Archive for November, 2008

Unbundled Legal Services

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

A growing trend in the legal community is the concept of unbundled (or limited) legal services.  With unbundled legal services, clients hire an attorney for a specific, or limited, purpose, as opposed to hiring an attorney for full-representation on all matters of the case.  The client otherwise is representing him/herself and proceeding pro se.  As [...]

A Quit Claim Deed is Not the Way to Plan

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

A recent Times Herald article by Michigan attorney Matthew Wallace provides a thorough explanation of the problems that may arise when using a Quit Claim Deed as an estate planning tool.  Before attempting what seems like an easy, do-it-yourself estate plan consult with an attorney and discuss your options.

Second Life Meets Reality

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

In the files of weird, but true…  The divorce of a British couple is making headlines around the world for the involvement of a “virtual affair.”  The couple, who ironically first met in an online chat room and bonded over their love of the online game Second Life (where players create characters and interact with [...]

Uncontested Flat Fee Divorces

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

If you and your spouse are in agreement as to the terms of your divorce and wish to have a friendly, easy, and uncontested divorce, consider hiring an attorney for a flat fee divorce.
I routinely offer uncontested flat fee divorces at a rate of $1,000 for couples without children and $1,200 for couples with children.  [...]

International Divorces

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

As news of Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s divorce hits newsstands and blogs everywhere, Chicago Tribune’s Laurie Goering investigates issues perculiar to international couples. Â
As technology improves, mobility increases, and we enter an age of global community, more and more divorcing couples face international issues.  This is especially true in Europe, where divorce laws vary [...]

Child Support in Minnesota, Part 3: Using the Calculator

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Now that you understand the Basic Concepts behind Minnesota’s Child Support law, know how to calculate income, and have gathered other necessary information, it is time to learn how to compute child support under Minnesota’s new child support laws.   Although the statute does explain how to calculate child support under the new income shares model, [...]

Washington passes “Death with Dignity” Act

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Last week Washington became the second state to allow doctors to prescribe lethal doses of medication for terminally ill patients.  Voters approved an assisted suicide measure that would allow doctors to prescribe lethal doses of medication for terminally ill patient.  See the Seattle Times article here.

Will Parties

Friday, November 7th, 2008

Perhaps you have heard something about “Will Parties.”  This new trend is a take on the Tupperware Party and another way that our society is learning to take care of business in between work, soccer practice, and bed time.  With a Will Party, you and your friends can get together (with or without the kids), and [...]

Just another reason to hire an attorney for your estate plan…

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

Many people wonder why they should hire an attorney, especially when there are various forms, books, websites, and software available designed to help you create your own estate plan, file your own divorce, or start your own business.  Attorneys provide more than the necessary forms.  The right attorney can provide you with peace of mind, [...]