It's the Law

Q: Last week I took a parasail ride. The operator required me to sign a form entitled “release and waiver,” releasing the operator from liability in case I got hurt. Are those releases enforceable? Full story »

Q: A friend of mine said he recently had his attorney prepare a trust for his grandchildren. He was really excited about taking care of their college education, but he did not explain how the trust would work. Can you give me an explanation? Full story »

Q: I have a contract with a builder. The certificate of occupancy has been issued and the builder claims I now must pay everything due under the contract. The problem is there are defects in construction, some of them major, that I want fixed before I make final payment. Who wins this argument? Full story »

Q: I have a property that has gone down in value. It is now worth less than the mortgage. I have a buyer who will pay the appraised value, but that is less than the mortgage payoff. My Realtor has convinced the lender to accept less than full payoff and we are proceeding to closing. I think this might affect my credit, but will it affect my income tax return. Full story »

Q: My mother just died. In the weeks before she died, my brother was with her a lot. I just found out she changed her will a few days before she died from leaving her estate equally to all of her children to leaving her estate entirely to my brother. I am not too happy and wonder if there is any way to challenge her will? Full story »

Q: Did the 2008 Legislature make any changes to the Condominium Act? Full story »

Q: Did the 2008 Legislature make any changes to the Condominium Act? Full story »

Q: Did the 2008 Legislature make any changes to the Condominium Act? Full story »

Q: I heard about someone who had a heart attack on the treadmill at my gym. Supposedly, the person died. Does the gym have liability for his death? Full story »

Q: I am getting divorced. My wife is currently living in our house and I am renting an apartment. It does not seem fair that she gets to live rent free. Shouldn’t she have to pay me rent, at least for my half of the house? Full story »

Q: There seems to be a lot of secrecy in the medical community. I think I should at least be able to find out if a doctor is guilty of malpractice as part of my decision about medical treatment. Is there a way to get malpractice records? Full story »

Q: I work for a large recreational vehicle dealership. Part of my job involves creating new or custom parts which are sold by our company. I recently invented a new mirror system, which makes backing and parking a lot easier. My employer claims ownership and that I have no rights to the invention. Since I invented it, isn’t it mine? Full story »

Q: A friend of mine is getting divorced. He inherited some money last year and deposited it in a joint savings account with his wife. My friend claims the money is his, since he inherited it. His wife claims the entire account is a marital asset and she wants half of it. Who is right? Full story »

Q: I was injured when I slipped and fell at a City park. The walkway was very slippery and wet. My medical bills were over $30,000 Can I sue the city to recover for my injuries? Full story »

Q: I have been working in a business for years. I was paid minimum wage, with the understanding that I would be an owner of the business and help it grow. Full story »