Being an attorney, I get asked legal questions every day, since pretty much everyone has an issue with the law at some point in their lives. Entrepreneur.com put together a list of 10 everyday legal tips. This list covers the questions I hear the most, so nice job! Hopefully this list will save me from giving free legal consultations at every party I attend. You can check out a portion of the list below, or head over to Entrepreneur.com for the full text.
1. Make a will.
Things can get messy if you don't, and you won't be around to sort it all out. You should decide now who will inherit from you, and who won't, and name a guardian for your children, among other things. Additional estate planning documents are often made at the same time as a will: a trust (if needed), powers of attorney and a living will (saying whether you want them to pull the plug). Estate planning allows you to control what happens to you and your assets, and it can save your family from having to make some difficult - and often contentious - decisions.
2. Sign a prenup.
You don't have to be rich or famous. If you own a business or have children from a previous marriage, or simply want to keep some of your property separate, give it some thought. A prenuptial agreement can spell out what happens in the event of divorce or death. But don't write it up on your own. Make sure you and your soon-to-be spouse each consult with an attorney. Be upfront and disclose everything. An invalid prenup will get thrown out by the court.
3. Know your rights.