15 AREAS OF LAW EVERY BUSINESS OWNER SHOULD BE AWARE OF

1. Consumer Law & Finance

Any dispute with purchasing a product or service from a company or vacating of home, consumer loans is a Legal matter.

Common Examples:

·         Affidavit

·         Banking

·         Bankruptcy

·         Billing Disputes

·         Credit Reports and Repair

·         Identity Theft

·         Insurance

·         Loan Modification

·         Vehicle Financing Issues

·         Pay Day Loans/Title Loans

·         Product Liability

·         Repossession

·         Tax

·         Vehicle Financing Issues

2. Estate Law & Planning

If an unseen event would cause you to pass away with no Will, the state or province will have one for you and determine what to do with your assets. Not ideal. Wills are included in LegalShield Plans and can be updated yearly. You can even start the process through your Free LegalShield App (click this link from your mobile device only).

Common Examples:

• Codicils
• Living Will
• Probate
• Power of Attorney
• Special Needs Trust
• Trust
• Will

3. Traffic Law

Traffic Laws and regulations vary from location to location. In many countries, the rules of the road are codified, setting out the legal requirements and punishments for breaking them. In Canada and the United States, traffic laws are regulated by the province or states and municipalities through their respective traffic codes.

Common Examples:

·         Automobile Accident

·         Driver’s License Reinstatement

·         Driving Record

·         Impact of Points on Record

·         Motor Vehicle Property Damage

·         Points Violations

·         Rights as a Commercial Driver Licensed Driver

·         Rights to Fight a Citation Received

·         Suspended Driver’s License

·         Traffic Tickets (Moving/Parking)

4. Family Law

Family Law involves a body of laws related to domestic relations and family-related issues.

Common Examples:

·         Adoption

·         Alienation of Affection

·         Child Custody

·         Child Guardianship

·         Child Support

·         Child Visitation

·         Divorce

·         Elder Law

·         Grandparents Rights

·         Guardianship

·         Incompetency Defense

·         Juvenile Matters

·         Legal Separation

·         Name Change

·         Paternity

·         Prenuptial Agreements

5. Landlord/Tenant Law

Any legal issue involving the agreement between a landlord and tenant. Can be questions either the landlord or tenant have on their rights regarding the rental of commercial or residential properties. *Applies to landlords under applicable business plans only.

Common Examples:

·         Breach of Rental Agreement

·         Collection for Past Due Rent

·         Damages or Repairs to Home

·         Eviction

·         Refund of Deposit

·         Rental

·         Review of Lease Agreement

·         Rights to Belongings in Rental Home

·         Steps to Eviction

·         Wrongful Eviction

6. Real Estate Law

Any legal issue involving purchasing or selling, renting or leasing real estate or questions about land and anything permanently affixed to properties, such as buildings, fences, and things attached to structures.

Common Examples:

·         Air Rights Above the Land and Underground Rights Below

·         Boundary/Title Disputes

·         Construction

·         Deeds

·         Foreclosures

·         Home Equity Loan

·         Mineral Rights

·         Oil and Gas Rights

·         Mortgage Document Services

·         Property Tax Assessments

·         Purchase of Home

·         Real Estate Closing

·         Refinancing of Home

·         Selling of Home

·         Timeshares

·         Zoning Permits

7. Employment Law

A wide-ranging area that encompasses the workplace for employees and employers. *Available on applicable personal and business plans.

Common Examples:

·         Administrative Law

·         Discrimination Complaints

·         Employment Protection

·         Employment Law and Compliance

·         Federal Worker’s Compensation

·         Garnishment

·         Job Applicant Rights

·         Labor Law

·         Military Law/Security Clearance

·         Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

·         Public Service

·         Social insurance/Security

·         Veteran’s Affairs

·         Worker’s Compensation

8. Civil Litigation Law

Any legal issue where an individual, entity, company, or corporation files a lawsuit in a court of law against another person, entity, company, or corporation. When two or more parties become caught up in a legal dispute, seeking money or another specific interpretation rather than criminal sanctions.

Common Examples:

·         Lawsuit

·         Small Claims

9. Collection Law

Any legal issue involving collecting monies owed or if a collection agency is demanding payment from a member or covered business.

·         Common Examples:

·         Credit Card Collection

·         Debt Collection Letters

·         Garnishment of Wages

·         Judgment Collections

·         Levies

·         Student Loan Collection

·         Wage Assignments

10. General Law

Many instances arise, and you may not be sure of the specific legal area. Consultation with your lawyer is always best to understand your rights and obligations.

Common Examples:

·         Discrimination

·         Education

·         Jury Duty

·         Legal Malpractice

11. Business Law

A business that is active regardless of formal organization entered into for a profit. Business licenses are required for virtually all types of businesses. Many businesses must have city, county, or state licenses, and federal permits may even be necessary for some businesses.

Common Examples:

·         Business License, Fees, etc.

·         Conflicts

·         Copyright

·         Corporate matters

·         Entertainment Law

·         Franchise Law

·         Patents

·         Province/State and Federal Differences

·         Province/State and Federal Requirements

·         Trademarks

12. Criminal Law

Any legal issue involving a charge filed against an individual who has allegedly committed a criminal offense. As defined by laws, statutes, and rules that define acts and conduct forbidden by the government because they threaten and harm public safety and welfare and establish punishments for each type of crime. Crimes are usually categorized as felonies or misdemeanors based on their nature and the maximum sentence that can be levied.

Common Examples:

·         Domestic Violence

·         Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

·         Drug Possession

·         Expungement of Criminal Records

·         Firearm Issues

13. Contract Law

Any legal issue concerning a contract review, creating a new contract, or revision of a contract. A contract is an oral or written agreement associated with exchanging goods and services, money, and properties.

Common Examples:

·         Custody Agreements

·         Employment Contracts

·         Intellectual Property Agreements

·         Lease Agreements

·         Mineral Rights Owner Agreements

·         Promissory Notes

14. Personal Injury Law

Personal injury is the outcome of the actions or negligence of another person or company. (*Applicable only to injuries not related to employment.) Personal injury covers situations in which a person’s body, mind, or emotions are injured, usually due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness. Another term for personal injury law is tort law.

Common Examples:

·         Automobile, Bike, and Pedestrian Collisions

·         Construction Accidents

·         Medical Malpractice

·         Nursing Home Liability

·         Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Violations

·         Premises Liability

·         Product Liability

·         Trucking, Boat and Airplane Accidents

·         Wrongful Death

15. Immigration Law

Any legal issue involving the movement into a foreign country for permanent citizenship. Federal immigration law determines whether an individual is an alien and associated constitutional rights, duties, and obligations of aliens in the United States. It also provides how individual immigrants can become naturalized citizens with full rights of citizenship. Immigration law determines who may enter, how long they may stay, and when they must leave.

Common Examples:

·         Citizenship and Naturalization

·         Green Card Permanent Residency Visa