BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

Purchasing commercial real estate is a significant investment that carries both opportunity and risk. To protect yourself from unexpected legal issues and financial pitfalls, conducting thorough legal due diligence is essential. This process helps verify that the property is legally sound, properly zoned, and free of encumbrances that could hinder its intended use or value. Here’s a practical legal due diligence checklist to guide you through a smart and secure purchase.

1. Title and Ownership Verification

Start by confirming the seller’s legal ownership of the property. Request and review the property’s title deed and ensure it’s free from disputes. Engage a title company or real estate attorney to conduct a title search to uncover:

• Liens or mortgages
• Easements or rights of way
• Restrictive covenants
• Pending litigation

Clear title is crucial to transfer ownership without future legal challenges.

2. Zoning and Land Use Compliance

Zoning regulations determine how a property ...

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating the legal system. One of the most common questions families face during this time is whether they need a probate lawyer. While not every estate requires legal assistance, certain situations make hiring a probate attorney not just helpful—but necessary. This guide will help you understand when it's time to bring in a professional.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. This includes validating the will (if one exists), identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. In simple cases, probate may be straightforward. But complications can arise quickly, especially with larger or contested estates.

Discover: What Are Probate Delays?

When You Might Not Need a Probate Lawyer

Some estates can be handled without a lawyer. For instance:

• The estate is small and qualifies for...

When running a business, signing contracts often feels like a routine part of keeping things moving. Whether it's a vendor deal, a service agreement, or a new partnership, the urge to sign quickly and maintain momentum is strong. But rushing through without a legal review can lead to serious—and expensive—mistakes down the road.

Here’s why every business contract should be reviewed by a qualified legal professional before you sign.

1. Contracts Are Legally Binding (Even If You Didn’t Fully Understand Them)

Once you sign a contract, you are legally obligated to follow its terms. It doesn't matter if you didn't read every clause or misunderstood something. Courts generally assume that all parties understood what they signed, which means ignorance is not a defense. A lawyer can ensure you understand what you’re agreeing to—and what you’re responsible for.

2. Hidden Clauses Can Hurt You

Not all contracts are created in good faith. Some contain vague language or buried clauses that til...

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets and loved ones—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood legal documents. Many people avoid writing a will because of myths or misinformation. Let’s debunk 10 common myths about wills and reveal the truths you need to know.

1. Myth: Only the wealthy need a will

Truth: Regardless of how much money or property you have, a will ensures your wishes are respected. Without one, the state decides how to distribute your assets, which can create confusion, delay, and family conflict.

2. Myth: I’m too young to need a will

Truth: Adults of any age should have a will, especially if they have dependents, own property, or want to specify who inherits their belongings. Unexpected events can happen at any stage of life.

Read more: The Best Age to Start Estate Planning – And Why It Matters

3. Myth: A will avoids probate

Truth: A will does not avoid probate. Instead, it guides the probate process by instructi...

In the United States, most employees work under what’s known as “at-will employment.” While this term may sound straightforward, it’s often misunderstood by both workers and employers. Many people assume it gives employers unlimited power—or conversely, that employees can never be wrongfully terminated. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Here’s what “at-will employment” really means—and the most common misconceptions surrounding it.

What Is At-Will Employment?

At-will employment means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason—or no reason at all—as long as the reason isn’t illegal. Likewise, employees are free to leave a job without notice or cause. It’s a flexible arrangement that allows both parties to end the working relationship when they see fit.

This concept is the default in most states unless there is a contract or law that specifies otherwise.

Common Misunderstandings About At-Will Employment

1. “I can’t be fired if I’m doing a good job.”

Life is unpredictable, and while no one likes to imagine being incapacitated, planning for that possibility is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. If you become unable to communicate due to an accident, illness, or cognitive decline, who will make medical decisions on your behalf? Without legal preparation, your family might face delays, confusion, or even court battles during already stressful moments. Here’s how to ensure your family can act quickly and confidently if you can’t speak for yourself.

1. Create a Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy)

The most important step is designating someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you through a legal document called a Medical Power of Attorney, or sometimes a Health Care Proxy. This person, called your “agent” or “proxy,” will be able to communicate with doctors, approve or refuse treatments, and advocate for your preferences.

Make sure the person you choose understands your ...

Mold in rental properties is more than just an unsightly nuisance—it can be a serious health hazard and a costly legal issue. Tenants exposed to mold may experience respiratory issues, allergic reactions, or worse, and in many cases, they may be legally entitled to sue their landlord. For landlords and property managers, understanding mold liability is crucial to avoid disputes and protect both tenants and investment properties.

Understanding Mold and Its Health Risks

Mold grows in moist, warm environments—often in bathrooms, basements, or anywhere water damage has occurred. While not all molds are dangerous, certain types, such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), can pose significant health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms linked to mold exposure include coughing, sneezing, headaches, skin irritation, and even asthma attacks. When tenants believe their health has been affected due to mold in their rental uni...

Performance management is a critical part of running any successful organization. When employees are not meeting expectations, it’s the employer’s responsibility to address the issue promptly and professionally. However, many businesses fail to properly document performance concerns, which can lead to legal vulnerabilities, decreased morale, and inconsistent team standards. Effective documentation not only supports fair treatment but also helps foster accountability and growth.

Why Documentation Matters

Proper documentation serves several purposes. First, it creates a clear record of expectations and behavior patterns over time, ensuring objectivity in performance evaluations. Second, it protects the company in the event of legal disputes. If an employee claims wrongful termination or discrimination, detailed documentation provides evidence that decisions were based on legitimate, job-related reasons. Finally, it provides a roadmap for employees to improve by clarifying issues and se...

In commercial real estate transactions, the stakes are high and the details complex. From due diligence and financing to closing and title transfer, every step must be carefully managed. One crucial mechanism that ensures security and fairness during the process is escrow. Although often misunderstood, escrow plays a vital legal role in protecting both buyers and sellers, ensuring compliance, and facilitating a smooth transaction.

What Is Escrow?

Escrow refers to a neutral third-party service that temporarily holds funds, documents, and instructions on behalf of the transacting parties until all contractual obligations are fulfilled. The escrow agent—usually a title company, attorney, or specialized escrow firm—acts impartially to oversee and execute the conditions of the agreement. Once all requirements are met, the escrow is “closed,” and the funds and property are exchanged accordingly.

In the context of commercial real estate, where transactions involve significant financial inv...

When it comes to commercial real estate, there’s more to a transaction than the price tag or the square footage. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of a successful deal is the property title. Ensuring a clean title transfer is essential not only for legal ownership but also for protecting your investment from costly future disputes. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or broker, understanding the title process is key to a smooth and secure transaction.

What is a Title in Commercial Real Estate?

In real estate, a title refers to the legal right to own, use, and transfer a property. A “clean title” means the property is free from liens, disputes, unpaid taxes, or legal encumbrances. In commercial transactions, where large sums and complex legal structures are often involved, ensuring a clean title is even more important than in residential deals.

The Importance of Title Due Diligence

Due diligence is the backbone of any commercial real estate transaction. It involve...