Category: FAQ
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Why am I required to provide details about my ethnicity and gender when summoned to fulfill my duties as a juror?
Ethnicity and gender do not play a role in determining your eligibility to serve as a juror. According to federal legislation, it is mandatory for prospective jurors to specify their ethnicity. This requirement aims to prevent any form of discrimination during the jury selection process and does not affect the qualifications for serving as a…
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How was I chosen as a potential juror?
Your name was obtained through the Plan for the Qualification and Selection of Grand and Petit Jurors under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The voter-registration lists serve as the main source for identifying individuals who could potentially serve as jurors. Every odd-numbered year, a random selection…
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How long does a divorce or custody case typically last?
Every case is unique. It relies on the contested matters, parties’ requirements, children’s necessities, court availability, and witness availability. On average, a contested divorce or custody case can take around 18 months.
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How can I determine which lawyer/legal practice I should retain?
Retain someone with whom you feel at ease and who will assist you in comprehending both your legal standing and its practical consequences. Furthermore, ensure you comprehend the lawyer’s payment arrangement and how/what expenses you will incur.
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What is involved in criminal law?
Criminal law encompasses various legal matters related to criminal charges (such as citations, minor offenses, and serious offenses), any arrest, pre-arrest investigations conducted by law enforcement or government agencies, charges brought against individuals, professional licenses, petitions for probationary release, confidentiality orders, record clearances, and various other aspects.
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How long does a criminal case typically take?
The duration of a criminal case varies based on the evidence presented by the prosecutor, the presence of any missing evidence, the availability of witnesses, your own availability, the availability of your legal representative, as well as the court’s schedule. The duration of a case depends on its complexity. A basic offense might be resolved…
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What if I am unable to afford the bond?
Your legal representative can file a petition with the court to decrease your bond amount.
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Who notifies the creditors and bill collectors?
After the bankruptcy petition is filed, the court sends a notice to all the creditors named on your list.
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What is Probation?
Probation is a legal term referring to a period of supervision imposed on an individual who has been found guilty of a crime. During this time, the individual, known as the probationer, is required to comply with certain conditions set by the court. These conditions may include regularly reporting to a probation officer, attending counseling…
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How is a personal representative/executor appointed?
Whether appointed by the testator’s will or qualified to serve by statute, an individual must be appointed by the court to administer the estate. This individual, referred to as the personal representative or executor, will be granted Letters of Administration providing them with the power to act on behalf of the decedent’s estate. Without these…
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How should I handle creditors after someone has passed away?
No individual is liable for the debts of another, but it is important to inform the creditors and allow them to submit their claims to the personal representative. Avoid worrying about being harassed by collection agencies and companies seeking payment from you for the debts of a deceased loved one. The legal firm handles this…
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What are the responsibilities of the Completion Administrator?
The Completion Administrator is usually the lawyer for the Purchaser or Seller who oversees the completion, disperses all funds, and coordinates the signing of all documents related to the purchase and sale. The role of the Completion Administrator is to ensure that all documents and records are accurately completed and to guarantee the appropriate dispersal…
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What are the Lender’s Requirements?
Once the Applicant has submitted their application, financials, etc., the Lending Institution will issue a loan commitment which outlines any outstanding loan conditions/requirements. The loan commitment is a contractual obligation and the time frame of the Purchase Agreement should be observed accordingly. A final loan approval will be issued once all conditions are cleared. The…
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What are the steps after the closing of a transaction?
Give back the original, fully completed and notarized loan package to the Lender. Distribute any funds or checks that were not distributed during the closing meeting. Officially record documents such as the Warranty Deed and Mortgage in the designated county records. Provide Title Insurance Policies and send them along with the original recorded documents to…
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How will the new bankruptcy laws impact me?
The recently enacted Bankruptcy Protection Act of 2005 enforces more stringent regulations on personal bankruptcy cases. These regulations encompass obligatory debt counseling, income limitations for eligibility, and the requirement for higher-income debtors to partially repay their debts before filing. Depending on your financial resources, current income, and personal circumstances, it is possible that you may…
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What should I be aware of regarding the bankruptcy hearing?
Being unprepared for the hearing. Failing to appear or adequately prepare for your hearing will not grant you additional time. If you are absent during your hearing, your case may be dismissed, requiring you to re-file at a later date. Additionally, you will be obligated to cover court expenses. Not possessing all the necessary forms…
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What is a Long-lasting Power of Advocate and when should I require one?
What is a Long-lasting Authority of Legal Representation? What is a long-lasting authority given to someone? A Long-lasting Authority of Legal Representation is a legal document that grants another person the authority to handle your financial matters in the event that you become unable to do so yourself. Without a Long-lasting Authority of Legal Representation,…
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Who may act as an agent under a Power of Attorney?
Who can establish a Power of Attorney? Generally, any individual over the age of majority and who is legally competent can establish a Power of Attorney. In general, an agent, or legal representative, may be anyone who meets the requirements of being legally competent and over the age of majority. Most individuals choose a close…
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What factors should one consider when selecting the appropriate legal structure for a business?
While there are numerous crucial aspects to ponder upon while selecting a business structure, some key considerations involve your desired tax treatment, capitalization plans, intention to issue and publicly trade stock, management structure preference, and the liability concerns for business owners, among various other factors. Careful business planning and collaboration with a knowledgeable individual is…
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What is the distinction between a collaborative venture and a cooperation?
Collaborative ventures and cooperations share specific characteristics. A collaborative venture is a type of cooperation where two or more entities come together for a specific temporary objective. In both cooperations and collaborative ventures, each participant has equal authority to legally commit the entire entity. A participant can act as the representative of the entire organization…
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What is a non-profit corporation?
A non-profit corporation is a corporation formed to carry out a charitable, educational, religious, literary, or scientific purpose. An entity of this nature does not pay federal or state income taxes on profits it earns from activities in which it engages to fulfill its objectives. This is due to the belief of the IRS and…
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How frequently should a company conduct meetings and maintain updated minutes?
Whenever a company undergoes a significant change or transaction, it should be documented in its minutes. Moreover, gatherings of shareholders and board members should occur at least once a year, if only to elect fresh officers and directors. Neglecting the practice of regular meetings can put the company’s officers, directors, and shareholders at risk of…
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What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is when residents of long-term care facilities suffer physical, emotional, or psychological harm due to their caregivers’ negligent or intentional acts. Long-term care facilities can be held liable for nursing home abuse for inadequate care, negligence in screening employees, inadequate supervision, or improper facilities maintenance. A resident in a facility that participates…
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Who is liable if I slip or trip and fall on another person’s premises?
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Case? A slip and fall accident is a form of negligence that falls under the umbrella of premises liability. Premise liability law states that property owners are legally responsible for any injuries on their premises if they are a direct result of the property owner’s…