blog

Novelty--A Unique Yet Important Idea For Patent Seekers

When most people hear the term novelty, they're often drawn to images of small knick knacks or holiday ornaments. However, for inventors and patent seekers, the term holds a much more relevant and important meaning. In terms of patent law, novelty refers to an idea that is new and not widely known.  This makes sense--after all, an idea that is well-known wouldn't make someone immediately rush to the patent office to file their application.

Second Marriages And Estate Planning: Concerns To Address

If your spouse has been married previously, it can have an impact on their estate when they pass away. This can affect you, the second spouse, in a myriad of ways if you haven't taken steps to plan out the estate beforehand. The following are some things that you need to consider when you are in a second marriage. #1: Who has rights to the retirements funds? For private pensions and retirement accounts, the person named as beneficiary has the rights to the account.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Securing An Adoption

If you are considering adopting a child, then you might have read a bit about the process. However, you might also be a bit worried, since not every adoption request is granted. Thankfully, there are some factors that can increase your likelihood of successfully adopting. Some are under your control, while others are not. To help you out, here are some ways that you can increase the likelihood of a successful adoption bid:

Three Topics To Talk About When You're Hiring An Elder Law Attorney

As you begin to age, the last thing you want is to have an oversight that either costs you money or presents a challenge for the loved ones who are taking care of you. As such, it's advantageous to think about hiring an attorney who specializes in elderly law. Many such experts are likely practicing law in your city, which means that you can look up a few law firms and meet with some attorneys to determine if they're the right fit for you.

There Goes The Neighborhood -- When A Neighbor's Dilapidated Home Begins Depressing Your Property's Value

Real estate agents will often tell you that you're better off to purchase the worst house in an up-and-coming neighborhood rather than the best house in a neighborhood on the decline. If you've followed this advice with your last home purchase, you may be surprised and dismayed to discover that a neighbor is allowing his or her home to fall into disrepair -- or even actively accelerating this process by storing old cars or appliances in the yard.

When You Share The Rights To A Property: Understand Waste As A Cause Of Action

"Waste" is a cause of action that you can take against someone for the improper use of a property that they're legally entitled to inhabit. If you own property that somebody else is living on, it's important to understand this concept. Here's what you should know: When is waste an issue? The issue of waste frequently comes up between family members due to complicated divisions of property in inheritance. One family member may exert physical control over a piece of property even though several family members share rights to the place.

2 Reasons To Hire A Lawyer To Help With A Slip And Fall Case

Slip and fall cases are some of the most common personal injury cases and usually occur as a result of negligence on the part of a home or business owner. Listed below are just two great reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer when you have been involved in a slip and fall incident. Investigate The Area Where The Accident Occurred One of the most important ways in which a personal injury attorney can assist you with this type of case is by investigating the location where the accident actually happened.

3 Tips To Make Sure Your Social Security Back Pay Is Processed On Time

Social security disability is a nice way of getting supplemental income if you become injured and are unable to work. If you file for social security disability, you will most likely not receive your first payment until a few months have passed. As a result, once your application is approved the government will pay you for those months in between the time you filed until the time you received your first payment.

It's Over: 4 Ways to Maintain Healthy Communication during a Divorce

You've made the decision to end your marriage. Unfortunately, your spouse doesn't want to admit that the marriage is over. It can be difficult to move forward when your spouse wants to hang on to the possibility of a reconciliation. You may want to sever all ties, but if you and your spouse have children together, that is not going to be possible. Here are four steps that will help you communicate with your spouse while maintaining your boundaries.

Four Common Types Of Divorces

If you're researching divorce possibilities, it's important to be informed of all your possibilities. Once you're sure you're going to pursue a divorce, use this list of common types of divorces to help educate yourself so you can decide between the available options.  1. Collaborative This is one of the most amicable types of divorce. If you and your spouse largely get along and are able to make well-thought-out decisions together, this may be the ideal option.