Tips for Choosing a Business Attorney

Whether you own a small mom-and-pop shop or a large manufacturing company, it is critical to be proactive about protecting your interests and making sure you follow the law. A business attorney can help you avoid potential problems and assist you with all types of legal issues. Choosing a business lawyer may seem like a daunting task, but these tips can help you choose wisely and find an attorney who is right for you.

Why You Need a Business Lawyer

Many business owners do not think about hiring an attorney until legal problems occur. However, the ideal time to seek the counsel of a business lawyer is before issues arise. A business attorney can assist you with a range of important matters from forming a business entity to drafting partner agreements. Whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for years, a business succession planning attorney can help you map out what will happen should you retire, become unable to work, or pass away.

All business owners should be concerned with forming risk mitigation strategies that protect their companies from potential litigation and other problems. Business liability lawyers can help you find ways to enhance the efficiency of your day-to-day operations, improve your bottom line, and minimize the impact of decisions that do not work out as planned.

Ask for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a good attorney is to get referrals from trusted colleagues in your industry, friends, family, and others who have worked with a business lawyer they liked. Do not hesitate to ask why they would recommend the attorney and whether they know where his or her specialties lie. For example, an experienced business contract lawyer may be a great fit if you are expanding your business and need help with drawing up employment contracts for new employees. After you get a few names, do some research online and check out your state’s bar association website to learn more about each attorney.

Questions to Ask a Business Attorney

Write down a list of questions you would like to ask your potential business lawyer. Some important questions include:

• Have you worked with companies similar to mine?
• Do you have any conflicts of interest with my line of business?
• Are you experienced in business litigation?
• Who will be my main contact at your firm? Will I always work with the same attorney?
• What is the best way to contact you? How long can I expect it to take to get a response?
• Have you successfully represented clients in cases like mine?
• What is your fee structure?
• Do you offer a flat fee for routine matters such as business entity formation?

Do you need a business attorney to assist you with legal matters? Our experienced team can help.

This blog was originally posted at https://carosella.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-a-business-attorney/

What You Need to Know About Real Estate Lawyer Services

Buying or selling property and dealing with other legal issues surrounding real estate can be complicated. A qualified real estate lawyer can assist you with many different aspects of your transaction, from creating sales agreements to helping you settle disputes. Learning about the services that real estate attorneys offer can help you understand why you need a professional looking out for your best interests.

What is a Real Estate Attorney?

Real estate lawyers are licensed attorneys who focus on real estate transactions and other legal matters related to real estate. They possess the knowledge and experience needed to assist parties in both simple and complex transactions like short sales.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

In some states, buyers and sellers are required to hire a real estate attorney when involved in a transaction. If you’re purchasing or selling residential or commercial property that involves unusual circumstances or contractual issues arise, having an experienced real estate lawyer by your side can help you save a lot of hassles and money in the long run.

Real estate attorney services include:

• Confirming ownership of a property, such as researching titles and deeds
• Identifying liens, loans, litigation, or other claims against a property
• Helping clients address and clear liens and restrictions
• Arranging for title insurance
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and real estate sales agreements
• Handling escrow and funds transfers
• Preparing disclosures and settlement statements that list funds received from the buyer and the charges to all involved parties, such as title search fees, real estate agent commissions, attorneys’ fees, and underwriting fees
• Facilitating closings where the buyer and seller sign documents and finalize the deal the closing
• Assisting with conflict resolution when disputes arise
• Zoning, easement, and property line issues
• Other land disputes
• Commercial and residential leases
• Any other issues specific to the circumstances

Why Do I Need a Real Estate Lawyer?

Although some real estate transactions are fairly straightforward, for-sale-by-owner, short sales, and foreclosure, and commercial transactions can be rife with complex issues. A real estate transaction lawyer provides valuable advice and ensures their client’s rights and interests are protected, whether they’re representing a buyer or seller.

A real estate attorney may consult with estate planning lawyers to help clients determine the best ways to preserve and protect their assets for their loved ones. If you’re concerned about the tax implications of a transaction, your real estate lawyer can determine how a sale or purchase could affect property and income tax liability. Having a lawyer negotiate on your behalf can also result in a better deal for both buyers and sellers.

How Do I find a Real Estate Lawyer?

Although online reviews can be helpful, one of the best ways to find a qualified real estate attorney is by asking friends, family, and other people you trust if they have worked with anyone they would recommend. It is also a good idea to check your state’s bar directory to find real estate lawyers in your area.

Do you need assistance with a real estate transaction or another legal matter? Our experienced team of real estate lawyers, business attorneys, and estate planning lawyers can help.

This blog was originally posted at https://carosella.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-real-estate-lawyer-services/

Estate Planning Help in PA - Protect Your Legacy

Drafting a will and creating an estate plan is not something most people like to think about. However, regardless of your age or socioeconomic status, a solid estate plan can protect your interests and the legacy you leave behind. Seeking the counsel of estate planning attorneys can help to ensure your wishes are carried out, make things easier for your loved ones, and give you peace of mind.

Important Questions to Consider

Lawyers who specialize in wills recommend taking some time to consider your wishes for what will happen after you pass away and who you want to manage your affairs if something were to happen while you are still alive. You may want to ask yourself these important questions:

• Who do I want to decide on my behalf if I am incapacitated?
• What types of medical care and life-sustaining measures do I want if I become ill or injured?
• Who will I name as guardians for my minor children?
• How do I want my estate to be divided after my death?

Although it can be a difficult subject to breach, discussing these matters with your loved ones and an attorney can help you create an estate plan that works best for your family.

How an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help

There are several essential elements that go into creating an estate plan. In addition to drafting a will, estate planning lawyers can help you create powers of attorney, trusts, and any other legal documents that might be useful in your specific circumstances. If you own a business, it is vital to think about business succession planning if you haven’t already. It often goes hand in hand with estate planning and can keep your business rolling along smoothly in the event of your retirement, illness, or passing.

Wills

Creating a will can help your loved ones avoid a lengthy probate process and ensure your wishes are carried out as you intended. You can name guardians for minor children, specify how your assets will be dispersed, and include details about how you’d like personal items to be distributed.  You can also name caretakers for your pets and include specifics about their care.

Trusts

Trusts are valuable estate planning tools that can also allow you to specify how to distribute assets, provide tax advantages, and help assets avoid probate so beneficiaries have access to them sooner. If you have children or other loved ones who need someone to manage money or assets for them, a trust ensures those funds and property are used according to your wishes.

Powers of Attorney

Durable powers of attorney help protect you in the event you become unable to make decisions for yourself. A power of attorney for health care allows you to name an agent to make medical decisions for you. This document outlines what kind of medical care you want and what you don’t want. You can also include an advance directive, which enables you to express your wishes for end-of-life care.

In a power of attorney for finances, you name an agent to handle your financial affairs should you become incapacitated. It can be as specific or as broad as you would like. Your agent can do things like pay bills, sell property, and manage assets on your behalf.

Thinking about what may happen after you are gone can be overwhelming. Estate planning lawyers guide you through the process and provide compassionate, practical advice that meets your needs. If you are looking for an estate planning law firm in eastern Pennsylvania, our team can help.

This blog was originally posted at https://carosella.com/blog/estate-planning-help-in-pa-protect-your-legacy/