Probate gets a bad rap sometimes, but the truth is it is actually quite beneficial for you, especially when leveraged the right way. The sooner you begin planning your estate and the more detailed you are about your plans, the less involved the courts will have to get in making sure that your estate is distributed as you desire. At Dale M. Maas, Attorney at Law, we are experienced in helping people in Louisiana with their estate planning efforts.
Understanding probate's value for you
Creating a workplace where respect is the precedence
Going to work each day is a mundane part of life for many people in Louisiana. For lots of people, commuting the same roads, talking to the same people and completing the same tasks can get boring and dull. However, when people are part of an organization where they feel respected, appreciated and important can make a considerable difference in the motivation they feel to go to work, their productivity and their overall morale.
How do you remove a lien on a property?
Liens, when contractors use them legitimately, are supposed to provide a way for workers to ensure payment for goods or services they provided you. Flood repair, home improvement and renovations could all generate valid liens on your property. However, you may have a lien for other reasons, such as unscrupulous contracting that leads to subcontractors left unpaid. Even if you pay your contractor in full, a lien could still be valid.
Your ally against contractor scams
Do not feel bad if you were burned by a fraudulent contractor. Believe it or not, you are in good company — many of your South Central Louisiana neighbors have been scammed in the same way.
What happens when you die without a will in Louisiana?
Most people hate to contemplate their own mortality — and that can include drafting their end-of-life and estate planning documents. While it is an individual's right not to write a will or otherwise protect their assets, they should know and understand the consequences of their actions.
Should you include everything in your will?
You are looking forward to getting the ball rolling on your estate plan in Louisiana and have already talked extensively with your family about your plans. Your decision to proactively plan for your future is imperative to your ability to live your life confidently with the surety that your final desires are legally acknowledged and will be honored by your surviving family members.
Being strategic to optimize on the best real estate markets
Real estate investing in Louisiana can be a tricky business and for many investors, the challenge of finding ideal properties and turning them into lucrative investments is the excitement of their job. However, equally, as challenging is their quest to locate markets that will provide optimal opportunities for growth, continued success and never-ending profit.
Independent contractors vs. employees
Business owners in Louisiana who are just starting out may be able to run the business alone for a little while, but as it grows it is time to begin hiring help. When hiring, owners can choose between having employees and independent contractors.
Advice for writing a living will
Some people in Louisiana may understand that it is a good idea to have a living will, but doing so is low on the priority list. Other people may not even know what a living will is, but it is an important part of estate planning if a person wants to have control over his or her own healthcare.
Suggestions for when a contractor is in breach of contract
When people hire a general contractor to work on their home in Louisiana, they typically sign a contract that clearly highlights both parties' responsibilities. Such an agreement is critical to verify that there is no misunderstanding in terms of what is expected of each other and that all payments and obligations are met in a timely and effective manner.
