades – they practice in divorce, criminal law, bankruptcy, etc. But remember the ol. . .

Gem State Idaho Child Support

Establishing and Enforcing Idaho Child Support OrdersIf you do not already have a child support order, Idaho Child Support Services office can help you navigate the legal requirements to get one. To begin the process, you must provide as much information as possible to the child support office regarding your child and the non-custodial parent. Information that may be requested includes contact . . .

Patent Writing India

The Patents (Amendment) Act, 2002 The Patents (Amendment) Act, 2002 was passed by Parliament in May, 2002 and notified in June, 2003. The Act has been made effective from May, 2003 and has brought about lot of changes.Salient Features:The salient features of the Patents (Amendment) Act 2002 are as follows:A. Modification of term invention:The Sec. 2 (1)(j) of Patent (Amendment) Act 2002, define. . .

How to Apply for A Lawsuit Loan

Often when a person is involved in a personal injury accident they will find themselves unable to work and slowly running out of funds. Although at some point the person may receive an insurance settlement that will ultimately compensate them for the injuries they have received, the typical personal injury accident victim has to often figure out what to do until they receive this settlement. . . .

Lawsuit Cash Advances - Things to Consider

In recent years people who have been involved in personal injury accidents have discovered that they can receive a lawsuit cash advance against the proceeds they ultimately receive from a personal injury accident settlement. For the person who is injured enough from an accident so as to be unable to work and earn a living, a lawsuit cash advance can provide a very timely financial solution to t. . .

Are Drug Addicts Victims Or Criminals?

This article is about people who are addicted to illegal drugs, not people who become addicted to prescription drugs that were originaly prescribed by a licensed physician for a legitimate reason. According to most defense attorneys, politicians, religious leaders, Hollywood celebrities and Democrats as well as many prosecutors and judges and as well as a large part of the American public who h. . .

Student Loans – Lose Social Security Benefits If You Don’...

A vast majority of people take out student loans to pay for higher education. The Supreme Court has decided to make social security benefits a means of repaying them. No Benefits For You!While millions borrow money to attend college and graduate school, not everyone pays this money back. The failure to pay can result from circumstances such as a slow job market, failure to finish school and hea. . .

Pfizer's Bextra Faces Its First Lawsuit

For years, Merck has been under scrutiny for a number of drugs, most recently Vioxx. The recall of Vioxx has shares down by more than 40 percent and facing hundreds of lawsuits that could cost them billions of dollars. However, Merck is not alone in the scrutiny that this pharmaceutical company faces. Pfizer, the maker of Bextra and Celebrex, painkillers in the same family as Vioxx, is facin. . .

Patent Primer

If you are in the business of thinking up new products or processes, or even if you are just a back-yard tinkerer, consider obtaining patent protection for your inventions.What a Patent Is - And Is NotA patent is a form of protection for intellectual property, which is property generated by human thought and invention. Other forms of intellectual property include copyright and trademark.Patents. . .

Are You Thinking Of Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you have been arrested or accused of a crime that has the potential of jail or prison time, you may want to seriously consider hiring an attorney to represent you. Unless you don’t mind the possibility of spending time in jail, you’ll probably want the services of an attorney. Almost any expert will strongly advise a person against representing him or herself in court unless they are very kn. . .

You Were Served Divorce Papers? A 3 Day Action Plan

Today• Don't panic - best decisions are made with a cool, calm head• Sit down, relax, and read the divorce papers several times.• Don't call your spouse in anger - no contact is best for now.• Read up on divorce - knowledge always helps take the fear away.• When you finish the above steps, take a short break and then read all of the divorce papers again until you thoroughly understand what is a. . .

Identity Theft - Red Flags That May Indicate You're a Victim

You've heard the "buzz" about identity theft, but what exactly is identity theft? According to Wikipedia, identity theft (or identity fraud) is the deliberate assumption of another person's identity, usually to gain access to their finances or frame them for a crime. "Dumpster diving" (someone going through your trash), "shoulder surfing" (someone watching from a nearby location as you punch . . .

Health, Health Care Insurance and Bankruptcy

Imagine for a moment that your health has taken a turn for the worse. You need extensive medical attention and expensive treatments. Would you be prepared to account for these medical costs? Or would you or a family member ultimately have to deal with this financial burden?Surely, you would not want to suffer the consequences of paying big medical bills on your own. This is why health insurance. . .

Corporate Records – What to Keep

Whether you’ve created a corporation or limited liability company, you must maintain records. Here’s a primer on the basic corporate records you need to maintain. Corporate RecordsWhen forming a corporation or limited liability company, you are creating an entity independent from yourself. In so doing, this independent entity must take actions for itself, not you. For instance, a corporation wi. . .

10 Keys to Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney

10 Keys to Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney Hiring a lawyer can be an intimidating process, especially if you've never hired one before. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cases are complex and require experienced, top notch attorneys. How do you know which lawyer will bring the attention and skill to your case that it deserves? We've compiled the following list to help you with your decis. . .

New Bankruptcy Reform Means Test

With the new bankruptcy laws in effect, debtors have to first pass a two-part means test before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. First, a quick definition of Means Test: Means = Money, property, or other wealth (source: Dictionary.com)Your Income Vs. Your State's Median IncomeIn the first part of the means test, your monthly income multiplied by 12 is compared to your state's median annual inc. . .