How To File Bankruptcy

US law allows courts to declare individuals and businesses bankrupt, allowing them to settle debts without full payment. Filing bankruptcy is a legal action asking the court to make this declaration; deciding to file should account for: –Debts that are owed...

Asset Division In Divorce

When the legal state of marriage is ended by divorce, legal commitments by the couple – property, debts and more – must be resolved. While laws vary by state, the divorce process generally involves distinguishing ‘community property’ that was...

What Is A Short Sale?

When a lender releases an existing mortgage for a payoff that is less or ‘short’ of the total amount due, the transaction is called a ‘short sale.’ Lenders sometimes accept short sales as an alternative to repossession and foreclosure, which...

Types of Child Custody

If a marriage with children is legally ended by divorce, access, time and legal responsibility for the children – ‘custody’ – must be decided. Custody arrangements include physical custody, parental visitation rights, and legal custody. ....

What is a Limited Liability Corporation?

In US law, corporations are organizations authorized to act as a legal entity. US law also recognizes another legal status for a company, called a ‘limited liability corporation’, or LLC for short. LLCs are not separate legal entities like regular...

Intellectual Property Basics

These comparisons to board games might help you understand patents, trademarks and copyright – the main forms of intellectual property. Imagine a game rule that says, you can make up a new rule. If the banker allows the rule, you get exclusive use it for 20...

What is an S Corporation?

In US law, corporations are organizations authorized to act as a legal entity. US and state tax laws allow a special ‘S Corporation’ tax status that changes how corporate taxes are handled. The government taxes regular ‘C’ corporations directly...

Landlord Rights & Responsibilities

A landlord owns property that is rented or leased to someone else – the ‘tenant’ or ‘lessee.’ Both responsibilities and rights for landlords are defined by law – usually state and local codes in the US. Responsibilities for...

Understanding Tenant Rights

Renting home or business space from an owner comes with legal rights and responsibilities. The landlord can’t do ‘anything they want’, and neither can the tenant. Federal, state and local laws all apply. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, tenant...

Eviction Rights and Rules

The conditions and steps involved in a landlord forcing a tenant to leave a rented property – ‘eviction’ – are defined by state and local laws. As both landlord and tenants have legal rights, eviction requires methodical and documented steps....