Most often, the terms used in a written contract are binding on the parties.

And most times, the terms of that written contract will control the obligations of the parties, regardless of what one party or the other “meant.” [ Read More… → ]

A pro se litigant is responsible for his or her complete case. [ Read More… → ]

As there are many different Deed structures, the original deed must be carefully examined to determine the authority available to transfer the property. [ Read More… → ]

Verbal contracts can be as valid as written ones, including verbal contracts made for loans. [ Read More… → ]

Facsimile versions of documents — or scanned and emailed documents or PDF files — are generally acceptable for use in legal proceedings to enforce contracts or obligations and, as such, can be relied upon by the recipient.

But one sticking point does exist. [ Read More… → ]

Yes, a person can represent himself pro se in court with help from an attorney, unless there is a local court rule that states otherwise.

(Why a person would choose to pay an attorney AND take the lead in a court action is another question entirely, one that does not seem wise in 99.9% of cases.)

For clarity purposes, when listing blood-related children and step-children within a Last Will and Testament, Living Will or Living Trust, it is suggested that all children be specifically listed in the document by name and then referred to as “my children”. No designation past that is required.

Whether or not a referenced lease contract is an original document or a photocopy of the original is irrelevant — so long as the photocopy is an unaltered duplicate of the original document.

The ‘contract’ is the document agreed upon and signed by all parties, not the format of the paperwork. [ Read More… → ]

Simply follow the instructions provided in the legal forms contents, but do so with the clear understanding that the person signing the documents is the only person ‘completing’ or creating the Living Trust pro se. [ Read More… → ]

Typically, an executive director or CEO can represent a corporation in day-to-day business functions. But the chief executive of a corporation or LLC cannot represent the corporation in a court of law, as legal counsel, or as part of a litigation. [ Read More… → ]

Standard Legal offers only personal bankruptcy legal forms software. And with good reason… [ Read More… → ]

A contract or legal agreement containing a photocopied or faxed signature is deemed valid and enforceable in most states.  Such a document could be used to prove the existence of a contract in a court of law or in an administrative proceeding. [ Read More… → ]

While the fact that a legal document is handwritten has no bearing on its validity, it would be impossible to know if your own handwritten agreement is legal and valid without reviewing the LANGUAGE used within. [ Read More… → ]

Generally, a person may sign only his or her own name to a legal document that is to be notarized, and must do so in front of the notary after proof of identity is established. But not always. [ Read More… → ]

Sometimes persons become physically disabled to the point that they can no longer write their name as they once did. Can a person in such a condition still create valid legal documents? [ Read More… → ]

As long as a person who lives in another country plans to follow the laws of one of the states of the United States and completes the documents per the directions contained within (including the provided execution and notary signing instructions), any person can create valid documents using the legal forms software offered by Standard Legal.

Without question, there are instances when a legal document needs customized language to support a situation that is highly specific and personal. After all, no legal document company can cover all possible scenarios for any topic.

It is this type of situation in which a person must give careful consideration as to whether customizing do-it-yourself documents is a wise choice vs. working with a local attorney to create fully customized documents. [ Read More… → ]

No, you cannot represent another person in court simply by being granted Power of Attorney. Only attorneys who are licensed to practice law can represent the interests of another person in a court proceeding. The Power of Attorney will not vest you with the proper authority to represent another person in court.

Because LegalZoom™ advertises their legal document preparation services website on a number of cable television and radio programs, their company is becoming fairly well know. (Another new site that has popped up in recent weeks with a similar offering is Lawyers.com.)

Because these companies are in the same industry as Standard Legal, many people wonder what the differences in products are when they are ready to make a purchase. [ Read More… → ]

Remember, ‘Ask Standard Legal’ was created to respond only to ‘questions of fact’ for the legal topics listed at the left. So it follows that we cannot respond with suggestions on how a person might structure something or how to proceed; that’s the very definition of legal advice.

You can certainly create an LLC at your discretion with any members you choose to involve. Details about the formation of an LLC can be found here. You might also wish to review the “BUSINESS LAW AND INCORPORATION ARTICLES” at our Standard Legal Law Library to see if an LLC is the best structure for your needs.

But we simply cannot advise you (or even make suggestions) as to the tax or estate issues related to such a decision, or even whether an LLC would function in a certain capacity. In pro se (i.e. “self-help”) law, these are the very types of decisions that must come from the individual “helping themselves”.

If you want or need legal advice, find an attorney. If you need to have a discussion of options on how best to proceed, find an attorney. Unless YOU yourself are 100% certain of the structure you wish to create and the end results of those decisions, find an attorney. To find a local attorney for FREE who specializes in either Estate Planning or Business Law, visit Standard Legal’s Attorney Finder page.

To consider making such a critical long-term financial decision based on some free advice you receive from a faceless person at a legal forms website truly is a bad idea…