Small claims court is designed to settle disputes with a relatively small dollar value. The issue may be important to you or even a little emotional, but the compensatory damages are limited to just a few thousand dollars. The amount you seek is usually the determining factor for whether you should bring your claim in small claims court or a higher court, like superior court.
When most people enter into a marriage, they likely expect it to last forever, so it can be disheartening when things go wrong. A long-lasting marriage takes more than just love and roses, though. It is hard work, compromise and commitment — but there are situations where spouses can no longer remain married.
Maintaining your sanity and respecting the humanity of your spouse might require ending the marriage, but it can still be a very difficult and emotional journey.
When you sign your purchase agreement, the closing date is set — but that’s only an approximation. Your closing date will be officially set by the attorney handling the transaction. Between signing the purchase agreement and handing over the keys to the new owner, you may experience a change in the closing date.
As a buyer, you shouldn’t be alarmed if this happens — in fact, it’s best to be prepared for it no matter what. Here are 10 reasons a real estate closing date may change.
Your name might seem like a personal issue, and you should be able to call yourself whatever you like — in theory. It doesn’t always work that way, though. You might have a nickname, but when it comes to the legal side of things, only your legal name will work.
Your name is also used for legal and financial purposes, and, therefore, it has some official standing. You may be referred to by a nickname in conversation, but when it comes to official documents, like bank checks, you must use your legal name. When signing a contract, like mortgage documents, using a nickname is inappropriate and makes the contract not legally binding. For legal purposes, your identity is attached to a specific name.
Estate planning sounds like something for wealthy people, but everyone has an estate and the right to direct how it should be distributed upon their passing. If you have children or other family members, it’s your responsibility to make decisions about your assets to protect your heirs’ rights after you die.
An estate is not just a big fancy house. It’s a legal term for the sum of all your possessions. Your estate may include a vacation home or other real property, but it can also contain small personal possessions that have more sentimental than monetary value. Everything you own, no matter its worth or size, can be distributed according to your wishes after your death, if you specify your instructions in a legally binding will.
