Friday, August 14, 2009

How Not to Obtain a Response on Free Legal Websites

Law Guru and AVVO are free legal sites where people can submit questions . Yesterday, a person requested a form for a non-profit corporation. He also stated that he believed being directed to the attorney's contact information was unethical and a waste of time. In other words, just give me the form and leave me alone.

Using that unwise poster as an example of what not to do, I give a few recommendations on how to submit posts. Of course, you don't have to follow them.

Recommendation #1 - Don't insult attorneys or the legal profession in your post.

Recommendation #2 - Understand that most attorneys won't e-mail forms for free. They have spend time and energy creating these forms for their practices.

Recommendation #3 - If you need extensive answers because you are representing yourself in litigation, AVVO and Law Guru are probably not the best sites to submit 20 questions. You should probably do your own research on the internet or in a law library.

Recommendation #4 - Based on prior answers from attorneys on AVVO and Law Guru, attorneys are happy to provide general information about your rights and remedies. So, provide sufficient detail about your matter.

Recommendation #5 - Don't be put off if the attorneys provide you with their contact information. Frequently, unless it's a small claims court matter, the best option is to schedule a telephone or face-to-face meeting with an attorney. Oftentimes, the initial consultations are free or low cost. Moreover, simply because you call or meet with an attorney doesn't mean you have to retain him or her.

Recommendation #6 - Most attorneys on these sites are solo or small firm attorneys. They are not in a non-profit company. As a result, they have to make a living. Therefore, be understanding if they give contact information.

In sum, realize that Law Guru and AVVO are sources to start your legal search or attorney search, but you shouldn't enter these sites as if you're going into battle. After all, the answers are provided without cost. Unless the attorney is a masochist, rude submissions will probably be ignored.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Unauthorized Credit Report Pulls

Check your credit report to determine if people or companies have review your credit history without your authorization. Their actions may be a violation of the law that may entitle you to damages under federal and state laws.

Recently in AVVO, a man complained about a former girlfriend who is a paralegal. He believed she pulled his credit report without his knowledge. I recommended that he contact the law firm to complain. At the same time, he can start legal action against the woman and the law firm. As many of you know, under most circumstances, whenever your report is pulled, your credit score decreases. This occurs because the credit agency assumes you are attempting to obtain additional credit.

If you have employees who need access to the credit reporting agencies, you should have strict zero tolerance policies regarding unauthorized credit snooping. Otherwise, the wayward employee may put the company at risk for a lawsuit.

It's worth noting that under federal law, attorney's fees and costs are permitted. Therefore, if you have been a victim of unauthorized snooping, you should definitely call an attorney in your area who has experience in this area of law and understand that a successful case through settlement or judgment will result in payment of fees.

Monday, August 3, 2009

can there be more than one executor of same will - Probate - Avvo.com

can there be more than one executor of same will - Probate - Avvo.com

As indicated by the post on Avvo, for those who have a will or are thinking about drafting a will, think about the consequences of selecting an executor. If you have more than one executor, place a resolution provision in the will to resolve any disputes.

Shared via AddThis