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Hundreds of free articles on everyday legal topics. Our articles are always accurate, up to date, and written in plain English. Below are users' top picks in each topic.
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If we do nothing else to take care of our legal affairs, we should write a will. If you don't make a will before your death, state law will determine who gets your property and a judge may decide who will raise your children.
Forming an LLC (limited liability company) is not as hard as most people think. In most states, you need only file simple paperwork, usually called articles of organization, and pay the filing fee. You should also create an operating agreement to establish the rights and responsibilities of LLC members.
Forming a nonprofit corporation is much like creating a regular corporation, except that nonprofits have to take the extra steps of applying for tax-exempt status with the IRS and their state tax division. Take a some time to read the tax exemption application first.
Employers who routinely review employee performance and who conduct regular employee evaluations reap tremendous benefits. The evaluation process nips a lot of employment problems in the bud. You can recognize and reward good employees and coach workers who are having trouble.
Changes to the bankruptcy law make it a bit harder for some to file bankruptcy. A few filers with higher incomes won't be allowed to use Chapter 7, but will instead have to repay some of their debt under Chapter 13. All debtors will have to get credit counseling.
Medicare and Medicaid are very different: Medicaid is a federal need-based program, while Medicare is a federal entitlement program based on your employment history. You may qualify for and receive coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid.
No landlord would pay more than necessary for utilities or other operating expenses for a rental property. Yet millions of landlords pay more taxes on their rental income than they have to. Why? Rental real estate provides more tax benefits than almost any other investment.
Many people are confused about what it means to be "separated." How a couple is separated can have important affects on property ownership. Learn about the four different kinds of separations: trial separation, living apart, permanent separation, and legal separation.
A green card identifies its holder as a U.S. permanent resident, with rights to enter, exit, work, and live here. You might be eligible if you’re a close relative of a U.S. citizen, a worker with a job offer, a refugee or asylee, or a long-time resident.
To obtain a patent, you must ensure that your invention qualifies for a patent and then be able to describe it in your application. By taking the proper steps -- none of which requires "legal" skills -- you can obtain a patent without the assistance of a lawyer.
“Defamation” is a catch-all term for any statement that hurts someone's reputation. Written defamation is called “libel,” and spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” -- a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong.
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