Legal Encyclopedia
This page contains a wealth of information. Through my relationship with the folks at Nolo.com, I am placing a real treasure trove of information for my clients and potential clients. Scan down the page to see the range of topics I have selected.
Business & Human Resources
Consulting & Contracting
Being a Consultant, Freelancer, or Contractor: Pros and Cons
Freelance Work: Is It for You?
Legal and Tax Rules for Independent Contractors
Minimum Requirements for Working as an Independent Contractor
Paying Estimated Taxes
Preserving Your Status as an Independent Contractor
Working as an Independent Contractor FAQ
Tax Deductions for Professionals: Nolo's Top Ten
Operating Losses: Prove Your Hobby Is a Business
Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
Billing and Contracting as an Independent Contractor
How Much Should You Charge for Your Services?
Get Clients to Pay Up
Use Written Service Contracts for Your Clients
Home Business Issues
The Home or Hobby Business: An Overview
The Home Office Tax Deduction
Home Businesses and Zoning
Home Business Insurance
Working From Home: How You Can Telecommute
Starting a Business
Start Your Own Business: 50 Things You'll Need to Do
Evaluating Your Business Idea
Evaluating Your Business Idea FAQ
Start the Right New Business for You
Will My Business Make Money?
Six Tips for Women Entrepreneurs
Start-Up Advice for the Entrepreneur
Financing Your Business
Business Financing FAQ
The Lowdown on Business Loans
Understanding Promissory Notes for Small Businesses
Small Business Loans: Getting the Lender's Approval
Raising Money Through Equity Investments
Loans and Equity Investments Compared
Private Loans & Investments: Raising Money from Family and Friends
Raising Private Money: Gifts, Loans, and Equity Investments
Writing a Business Plan
Business Plan FAQ
Why You Need to Write a Business Plan
Business Lawyers: Do You Need One?
Mistakes Made by New Businesses: The Top Ten
Business Plan Basics
Naming Your Business
Choosing a Business Name FAQ
Pick a Winning Name for Your Business
Make Sure Your Proposed Business Name Is Available
Registering Your Business Name
Choose and Register a Domain Name
Domain Names and Trademarks FAQ
Cybersquatting: What It Is and What Can Be Done About It
Obtaining Licenses & Permits
State Start-Up Requirements for Small Businesses
Local Start-Up Requirements for Small Businesses
Federal Start-Up Requirements for Small Businesses
Finding and Renting Space for Your Business
Finding and Renting Space for Your Business FAQ
Basics of Commercial Leases
The Right Commercial Real Estate for You
Determine the Space Your Business Needs
Choosing a Successful Location for Your Business
Tips for Assessing the Cost of the Commercial Rental
Avoid Zoning Trouble
Dealing With Zoning Problems
The Commercial Lease: What You Should Know
The Process of Negotiating and Signing a Commercial Lease
Common Commercial Lease Terms
Ownership Structures
Learn About Business Ownership Structures
Choosing the Best Ownership Structure for Your Business
Chart: Ways to Organize Your Business
Sole Proprietor
Sole Proprietorship FAQ
Sole Proprietorship Basics
How Sole Proprietors Are Taxed
Partnership
Partnership FAQ
Partnership Basics
Creating a Partnership Agreement
Plan Ahead for Changes in Partnership Ownership
How Partnerships Are Taxed
Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships
Corporation
Corporations FAQ
Corporation Basics
How to Form a Corporation
Documenting Corporate Decisions
How Corporations Are Taxed
S Corporation Facts
Plan Ahead for Changes in Corporate Ownership
Qualifying to Do Business Outside Your State
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) FAQ
LLC Basics
How to Form an LLC
The LLC Operating Agreement
How LLCs Are Taxed
Plan Ahead for LLC Ownership Changes
Saving Business Taxes
Small Business Tax FAQ
Small Business Tax Deductions
Top Tax Deductions For Your Small Business
Current vs. Capital Expenses
Preparing for a Business Audit
What Auditors Look for When Examining a Business
Top Ten Tax Deductions for Landlords
Why the Self-Employed Are Audit Targets
How to Hire a Tax Professional for Your Small Business
How the Stimulus Package of 2009 Can Help Your Small Business
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Accounting Terms Every Businessperson Should Know
Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting
Contracts & Transactions
Consumer Credit Laws and Your Business
Make a Legally Valid Contract
Retail, Wholesale, and Consignment Sales
Business Equipment: Buying vs. Leasing
Consumer Protection Laws and Your Business
Mediation for Small Businesses
Debt Collections
Business Debt Collection
Small Claims Court and Business Disputes
Deciding Whether to Pursue Payment by a Bankrupt Customer
Customer Bankruptcies: Ten Tips to Minimize Losses
Marketing
A Marketing Strategy for Every Business
Listings: Advertising That Works
Your Business Image: Ten Ways to Build and Market It
Seven Rules for Legal Advertising
Email Marketing Without Spam
Doing Market Research
Define a Target Market for Your Small Business
e-Commerce
Get Your Business Online
Website Terms and Conditions
Sales Tax on the Internet
Electronic Signatures and Online Contracts
Business Method Patents
Challenging or Infringing Another's Business Method Patent
Avoiding eBay Fraud
Resolving eBay Disputes
Buying or Selling a Business
Buying or Selling a Business: An Overview
Buy-Sell Agreement FAQ
Buying a Business
Buying a Business: What You Need to Know
What to Investigate Before You Buy a Business
Selling or Closing a Business
Deciding When and Whether to Sell Your Business
Eight Key Steps to Selling Your Business
Figuring Out What Your Business is Worth
Tips for Financially Troubled Businesses
When You Can't Pay Your Business Debts: Personal Liability and Bankruptcy Options
Debt and Marriage: When Do I Owe My Spouse’s Debts?
Closing Your Business: What You Need to Do
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofits FAQ
Nonprofit Basics
Five Reasons to Incorporate Your Nonprofit Association
How to Form a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation
Nonprofit Formation Documents: Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Organizational Minutes
How to Obtain 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status for Your Nonprofit
Building Your Nonprofit’s Board
How Nonprofits Take Action: Getting Board or Member Approval
Create a Strategic Plan for Your Nonprofit
Nonprofits and the New IRS Form 990
Protecting Your Nonprofit Corporation's Tax-Exempt Status
Tax Concerns When Your Nonprofit Corporation Earns Money
Nonprofit Fundraising Methods: An Overview
Using Your Nonprofit’s Website to Help Fundraise
Nonprofit Fundraising Through Inherited Gifts
Nonprofit Volunteers: Top Five Tips to Keep Them Coming
Remind Volunteers About Tax Deductions for Expenses
Why Your Nonprofit Should Publish
Limits on Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
Getting Charitable Donors For Your Nonprofit
Nonprofit Image: Improve Your Public Profile
Human Resources
When Do I Need an Employment Lawyer?
Employers' Rights and Responsibilities
Hiring Employees
Hiring Employees FAQ
Writing and Using Job Descriptions
Conducting Job Interviews
Testing Job Applicants
Running Background Checks on Job Applicants
New Developments on Verifying Employment Eligibility
Avoid Disability Discrimination When Hiring New Employees
Hiring Young Workers
Written Employment Contracts: Pros and Cons
What to Do on Your Employee’s First Day
Hiring Independent Contractors
Hiring Independent Contractors FAQ
Pros and Cons of Hiring Independent Contractors
Require Documentation When You Hire Independent Contractors
Independent Contractor or Employee: How Government Agencies Make the Call
Put Your Independent Contractor Agreements in Writing
How to Protect Your Intellectual Property Rights in Works Created By Contractors
Abiding by Wage and Hour Laws
Wage and Hour Laws FAQ
When Do I Have to Pay the Minimum Wage?
When Do I Have to Pay Overtime?
Compensatory Time Might Not Be Legal
Paying Employees Who Are On Call or Traveling for Business
Legal Limits on Pay Docking and Unpaid Suspensions
Personnel Policies & Practices
Personnel Policies and Practices FAQ
How to Conduct Employee Evaluations
What to Keep in Employee Personnel Files
Keeping Personnel Files and Medical Records Confidential
Why You Should Create an Employee Handbook
Email Security Policy: Why You Need One for Your Employees
OSHA: Complying With Workplace Health and Safety Laws
OSHA Compliance: Recordkeeping, Reporting, Posting, and Inspection Rules
Using Progressive Discipline for Employees
Cell Phone Policies for Employees Who Drive
Motivating Your Employees
What Is Progressive Discipline for Employees?
Employee Access to Personnel Files: Is It Required?
Providing Family, Medical, and Other Types of Leave
Leave Policies in the Workplace FAQ
Providing Vacation and Sick Leave
Providing Family and Medical Leave
State Family and Medical Leave Laws
Providing Pregnancy and Parental Leave
Giving Employees Time Off for Voting and Jury Duty
Providing Military Leave
Family and Medical Leave for Military Family Members
New FMLA Regulations Change Rules on Notice and Certifications
Preventing Discrimination
Preventing Employment Discrimination FAQ
Avoiding Discrimination Based on Race and National Origin
Avoiding Age Discrimination
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Preventing Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace
Reasonable Accommodations for People With Disabilities: The ADA
Religious Discrimination in the Workplace
Guidelines for Handling Discrimination and Harassment Complaints
Preventing Retaliation Claims by Employees
ADA Amendments: More Protections for People With Disabilities
Ensuring Privacy in the Workplace
Privacy in the Workplace FAQ
Testing Employees
Workplace Searches: Dos and Don'ts
Monitoring Employee Communications
Monitoring Employees' Off-Duty Conduct
When Workers Leave
When Workers Leave FAQ
Chart: Final Paychecks for Departing Employees
Should You Offer Severance Pay?
Using Severance Agreements to Avoid Lawsuits
Giving References for Former Employees
Firing Employees
Firing Employees FAQ
Illegal Reasons for Firing Employees
Firing Employees With Employment Contracts
Employer Liability for an Employee's Bad Acts
Punishing Whistleblowers Can Lead to Trouble
Making Layoff Decisions
How to Conduct a Layoff
New COBRA Rules: Stimulus Package Subsidizes Continued Health Insurance
Patents, Copyright & Art
Getting a Patent
Getting a Patent on Your Own
Understanding Patent Applications
Qualifying for a Patent FAQ
What Are Improvement Patents and New Use Patents?
Basics of Provisional Patent Applications
Patent Drawings: Draw Your Own
Patent Searching Online
How Patents Differ From Copyrights and Trademarks FAQ
Provisional Patent Application Procedures
Deciding to File a Provisional Patent Application
When Is a Combination Invention Patentable?
Using a Patent
Profiting From Your Patent FAQ
Should You License or Manufacture Your Invention?
How to Protect Your Invention When Pitching It
Enforcing a Patent FAQ
Copyrighting Your Work
Copyright Basics FAQ
Copyright Ownership and Rights
Copyright Registration, Notice, and Enforcement FAQ
Permissions & Licensing: Copying Others' Work
The 'Fair Use' Rule: When Use of Copyrighted Material is Acceptable
Using Works in the Public Domain: No Need to Get Permission
Using Videotape in the Classroom Without Violating Copyright Law
Crafts & Visual Arts
Consigning Your Arts and Crafts
Should You License or Assign Your Art?
Licensing Artwork: Negotiating and Monitoring Royalty Payments
How to Protect Yourself in Foreign Licensing Deals
Protecting Artwork That Uses Natural Elements: Copyright & Design Patent Laws
Music & Entertainment
How to Obtain Sample Clearance
Ten Tips for Songwriters: Credits, Copyrights, and Coauthors
When You Need Permission to Sample Others' Work
Software & Web Development
Why You Should Copyright Your Software and Online Applications
Software and Application Development Agreements: Protect Your Copyright
Increasing Traffic to Your Website
Getting Permission to Publish: Ten Tips for Website Managers
Using Trademarks in Meta Tags: Avoid It or Get Permission
Linking, Framing, and Inlining
Trademarks
Types of Trademarks FAQ
Qualifying for Trademark Protection FAQ
Conducting a Trademark Search FAQ
Filing a Federal Trademark Application FAQ
Enforcing Your Trademark Rights
How Trademarks Differ From Patents and Copyrights FAQ
How to Do a Trademark Search
Trade Secrets
Trade Secret Basics FAQ
Nondisclosure Agreements
Noncompete Agreements: How to Create an Agreement You Can Enforce
Wills & Estate Planning
Do You Need a Will or a Trust?
Wills
Wills FAQ
The Simple Will: No Frills, No Fuss, No Anxiety
Making a Will: Are Lawyers Optional?
Executor FAQ
Guardianship for Your Children
Naming a Guardian for Your Child: Problems and Solutions
What a Will Won’t Do
Inheritance Rights
When to Change Your Will
Marriage & Property Ownership: Who Owns What?
Leaving an Inheritance for Children
Do I Need More Than a Will?
Getting Organized for Your Family
Practical Estate Planning: Organize Your Documents
Help Your Executor: Secured Places and Passwords
Final Arrangements FAQ
Planning Your Funeral or Memorial Service
Green Funerals: Protect the Planet and Your Pocketbook
The Prepaid Funeral and its Perils
Donate Your Body to Medicine
The Organ Donor: A Guide
Help Your Family Claim Retirement Benefits
Prepare for Deployment: Get Organized
Disaster-Proofing Your Documents
Living Trusts and Avoiding Probate
Living Trust FAQ
Probate FAQ
Why Avoid Probate?
How Living Trusts Avoid Probate
Making a Living Trust: Are Lawyers Optional?
Why You May Not Need a Living Trust
How to Avoid Probate
Tax-Saving AB Trusts
Using Roth IRAs to Avoid Probate
Avoid Probate with Transfer-on-Death Accounts and Registrations
Avoid Probate: The Small Estate
Special Needs Trusts
Avoid Probate with Joint Ownership
Power of Attorney
The Durable Power of Attorney: Health Care and Finances
Medical Powers of Attorney & Living Wills
The Living Will and Power of Attorney for Health Care: An Overview
Living Will, Power of Attorney, or Advance Directive?
What Do My Healthcare Documents Cover?
Choosing Your Health Care Agent
Will Medical Personnel Honor My Health Care Documents?
Financial Powers of Attorney
Durable Financial Power of Attorney: How it Works
Financial Powers of Attorney: Do You Need One?
Preventing Challenges to Your Financial Power of Attorney
Estate Taxes
Estate and Gift Tax FAQ
Estate Tax – Will Your Estate Have to Pay?
Reduce Estate Tax by Making Gifts
The Charitable Trust: Do Good and Get Tax Breaks
A Pooled Charitable Trust: Do Good and Get Tax Breaks on a Budget
Life Insurance
Do I Need Life Insurance?
Using Life Insurance to Provide for Your Children
Life Insurance Options
How to Buy Life Insurance
Transfer Your Life Insurance and Decrease Your Estate Tax
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
Permanent Life Insurance: The Basics
Executors & Probate Court
Executor FAQ
What Does an Executor Do?
Grounds for Challenging a Will
Property & Money
Landlords & Property Management
Tenants’ Associations: What Should a Landlord Do?
Buying a Foreclosed Home as a Rental Property
When Should a Landlord Hire a Lawyer?
Renting Out Your Property
How to Screen and Select Tenants FAQ
Choosing Tenants: Avoid Fair Housing Complaints and Lawsuits
How Landlords Should Advertise Their Rental Property
Where Landlords Can Advertise Their Rental Property
Leases and Rental Agreements FAQ
Whether to Use a Lease or Rental Agreement
Ten Terms to Include in Your Lease or Rental Agreement
Top Ten Legal Mistakes That Can Sink Your Landlord Business
What It's Like Being a Landlord
Foreclosure and Renting to a New Tenant: Tenant Remedies
Pets Caught in Foreclosure -- Landlords Can Help
Smart Landlord Policies for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Does Your Landlord Website Help or Hurt Your Business?
Tenants Caught in Foreclosure: Who Gets the Rent?
Landlord Liabilities: Repairs, Safety & Privacy
Tenant Injuries: Landlord Liability and Insurance FAQ
Repairs, Maintenance, and Entry to Rented Premises
Lead Disclosures for Rental Property FAQ
Criminal Acts and Activities: Landlord Liability FAQ
10 Steps Toward Low-Risk Landlording
Shelter-in-Place Orders: What Must a Landlord Do?
When Should a Landlord Hire a Property Management Company?
How Landlords Should Handle Press or Public Inquiries
Evicting a Tenant or Ending a Lease
Terminating a Lease or Rental Agreement FAQ
Don't Lock Out or Freeze Out a Tenant -- It's Illegal
Resolving Landlord-Tenant Disputes FAQ
How Evictions Work: Rules for Landlords and Property Managers
Bankrupt Tenants: How the New Bankruptcy Law Affects Evictions
Real Estate
After the Fire: Dealing with Your Insurance Company
Buying a House
Buying a Home: Overview
Deciding Whether You’re Ready to Buy a House
Beginning Your Home Search
Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House?
How to Research New Communities or Neighborhoods
Making an Offer on a House
Contingencies to Include in Your House Purchase Contract
Sell Your Home and Buy Another
Get a House Inspection Before Buying
Buying a Newly Built House
Homeowners' Insurance: What You Need to Know
Seven Steps to Buying Your Second Home
Buying a Foreclosed Home: Pros and Cons
Choosing Your Real Estate Agent
Mold in the Home: What Homebuyers Need to Know
Buying a Home in a Buyer's Market
Buying a House Before You’re 30: Are You Ready?
Homeowners’ Insurance: Do You Have Enough Coverage?
Decoding Home Sale Marketing Lingo
Single-Woman Homebuyers: What to Consider
Mortgages & Home Affordability
Mortgage Basics FAQ
Qualifying for a Mortgage
Where to Shop for a Home Loan or Mortgage
Your Home as a Tax Shelter: Top Ten Tax Deductions for Owning Your Home
How Do I Get Rid of My PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)?
Tips for Buying an Affordable House
Refinancing in Today’s Market: Replace Your Current Mortgage
Borrowing From Family and Friends to Buy a House
Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages
The Basics of Sharing
Finding a Down Payment to Buy a House
New Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) Rules for First Mortgages
Mortgage Rate Locks
Seller Financing in Home Sales
The Many Benefits of Sharing
Comparing Mortgage Points and Fees
Cobuying a Home
Selling a House
Selling Your Home: Overview
Preparing Your House for Sale
Do You Need a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House?
Selling Your Home in a Down Market
Your Home Selling Price -- Should You Lower It?
Negotiate Your Real Estate Commission
Holding an Open House
Required Disclosures When Selling Real Estate
Tax Breaks for Selling Your Home: Read the Fine Print
Deeds FAQ
Selling Your House FAQ
Alternatives to Selling: Benefits to Becoming a Landlord
Do Home Improvements Really Add Value?
Neighbor & Home-Related Disputes
Homeowners' Right to Views
Neighbor Disputes Over Water Damage
Neighbors and Noise FAQ
Fences and Neighbors FAQ
Trees and Neighbors FAQ
Understanding Homeowners' Associations and CC&Rs
Home Improvement: How to Avoid Paying Twice
Rural Neighbors and the Right to Farm
Homeowner Tax Breaks: Recent Developments
How Not to Use a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit
Go Green At Home, Save Money
When Secondhand Smoke Invades Your Home
Home Equity Loan Basics
Hurricanes and Flood Insurance: What Homeowners Should Know
Vacation Homes: Keeping Them in the Family
Green Remodeling: Eco-Friendly Home Improvements
Foreclosure
Foreclosure FAQ
How Foreclosure Works
Short Sales and Deeds in Lieu of Foreclosure
How Bankruptcy Can Help With Foreclosure
When Foreclosure Threatens: Can You Afford to Keep Your Home?
How to Stop Foreclosure
Mortgage Modification and Refinancing Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan
Mortgage Refinancing to Avoid Foreclosure: The HOPE for Homeowners Act
Reduce Your Mortgage Obligations to Avoid Foreclosure
Mortgage Reform: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
Defenses to Foreclosure
Don’t Lose Your Home to Foreclosure “Rescue” Scammers
Renters in Foreclosure: What Are Their Rights?
Credit Repair & Debt
Personal Finances 101: Overview
Making and Repaying Debts
When You Can't Pay Your Debts FAQ
Which Debts Must You Repay?
Tax Consequences When a Creditor Writes Off or Settles a Debt
Automatic Deductions: Watch Out for Pitfalls
Financial Tip: Stash Some Cash for Emergencies
Prioritizing Debts and Investments: Advice for Recent Graduates and Young Professionals
Repossession: What Creditors Can and Can’t Take
Choosing a Credit Counseling Agency
Time-Barred Debts: When Collectors Cannot Sue You for Unpaid Debts
Promissory Notes: Personal Loans to Family and Friends
Cleaning Up Your Credit Report
Rebuilding Credit FAQ
How to Clean Up Your Credit Report
Credit Scoring
Don't Use a Credit Repair Clinic
How to Make a Budget and Stick to It
Ten Tips to Survive the Holidays Without Going Broke
Credit Report Basics
Protect Your Good Credit After Marriage
Dealing With Creditors
Dealing With Collection Agencies FAQ
What to Do If a Bill Collector Crosses the Line
Legal Protections for America's Military: The Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act
Student Loans
Student Loan Repayment Options
Student Loans: Cancellation, Deferment, and Forbearance
What Happens If You Default on Your Student Loans
Making a Budget for College
Paying for Graduate School: How to Finance Higher Education
Credit and Debit Cards
Different Types of Credit and Debit Cards
What to Do If There's an Error on Your Debit or Credit Card Statement
Your Liability for Unauthorized Credit and Debit Card Charges
Kids & Credit Cards: When Are They Ready for Plastic?
Getting a Credit Card When You Have Bad Credit
Shopping for Credit Cards
Avoiding Credit Card Debt
Bankruptcy: Deciding Whether to File
Bankruptcy FAQ (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13)
The New Bankruptcy Law: Changes to Chapter 7 and 13
What Is Bankruptcy?
Alternatives to Bankruptcy
What Bankruptcy Can and Cannot Do
How Bankruptcy Stops Your Creditors: The Automatic Stay
Eliminating Tax Debts in Bankruptcy
Filing Bankruptcy? Disclose Everything, Hide Nothing
Should I Use a Bankruptcy Petition Preparer?
Should I File Bankruptcy Now or Wait?
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Overview
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy -- Who Can File?
The Bankruptcy Means Test: Is Your Income Low Enough for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
When Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Isn't the Right Choice
When Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Is Better than Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
What Happens to Your Car in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
An Overview of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Are You Eligible for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Reasons to Use Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Instead of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Your Obligations Under a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan
Taxes & Audits
Personal Taxes: Overview
Rules of the Game -- Tax Laws
Keeping Tax Papers
Filing Tax Returns
Filing Taxes: Top Ten FAQ
How to Reduce the Chance of an Audit
Filing and Paying Taxes Late
Tax Returns: If You Haven't Filed in a While
Filing a Tax Return When You Live Outside the United States
Get Tax Relief for Child Care Expenses
Seven Steps to Lower Your Taxes
The Kiddie Tax: Limits on Shifting Unearned Income to Children
Tips for Last-Minute Tax Filers
IRS Audits and Appeals
IRS Audit FAQ
Top Ten Tips for Surviving an Audit
Pros and Cons of Appealing an IRS Audit
Top Ten Tips for Appealing an IRS Audit
Tax Court: The Small Case Division
Negligence Versus Tax Fraud: How Can the IRS Tell the Difference?
Dealing With High Tax Bills
Tax Bill & IRS FAQ
IRS Tax Bill Collections: What You Can Do
IRS Installment Payment Plans
Using an Offer in Compromise to Settle a Tax Bill
Social Security
Social Security FAQ
Checking Your Social Security Earnings and Benefits
Social Security Benefits: Retirement, Disability, Dependents, and Survivors
Filing for Social Security Benefits
Denial of Social Security Benefits: How to Appeal
Social Security Disability Benefits
Claiming Social Security Benefits: When is the Best Time for You?
Retirement Plans
Retirement Plan FAQ
Top Myths About Retirement Plans
Getting Your Retirement Money Early -- Without Penalty
Top Seven Tax Deductions for Seniors and Retirees
Personal Finance for Women
How to Invest Wisely for Retirement
Retirement Checklist
Teen Jobs: Taxes & Retirement Savings
How to Diversify Your Investments -- An Easy Rule of Thumb
Understanding Retirement: What You Can Do in Your 20's to Secure Your Financial Future
Enjoying Retirement
Retirement Planning and the Big Picture
How to Live Below Your Means Painlessly
What Will You Do When You Retire?
Plan For a Healthy Retirement
Loving Life and Staying Busy in Retirement
Starting a Retirement Business
How Much Money Will You Need When You Retire?
Should You Consider a Reverse Mortgage?
Family Law & Immigration
Changing Your Name
Name Change FAQ
Changing Your Name After Marriage
Changing Your Name After Divorce
Changing Your Name in California
Parenting
A New Parent Checklist: Starting a Family
Saving for Your Child's Education
Ways Kids Can Make Money
Social Security Numbers and Why Your Baby Needs One
Hiring Workers in Your Home: Legal Requirements
Newborn Testing
Allowance for Your Kids
Health Insurance and Pregnancy: Coverage for You and Your New Baby
Work and Family: Creating a Family-Friendly Work Arrangement
Tax Breaks Every Parent Should Know About
Adoption
Types of Adoption
Who Can Adopt a Child?
Agency Adoptions
Independent Adoptions
Stepparent Adoptions
Gay and Lesbian Adoption and Parenting
Adoption Procedures
Guardianship of Children
How Guardianships Work FAQ
Establishing and Maintaining a Guardianship FAQ
Special Education
Special Education Law
Entering Special Education
Preparing for the IEP Meeting
Special Education Lawyers: Do You Need One?
Marriage
Getting Married: An Overview
Marriage Requirements, Licenses, and Ceremonies FAQ
Fiancé & Newlywed Finances: A Checklist
Marriage Rights and Benefits
Returning an Engagement Ring
Common Law Marriage FAQ
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial Agreements -- An Overview
Prenuptial Agreements -- What the Law Allows
Is a Prenuptial Agreement Right for You?
Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers: Do You Need One?
Prenuptial Agreement Benefits and Drawbacks
Living Together
Property Rights of Unmarried Couples FAQ
Living Together Contracts
Health Care Directives and Financial Powers of Attorney for Your Partner
Parenting for Unmarried Couples FAQ
Claiming an Unmarried Partner as a Dependent on Your Tax Return
Lesbian and Gay Couples
Same-Sex Marriage: Developments in the Law
Same-Sex Marriage Pros and Cons
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Tenant Rights Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Getting a Divorce
No Fault Divorce Vs. Fault Divorce FAQ
Divorce: Do You Need a Lawyer?
Temporary Orders in Family Court: Quick Decisions on Support and Custody
Annulment vs. Divorce
Separation vs. Divorce
Divorce and Children: Helping Kids Deal With the Effects
Divorce Without Court
Divorce Mediation FAQ
Will Divorce Mediation Work for You?
Lawyers and Divorce Mediation
Divorce Mediation Myths
Will Collaborative Divorce Work for You?
Choosing Divorce Court Over Mediation or Collaborative Divorce
Property Division and Alimony
Dividing Property and Debt During Divorce FAQ
Dividing Your Property During Divorce
Searching for Hidden Assets at Divorce
Alimony: Records You Should Keep After Divorce
Separate and Community Property During Marriage: Who Owns What?
Alimony: What You Need to Know Before Divorce
Child Custody and Visitation
Types of Child Custody
Parenting Agreements
Child Visitation FAQ
Grandparent and Caretaker Visitation Rights
Child Custody FAQ
Child Custody and Religion
Divorced Fathers: Birthdays and Holidays
Child Support
Establishing and Calculating Child Support FAQ
How Can I Change a Child Support Order?
Paternity Issues and Child Support
Child Support Payment FAQ
Getting Your Spouse to Pay Child Support FAQ
Child Support and Taxes
Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap and Managed Care
Medicare FAQ
Medicare and Medicaid: What's the Difference?
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage: The Basics
Medicare Part D: Choosing a Prescription Drug Plan
Medigap: Covering the Gaps in Medicare
Medicare Managed Care Plans: An Alternative to Medigap Insurance
Medicare Managed Care: Choosing a Plan
Types of Medical Expense Accounts
Introduction to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Getting the Most From Your Health Insurance
Long-Term Care
Discussing the Need for Long-Term Care
Is Home Health Care an Option?
Choosing and Paying for a Long-Term Care Facility
Assisted Living: Care With an Independent Flavor
Residential Care Facilities for Elders With Alzheimer's Disease
Long-Term Care Insurance: The Risks and Benefits
Elder Care
When Should Elders Stop Driving?
Caring for an Elderly Relative: Where to Begin
Elder Abuse: Financial Scams Against Seniors
Helping a Loved One Make a Power of Attorney
Hospice Care: The Basics
Conservatorships and Guardianships
Senior Homesharing
Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
When Your Parent Loses a Mate: How to Help
Immigration & Green Cards
Ways to Stay in the U.S. Temporarily
Who Qualifies for a Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Visa
Applying for a Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Visa
Entering the U.S.: What to Expect at the Airport or Border
U.S. Immigration Basics
When the U.S. Can Keep You Out
U.S. Immigration: Top Ten Tips for Avoiding Trouble
Ways to Get a Green Card
Who Qualifies for a Green Card (Permanent Residence)
Sponsoring a Fiancé or Spouse for a Green Card
Sponsoring a Family Member for a Green Card
The Visa Petition: The First Step for Family and Employment Green Cards
Sponsoring a Worker for a Green Card: Employer's Tasks
Winning a Green Card Through the Visa Lottery
How to File a Green Card Application
How to Become a U.S. Citizen
U.S. Citizenship by Birth or Through Parents
Applying for U.S. Citizenship
Obtaining Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Keeping Your Green Card After You Get It
When Visa or Green Card Holders Must Pay U.S. Taxes
Rights & Disputes
Renting a House or Apartment
Signing a Lease or Rental Agreement FAQ
Fighting Rental Housing Discrimination FAQ
Disabled Renters' Housing Rights
Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move In
Tips for Homeowners About to Be Renters After a Disaster
Renters' Rights: Repairs, Privacy & Safety
Tenants' Rights to Privacy and Repairs FAQ
Renters' Rights to Minor Repairs
Renters: Protect Yourself From Crime
Mold in Rentals: Landlord Liability, Clean Up, and Prevention
Tenant Issues With Roommates
Renting With Others
When a Roommate Leaves
Adding a Roommate to the Lease or Rental Agreement
Moving Out or Getting Evicted
When Your Lease or Rental Agreement Ends FAQ
Get Your Security Deposit Back
How Evictions Work: What Renters Need to Know
Chart: Anti-retaliation Statutes for Tenants, State by State
Tenants' Rights: When to Hire a Lawyer
Employee Rights
Asserting Your Workplace Rights
Getting Hired
Don't Embellish or Lie During the Application Process
Getting Good Job References
Signing an Arbitration Agreement With Your Employer
Employment At Will: What Does It Mean?
Getting Hired With a Disability
Your Right to Fair Pay and Time Off
Fair Pay and Time Off FAQ
Taking Family and Medical Leave
Being Paid for Not Working: When You Are Entitled
Paycheck Deductions for Uniforms, Cash Shortages, Tools, and More
Taking Military Leave
Taking Time Off for Voting and Jury Duty
Taking Pregnancy Leave and Maternity Leave or Paternity Leave
Meal and Rest Breaks: Your Rights as an Employee
Tips, Tip Pooling, and Tip Credits: What Employees Need to Know
Paid Family Leave in California, New Jersey, and Washington
Military Family Leave for Employees
Domestic Violence Leave: Taking Time Off From Work
Overtime Pay: Your Rights as an Employee
Your Rights Against Discrimination & Harassment
Fighting Sexual Harassment
Fighting Race and National Origin Discrimination
Equal Pay for Equal Work: Everyone's Entitled
Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Your Rights
Your Rights Against Religious Discrimination
Your Rights Against Age Discrimination
Disability Discrimination in the Workplace: An Overview of the ADA
Workplace Retaliation: What Are Your Rights?
Your Health and Safety
Your Health and Safety at Work FAQ
Dealing With Unsafe Conditions at Work
Assert Your Safety Rights Without Fear of Retaliation
Your Right to Workers' Comp Benefits FAQ
Smoking in the Workplace
Your Right to Privacy in the Workplace
Right to Privacy at Work FAQ
Workplace Testing: When You Must Submit
Email Monitoring: Can Your Employer Read Your Messages?
Proving Your Privacy Was Violated at Work
Fired for Blogging
Cameras and Video Surveillance in the Workplace
Losing Or Leaving Your Job
Losing or Leaving a Job FAQ
Your Rights When You Leave a Job
Losing a Job: Ten Things You Can Do to Make It Less Painful
When You Are Entitled to Unemployment Compensation
Consumer Rights
Purchasing Goods & Services
Warranty Rights FAQ
Consumer Scams FAQ
State Consumer Protection Offices
Canceling a Contract Within Three Days
Dealing With Your Insurance Company: How to Protect Yourself
Green Investing
Money Market Deposit Accounts and Mutual Funds
Joining an Investment Club
Buying or Leasing a Car
Buying a New Car
Buying a Used Car
Leasing a Car
Buying Car Insurance
Renting a Car
Car Warranties: The Basics
Automobile Service Contracts: Are They Worth it?
Your Rights If Your Car Is a Lemon
Gap Insurance for Your Car: Do You Need It?
Pets: Rights & Responsibilities
When a New Dog Is Sick
How Dog Owners Can Avoid a Lawsuit
Providing for Your Pet After You Die
Is Pet Insurance Necessary?
Flying With Your Pet
Dog Bites: When Is an Owner Liable?
Online Issues
When Is an ISP Liable for the Acts of Its Subscribers?
Cyber Squabbles: Where Do You Sue?
eBay and Online Auctions: Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Privacy Rights
Email Privacy
How Does Spam Work?
Identity Theft
Identity Theft FAQ
Preventing Identity Theft
What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
Preventing Identity Theft When You Travel
Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft During the Tax Season
Before You Sue
When Should You Sue?
Try to Compromise Before You Sue
Demand Letters: The Basics
Don't Sue Unless You Can Collect the Judgment
Statutes of Limitations: Is It Too Late to Sue?
Going to Court: Surviving the Courtroom
Mediation
Mediation FAQ
Mediation: What Kinds of Cases Can Be Mediated?
Why Consider Mediation?
Mediation: The Six Stages
Getting the Other Side to the Mediation Table
Mediation: Do You Still Need a Lawyer?
How Your Lawyer Can Help With Mediation
Mediate Your Small Claims Case
Arbitration Basics
Arbitration Pros and Cons
Using Collaborative Law to Resolve Business/Commercial Disputes
Small Claims Court
Small Claims Court FAQ
How Much Can I Sue for in Small Claims Court?
What Types of Cases Can Be Resolved in Small Claims Court?
Offering Witness Testimony in Small Claims Court
Presenting Your Testimony and Evidence in Small Claims Court
The Defendant's Small Claims Court Options
Appealing a Small Claims Court Case
Chart: Statutes of Limitations in All 50 States
Representing Yourself
Represent Yourself in Court FAQ
Ten Tips for Staying Sane in Court
Hiring a Lawyer as Coach
Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Should I File in Federal or State Court?
Personal Jurisdiction: In Which Court Can I Sue the Defendant?
State Courts: Different Courts Hear Different Types of Cases
State Courts: "Venue" Rules Govern Where You Can File Your Lawsuit
What to Do After You File Your Lawsuit: Making a Discovery Plan
What to Do If the Other Side Has a Lawyer
Judge or Jury Trial: Which is Better?
Preparing for a Jury Trial
Formal Discovery: Gathering Evidence for Your Lawsuit
Working With a Lawyer
Finding Free Legal Services
How to Find an Excellent Lawyer
Attorneys' Fees: The Basics
Creating a Fee Agreement With Your Lawyer
Ways to Save on Legal Fees
Working With Your Lawyer
What You Should Expect From a Lawyer
What to Do When You're Mad at Your Lawyer
Suing Your Lawyer for Malpractice
Collecting a Judgment
Can You Collect Your Judgment?
Collect Your Court Judgment With a Real Estate Lien
Collect Your Court Judgment From Deposit Accounts
Collect Your Court Judgment With a Wage Garnishment
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Personal Injury Claims: When You Can Handle Your Own
Personal Injury Claims: When You Need a Lawyer
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer
First Steps in Settling Your Personal Injury Claim
Settling Your Personal Injury Claim FAQ
Take Notes After an Accident or Injury
Personal Injury Accidents: Preserve Evidence
Personal Injury Claims: Notifying Responsible Parties
Suing the Government for Negligence: The Federal Tort Claims Act
Defamation Law Made Simple
Bike Accidents: What to Do After the Crash
Determining Who Is at Fault
Who's at Fault for an Accident FAQ
Proving Fault in Personal Injury Accidents: General Rules
Car Accidents: Proving Fault
Car Accidents Caused by Negligence
Car Accidents and Negligence: When You Are Liable for Another Person’s Driving
Car Accident Defenses: Contributory and Comparative Negligence
Car Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use
Car Accidents With Pedestrians
Motorcycle Accidents: Lane Splitting
Motorcycle Helmet Laws and Recovery for Injuries
Trucking Accidents: Common Causes & Liability
Trucking Accidents Caused by Brake and Tire Failure
Trucking Accidents Caused by Driver Error
Bike Accidents: Collisions With Cars at Intersections
Bike Accidents Caused by Road Hazards
Product Liability FAQ
Types of Defective Product Liability Claims
Defective Product Liability Claims: Who to Sue?
Proving a Defective Product Liability Claim
Time Limits for Filing a Defective Product Liability Claim
Damages in Defective Products Cases
Defective Product Claims: Theories of Liability
Product Liability Claims Involving Defective Cars
Product Liability Claims Involving Medical Devices
Product Liability Claims Involving Pharmaceutical Drugs
Product Liability Claims Involving Antidepressant Drugs
Product Liability Claims Involving Cholesterol Drugs (Statins)
Product Liability Claims Involving Antipsychotic Drugs
Product Liability Claims Involving Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Product Liability Claims Involving Arthritis Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medical Malpractice Basics
Medical Malpractice: Informed Consent
Medical Malpractice: When Can Patients Sue a Hospital for Negligence?
Medical Malpractice During Emergencies
Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Nursing Malpractice
Medical Malpractice: Using Expert Witnesses
Toxic Mold Basics
Health Risks of Mold Exposure
Toxic Mold: Who To Sue
Proving Fault in Accidents on Dangerous or Defective Property
Slip and Fall Accidents: Proving Fault
Stair Accidents: Proving Fault
Lawsuits Involving Food Poisoning
Food Poisoning and Foodborne Illnesses
Wrongful Death Claims: An Overview
Birth-Related Medical Malpractice
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Dealing With Your Insurance Company FAQ
Insurance Adjusters: First Discussions
How Much Is Your Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Write a Winning Demand Letter
Negotiating With an Insurance Company
Criminal Law
Recent Criminal Law Developments
The Right to Own a Gun Under Heller
Search, Seizure, and Interrogations
Search and Seizure FAQ
Understanding Search and Seizure Law
Search Warrants: What They Are and When They're Necessary
Arrests and Interrogations FAQ
Police Questioning: When Miranda Warnings Are Required
Criminal Lawyers & Procedure
Criminal Procedure FAQ
How People Get Charged With Crimes
Bail: Getting Out of Jail After an Arrest
Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQ
Does Self-Representation in a Criminal Case Ever Make Sense?
Defendants' Incentives for Accepting Plea Bargains
When a Minor Commits a Crime
Proving Guilt or Innocence
How Defendants' Mental States Affect Their Responsibility for a Crime
Accomplices, Accessories, Aiders, and Abettors
Defenses to Criminal Charges
Fingerprint Evidence: What You Need to Know
DNA Evidence: It's in Your Genes
Lie Detector Tests: Do They Tell the Truth?
Trials, Sentencing, and Appeals
Criminal Trial Procedures: An Overview
Defendants' Rights During a Court Trial: The Bill of Rights
How Criminal Sentencing Works FAQ
Sentencing Alternatives: Prison, Probation, Fines, and Community Service
Appeals and the Writ of Habeas Corpus FAQ
Sex Offender Databases Include Some Acts That Are Now Legal
Traffic Tickets
Traffic Tickets: Deciding Whether to Fight or Pay Up
Police Stops: What to Do If You Are Pulled Over
Five Strategies for Fighting a Traffic Ticket
Obtain the Officer's Notes Before Going to Traffic Court
Speeding Tickets: How to Defend Yourself
Fines, License Suspensions, and Traffic School
Your Driver's License FAQ
Traffic Accidents FAQ
Drunk Driving, DUI, and DWI FAQ
Cell Phones and Driving in California: The New Law
Cell Phones and Driving: The Law in Your State