BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

When starting a new business, it's crucial to comply with all the legal requirements to ensure your operations are conducted legally and your personal assets are protected. Here are the key legal services and steps needed to start a business:

Choose a Business Structure

The first step is to choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. This decision will impact your personal liability, taxes, and how you operate the business. Consulting with a lawyer can help you select the best structure.

Read more: How LLCs and Corporations Differ

Register Your Business

Next, you'll need to register your business name with the state to legally operate under that name. This involves filing the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees. You may also need to register for federal and state tax IDs.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Depending on your industry and location, you'll...

Independent contractor agreements are essential for businesses that engage freelancers or contract workers. These agreements help delineate the terms of the working relationship, ensuring clarity and legal protection for both parties. Here are some crucial legal tips for drafting effective independent contractor agreements.

Clearly Define the Scope of Work

The foundation of any independent contractor agreement is a well-defined scope of work. This section should detail the specific tasks, deliverables, deadlines, and expectations. Ambiguity in this area can lead to misunderstandings and disputes. For example, instead of stating that a contractor will "manage social media," specify that they will "create and schedule 20 posts per month on Facebook and Instagram, and provide monthly performance reports."

Specify Payment Terms

Clearly outline the payment structure in the agreement. Include the rate of pay (hourly, per project, or milestone-based), payment schedule (weekly, bi-weekly,...

Guardianship planning is a crucial aspect of estate planning that ensures the well-being and protection of your loved ones in the event of your incapacitation or death. It involves appointing a responsible individual or entity to manage the financial, legal, and personal affairs of a person who is unable to make decisions for themselves due to disability, diminished capacity, or age. This article will delve into the importance of guardianship planning, its various forms, and the legal processes involved in establishing and managing guardianships.

Why Is Guardianship Planning Important?

Guardianship planning is essential for individuals who have minor children, dependents with disabilities, or elderly family members who may require assistance in managing their daily lives. Without a guardianship plan in place, the court may appoint a guardian, which can lead to uncertainty and potential disputes among family members. By establishing a guardianship plan, you can ensure that your loved...

A real estate attorney is a licensed legal professional who specializes in handling the legal aspects of real estate transactions. Their primary role is to ensure the legality and protect the interests of their client, whether they are a buyer, seller, or lender, throughout the real estate process. Here's a detailed look at the key responsibilities of a real estate attorney:

Reviewing and Drafting Contracts

One of the primary duties of a real estate attorney is to review, draft, and negotiate real estate contracts on behalf of their client. This includes the purchase agreement, mortgage documents, leases, and any other legal contracts involved in the transaction. They ensure that the terms accurately reflect the understanding and intentions of their client and provide legal guidance to avoid potential issues.

Conducting Title Searches and Clearing Titles

Real estate attorneys are responsible for conducting thorough title searches to verify the seller's ownership of the property and...

Resolving retaining wall disputes can be a challenging but necessary task, especially when they arise between neighbors or property owners. Retaining walls are crucial structures that help prevent soil erosion, manage water runoff, and provide structural support to landscapes. However, disagreements regarding their construction, maintenance, or impact can lead to disputes that may require legal intervention if not addressed promptly and effectively. In this article, we will discuss several strategies and steps to resolve retaining wall disputes amicably.

Understanding the Issue

The first step in resolving any dispute is to understand the root cause of the problem. In the case of retaining walls, common issues include property line disputes, structural integrity concerns, drainage problems, or aesthetic disagreements. It's essential to identify the specific nature of the dispute before proceeding with any resolution attempts.

Open Communication

Effective communication is key to...

Buying or selling a home is often one of the most significant financial transactions individuals undertake. In the realm of residential real estate, the concept of dual agency has garnered considerable attention and debate. Dual agency occurs when a real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. While this arrangement can offer benefits, it also raises important legal considerations that all parties involved should understand.

The Dynamics of Dual Agency

Dual agency arises when a single real estate agent or a brokerage firm represents both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction. This scenario typically unfolds when the agent listed the property and also has a client interested in purchasing it. In such cases, the agent becomes a dual agent, tasked with facilitating the deal for both parties.

Benefits of Dual Agency

Proponents of dual agency often cite several potential advantages. For one, it can streamline communication and...

The hiring process is an important stage in the employment lifecycle, and it is essential for employers to handle it carefully to avoid legal obstacles that can lead to costly lawsuits and damage to their reputation. Here are some potential legal obstacles that employers should be aware of:

1. Background Checks

Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process, but they can also be a legal minefield. Employers must ensure that they comply with federal and state laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), when conducting background checks.

This includes obtaining the candidate's consent, providing clear disclosure of the scope of the check, and ensuring that the check is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

2. Discrimination

Discrimination is a significant legal obstacle in the hiring process. Employers must ensure that their hiring practices are free from discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, and...

Recruiting the right talent is important for any business's success, but it's also a process rife with legal complexities. From discrimination laws to privacy regulations, there's a myriad of legal considerations that businesses must navigate when hiring new employees.

Failing to adhere to these legal requirements can lead to costly lawsuits and damage to a company's reputation. To help businesses recruit effectively while staying compliant, here are some essential tips for navigating legal considerations in recruitment.

Understand Anti-Discrimination Laws 

Discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics is illegal in most countries. Ensure your recruitment process is free from bias by using objective criteria for evaluating candidates. Train recruiters and hiring managers on anti-discrimination laws and best practices to avoid unintentional biases.

Read more: Common Legal Issues in the Workplace

Create Clear Job...

As an entrepreneur, one of the critical decisions you'll face is whether to hire employees or engage contractors for your business. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the differences between them can significantly impact your company's success. Let's look into the nuances of employees versus contractors and what entrepreneurs should know when making this important decision.

Employees:

When you hire employees, you bring individuals onto your team who work exclusively for your company. They typically have set work hours, use company equipment, and follow your policies and procedures. Here are some key points to consider:

• Control and Training: With employees, you have greater control over their work. You can provide extensive training, set performance standards, and direct how tasks are completed to ensure consistency and quality.

• Benefits and Protections: Employees are entitled to benefits such as health insurance, paid time off,...

Real estate transactions can be complex, involving multiple parties with varying interests. As a result, disputes can arise, leading to legal challenges and financial strain. Understanding common real estate disputes and knowing how to resolve them can significantly mitigate risks and ensure smoother transactions. Here, we delve into some prevalent real estate disputes and explore strategies for resolving them effectively.

1. Boundary Disputes

Boundary disputes often occur when neighboring property owners disagree on the exact location of their property lines. This can lead to conflicts regarding encroachments, easements, or adverse possession claims. Resolving boundary disputes typically involves reviewing property surveys, legal descriptions, and historical records to determine the accurate boundaries. Mediation or arbitration can be effective in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution, while litigation remains an option if negotiations fail.

Read more: Property Boundary...