Legal Tips

Get ahead of the problem – helpful advice from Hull & Chandler, P.A.

Many people who reach the point where they need an attorney face extremely complicated situations. And some people tell us they regret not taking steps early on to better protect themselves. As a special service, we are providing important legal tips that you can use now so you can avoid headaches down the road.

Even if you have your bases covered, you still may end up needing our legal services. We urge you to call us today for a free consultation: 704 375 8488. When you reach us, you’ll discover how much we enjoy helping to solve problems.


Separate your business

If you run your own business, you should consider a limited liability business entity.  Running a sole proprietorship is simple, but it exposes you and your family to certain risks.  Creditors and people you have possibly wronged can come after you personally.  Your business could be putting the family home at risk.

To solve this problem, you can easily setup a basic corporation or a limited liability company (LLC).  Then when you sign contracts and incur business debts, you are only putting the business on the line.  It’s important to run the business properly to maintain your liability shield.  But without the formal business entity, you have no hope of limiting your personal liability.


Select the correct beneficiaries

Do you have a life insurance policy or retirement plan? Who are your beneficiaries? If your estate is listed as the beneficiary, your heirs could be in for a surprise when you pass away.

Life insurance and retirement plans automatically pay the designated beneficiary when the policy holder dies. To make sure your family or other heirs get this money, you should designate them by name as the beneficiaries. If your estate gets paid directly, the true beneficiaries will be in for a long wait before they can be paid anything. And your creditors might claim the money before anyone else can be paid. Those beneficiary blanks are critical. For more information on estate planning and selecting beneficiaries, contact us or call us at 704 375 8488.


Get insurance, even if you rent

Property insurance isn’t just for homeowners. Even if you rent, you need insurance protection. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance primarily covers against loss to your property due to damage or theft. But it can also be important if you’re ever sued.

When guests come onto your property, you legally take on a certain amount of liability for their safety. If a guest is injured while on your property, you could be held responsible. Fortunately, the typical property insurance policy provides some protection for you. Guest medical coverage will pay for your guest’s medical bills. For the cost of a renter’s insurance policy (at most $15/month), you can’t afford to neglect this coverage.

For more information, contact us or call 704 375 8488.


Designate your health care wishes

How should medical decisions be made for you in the event of an accident? Without the appropriate legal papers, your next of kin will attempt to make the decisions that you would want. But does he or she know all your wishes?

You should protect your health care decisions by at least appointing a health care power of attorney. This designates the person who will make your decisions. To go the extra mile, you can execute a living will. This document attempts to set forth your wishes for different medical scenarios. Then your health care agent will know your wishes regarding certain medical situations. If you neglect both of these health care documents, your life might be in the hands of someone you don’t trust. For more information, contact us today.


Execute a will

Estate planning isn’t just for wealthy old people. If you’re an adult, you need an estate plan. This spells out what happens to your property when you die. While the law provides default rules for people who don’t specify their intentions, you might be surprised by what those rules say. For the average person, an estate plan is simply a will (or “last will and testament”). This document spells out who gets what from your estate. Your handwritten will can be valid, but it’s safest to have a lawyer draft your will and walk you through the formal execution ceremony. If you have a spouse or children, you really need a will to ensure they are properly taken care of. Contact us or 704 375 8488 with any questions.