Legitimate Free Legal Blog. You be the judge and jury of the latest news!

Oct 11, Contractor Agreement - What Should Your Document Contain?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

From the smallest construction, addition or alteration, to extensive work such as building a new house, this is one document that needs to be comprehensive.

Our free template is especially useful to assist you in compiling your list of all the elements that you need to consider as either contractor or homeowner.

We also offer additional guidelines as to clauses that an owner should not agree to and how to verify a contractor's credentials.

Oct 9, Which Caregiving Option Will be the Best Option for Your Children?

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

When the caring of minors needs to be entrusted to another adult, whether temporarily or on a more permanent basis, there are a number of ways this can be done.

In some instances there will be no need to get the courts involved and you can make use of our free templates, e.g.

Temporary Guardianship
Affidavit of Guardianship
Power of Attorney for a Child
Child Travel Consent or Medical Consent, etc.

We provide free forms and applicable guidelines for their use and information for the other instances where you do need a court order.

Oct 7, Construction Contract Extension Agreement

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

It's the nature of the beast that constructions or alterations or remodeling will take longer than anticipated.

It is quick and easy for both parties to just note and sign an extension to the deadline (so there will be no late penalties) with our deadline extension amendment.

Another good idea is to note any variation orders e.g. repainting of an area in a different color or moving plumbing points and especially to note the additional costs that may be incurred because of this extra work.

Make use of our free contractor agreements to avoid possible disputes at a later stage.

Oct 4, When, and When Not to Use Rental Agents for Investment Properties

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Agents can be hugely helpful in marketing and finding suitable tenants for rental properties.

But we do not completely rely on their services and the reasons are simple:

Our real estate properties are a valuable part of our retirement portfolio. We therefore actively get involved in:

Meeting prospective tenants and doing our own reference and employment checks;
Inspecting the property regularly and effecting repairs and maintenance as and when before it escalates into a huge job;
Using one standard lease agreement rather than trying to keep up with clauses and deadlines in a variety of documents.

You can find more landlord tips and all the totally free real estate forms that we use linked to from this page:

Oct 2, Executor in a Will

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

How should you choose the executor in your will?

What happens if you do not name an executor?

And what happens if an appointed person cannot or does not want to serve as executor?

Take a look at this article where we show you how you can make the best decision for your estate.

Sep 30, Lease Agreement - Should You Have a Guarantor Clause?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

The short answer is no. And this is why:

The lease agreement is between landlord and tenant. And all the provisions within the lease pertains to the warranties and obligations of those two parties.

You need a separate Guarantor Agreement!

This legal document has specific obligations set out that the guarantor must agree to and which the landlord can legally enforce should the tenant default.

You can have additional clauses for co-letting and joint tenancies. It's all provided for on our site - and as always, at no cost to you.

Sep 27, Rental Application and Upfront Fees - What is Allowed?!

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Landlords are allowed to ask a fee to accompany a rental application. Some landlords may also ask for a move in fee to cover any damages caused to the building during the move.

However!

There is a maximum limit allowed, depending on the country/state.
There are rules as to refunds and the time limit within which to refund any money.
A landlord can incur stiff penalties if he accepts an application (and fees) whilst knowing that a tenant will not qualify because of inadequate income.

Sep 25, Contesting a Will!

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Time is of the essence when you want to bring a claim against an estate or challenge the validity of a will!

Who has the legal right to contest or challenge a will?
On what grounds can a will be contested?
What are the costs involved?
It is a good idea to add a no-contest clause to your last will and testament?

We review these and other important issues regarding family wills.

Sep 23, Selling Your Car Privately?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

It's quite straightforward to have a bill of sale that spells out the terms and conditions of your agreement.

We've made it even easier for you, and provide two printable legal forms for either:

Once-off payment for the full selling price. We also make provision for a holding deposit should you need that.
Installment sale where regular payments must be made until the vehicle is fully paid.

Get your free legal forms here:

Sep 20, Which Power of Attorney Form will Serve Your Needs Best?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

You don't need the broad permission typically found in a general power of attorney if you only wish your agent, for example, to sell a vehicle on your behalf.

It's very easy to stipulate exactly what, how and for how long you would like your appointed agent to perform any functions for you.

Start off by going through our general guidelines and then choose from our variety of free power of attorney forms to download the specific document that is most suitable for your requirements.

Sep 18, Rental Applications - Legal Guidelines

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Landlords need to find the best tenant for a rental property but also need to show no bias or discrimination.

So, on what basis can you reject an applicant and how do you need to word your rejection notice?

And how do you assess affordability or should you consider having a third party sign as guarantor?

We'll guide you through many of these (and other) questions and supply the relevant free legal forms and documents.

Sep 16, Important Facts About Your Last Will and Testament...

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

When you draft or review your document or you've been appointed as executor in the will of someone who passed away, you may want to consider the following:

What can make a will invalid?
When can a person be disqualified from inheriting?
Can another person sign a will on behalf of the will maker?
What is a Testamentary Trust?

Sep 13, Buying or Selling a Boat Privately?

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

It's very simple to spell out the terms and conditions of your transaction.

Take a look at the two free templates we've compiled:

Where a single payment will conclude the transaction. We've also added an optional clause if a holding deposit will be paid initially.
Where multiple payments will be made.

Review the guidelines and download or print your sample document.

Sep 11, How to Manage Your Renovations or Constructions

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

If you're planning to do alterations or a new building project, then cast your eye over our checklist to see whether you've covered:

Warranty on materials and workmanship
Insurance by both parties
Progress payments and the issuing of lien waivers and releases
The scope of the work
...and so much more.

We also provide a variety of free printable contracts and forms for every step or your project.

Sep 9, Time to Become a Landlord?

Mon, 9 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

There's always a buzz in various media about investment property opportunities - whether commercial or residential - and whether you should or should not put your money in bricks and mortar.

We have always maintained that there's never a really bad time to invest in property. One would try not to buy when the market favors the sellers, but not having a crystal ball, it will be difficult to predict when the market will be at the optimum for buying.

The bigger question is WHERE to invest.

COVID caused many more people to work from home with an increased need for home office space. People also increasingly look towards suburbia because there is no need to commute to city offices.

Take a look at our tips and free legal forms for landlords to assist you with managing your tenants and rental portfolio.

Sep 6, Progress Payments to a Contractor - Why and When and How!

Fri, 6 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Apart from managing your cash flow and contractor effectively, there are a number of other very important reasons for determining the payment stages of your building or renovation project:

Will you have anything to show (building materials) for the deposit you paid?
Will you be getting receipts and more importantly, lien releases at every progress payment?
Will the work pass the relevant inspections by the authorities prior to your paying for that work?
How much money will be retained to cover items on the snag list and within what timeframe must that be addressed?
etc.

We also supply a free contractor agreement and lien waiver forms to assist you with your project.

Sep 4, Lawn Care Contracts

Wed, 4 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Are you thinking of handing this chore over to a professional company?

Or are you an independent contractor offering this service?

We consider the interests of both parties when drafting our legal documents.

Take a look at our free Lawn Care Contract and the accompanying Lawn Care Schedule that outlines the scope of the work and details the obligations of both parties.

Sep 2, Hands-on Landlord vs Handing Over to a Property Management Company?

Mon, 2 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Although we believe in hands-on management of our properties, there are instances where it makes sense to use a property management company.

For example, you may not have the time or the properties may be in a different city etc.

To help you decide, we take a look at:

Which services are on offer and how much does a Property Management Company charge for their services?
Will vacation rentals be charged for at a higher rate?
Who makes the payments for property repairs?

And we supply a number of free contract forms to formalize your service agreement.

Aug 30, Free Instalment Sale Agreement

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

You may be selling property where an initial down payment will be made with the balance payable over a period of time.

Would you be adding interest, and how much interest can you charge?
How would you address late payments?
Would you record a lien on the property?
etc.

We provide answers to these questions and supply a free template for your use to formalize your transaction.

Aug 28, Group Model Release Forms

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Do you need a model release for people at an event?

Can you take photographs of people in public without a release form?

Where and when are you allowed to use images of groups of people without their written consent?

Take a look at our legal guidelines and use our free release forms where you need to.

Aug 26, How to Sublet a Property - Easily Done With a Sublease Agreement

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Our free templates make provision for you to sublet a property in its entirety or sublet a portion or portions e.g. a room in a house, shared kitchen etc.

There are 4 important steps to follow when subletting:

Review the original lease agreement to ascertain if you are allowed to sublet and what is required of you and how you can facilitate the agreement.
Submit a written request to your landlord. We show you how to go about it with our sample letter.
Negotiate the rental and security amounts.
Download the best suitable free agreement and forms.

We cover all the above with our legal guidelines and as always provide the applicable forms for you to print or download.

Aug 23, Room Rental Agreement - How to Cover the Important Points

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Our free room rental agreement is a simple form that addresses the pertinent points in this type of lease contract.

It makes provision for other agreements such as maintenance and cleaning, conduct rules of the Homeowners Association, inventory etc. to be attached and recognised as part of the whole agreement.

It is available as a printable room rental template, or it can be downloaded as a fillable PDF or Word Doc.

If you need to make provision for a substitute tenant at any time, simply use the free room rental addendum and attach that to your original agreement.

Aug 21, Roommate Rules Agreement

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Creating harmonious accommodation is key when a number of people are sharing a property.

Our free roommate lease agreement is a legal document which identifies the rights, liabilities and duties of roommates.

We also supply a separate rotating chore chart showing the daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule.

Aug 19, Renting Out a Room

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Renting out a room in your home, a basement room or garage apartment can be of financial benefit to a homeowner.

A landlord could generate more income if he's renting a property by the room to a number of tenants.

And tenants could afford better quality accommodation and the lifestyle that comes with it, when they collectively rent a property.

Take a look at our guidelines for calculating the room rental, house rules and various free room rental agreements.

Aug 16, Employee Evaluation Made Easy

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Once you've listed the performance criteria according to the job description and guidelines for judging, a standard template makes periodic monitoring very easy.

Not only can it be used as a motivational tool, but also to record poor performance and as a tracking tool during a probationary period.

Our free template is an excellent starting point to create your own job-specific evaluation form.

Aug 14, How to Create Your Last Will and Testament

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Make this your priority if you have not done a will as yet, or if your circumstances have changed and you need to update your will!

We will show you step by step how to draft your document and what the legal requirements are for a will.

We've also created a number of free legal will forms to assist you with:

Your Last Will and Testament;
Creating a Social Media Will;
Your Living Will;

Work through our guidelines regarding your choice of executor and legal guardian for minor children, probate and taking care of your digital assets and your choice of witnesses.

Aug 12, How to Reduce Your Rental Risks

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Getting a third party to sign as guarantor can help an otherwise marginal tenant to qualify for a rental property.

It can also give a landlord peace of mind knowing that a creditworthy person will guarantee payment of the rental.

Take a look at our free guarantor agreement template to assist you with drafting your document.

Aug 9, Interview Questions - Stay Within the Law

Fri, 9 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

By phrasing a question differently, you can get the answer you're looking for without breaking the law.

It is also important to know that although some questions are generally not allowed, when interviewing for certain jobs the same restrictions may not apply.

Review our interview tips and use our free employment templates to process applications, evaluations and enter into employment agreements.

Aug 7, Bill of Sale with Down Payment

Wed, 7 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Do you need to compile a bill of sale that makes provision for a down payment or holding deposit?

Buyer and seller need to discuss whether the holding deposit will be refundable or not should the buyer wish to cancel the sale.

Both parties also need to be clear on how and when the balance will be paid and what will happen if the buyer defaults.

Review our guidelines and use our free bill of sale template.

Aug 5, Medical Power of Attorney and Living Wills

Mon, 5 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

These two forms work together to ensure your wishes are known and executed once you can no longer speak for yourself.

In your Living Will you will specify whether you wish to have your life prolonged by artificial means, whether you may receive blood transfusions, whether you wish to donate your organs etc.

In your Medical Power of Attorney you will appoint a person or persons to make healthcare decisions on your behalf according to your Living Will.

Note, this form will only come into effect if/when you are incapacitated and cannot make your wishes known.

We supply legal templates for both and additional guidelines to assist you in compiling your documents.

Aug 2, Non-disclosure Agreement for Inventions

Fri, 2 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

It is a requirement in patent registration for the invention to be new and you cannot be disclosing information about your invention willy-nilly.

But you may need to consult with a potential investor, marketer or manufacturer before you can fully develop your idea.

In these situations you will need a non-disclosure agreement to safely reveal your confidential information.

Take a look at our sample document to help you streamline your thoughts.

Jul 31, Legality of Holographic and International Wills

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

What should you do if you do not have the opportunity or means to execute a will in the prescribed format?

Or you find yourself in a foreign country where you do not speak the language and cannot consult with an attorney, but you want to make your last will and testament?

We review last will and testament laws with regard to the following:

What is a holographic will and how must it be executed?
Where and when is it legal to have a holographic will?
Can I have an International will?
etc.

Jul 29, Model Release for Nude Photography

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Perhaps the most important item on the list would be for the photographer to confirm identity and age.

The model release should be signed after the photo shoot so the model knows the full extent of the content.

Our free model release form makes provision for any exclusions or permissions that either party may wish to add to the agreement.

Jul 26, How to Compile Your Living Will

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

If you've been meaning to get your affairs in order, there is no better time than the present.

You may already have your Last Will and Testament in place, so go one step further and add a Living Will / Advance Health Directive.

Read through our guidelines and then use our free living will template to assist you with your document.

Jul 24, Tenant Screening Tools

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

A rental application form serves much more purpose than just recording details of a prospective tenant.

A savvy landlord can read a lot into what is disclosed as well as what is NOT disclosed.

Landlords could even make use of social platforms such as Facebook to learn more about prospective tenants!

Use our rental application template and edit it to suit your requirements.

Jul 22, How to Formalize a Personal Loan Agreement

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

So often a loan is extended to a friend or family member without recording the details and the repayment terms.

This is all fine and well until things go wrong and there's a dispute!

It is not difficult to draw up a loan agreement. Take a look at our guidelines covering:

The various repayment options
Whether to charge interest and what to do if you choose not to.

Then use one of our many free Promissory Note templates to assist you with your document.

Jul 19, Durable Power of Attorney - Have Your Say Even If You Become Incapacitated

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Having this document in place is the only way to direct how your affairs must be handled should you become incapacitated.

It does not mean that you relinquish control of your affairs in the interim! Your decisions must be abided by until such time that you can no longer speak for yourself.

It may be called a durable, continuing, lasting or enduring power of attorney in your jurisdiction.

Review our guidelines and use our free template to assist you in compiling your document.

Jul 17, Model Release for Minors

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Our free photo release form is specifically tailored to make provision for a parent or legal guardian to enter into an agreement on behalf of a minor.

If a child’s image will be used for a sensitive issue such as bullying or child abuse, the photographer could stipulate that on the form.

Similarly, if parents wish to exclude any specific use, that could be noted too.

Jul 15, Pet Sitting Contract

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

As homeowner you need peace of mind that your beloved pets and home will be well cared for whilst you are away on holiday.

As an independent contractor offering this service, you need to have an agreement in place that will clearly spell out the terms and conditions to both parties.

Make use of our free sample contract and pet and owner information sheets.

Jul 12, Referral Agreement - How to Clearly Define the Terms

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Entering into a referral agreement can be financially beneficial to a Company and the Agents promoting its products.

The Company can increase its presence in the market without incurring additional overheads and an Agent can earn money without having to carry inventory.

The key to a mutually beneficial relationship is in a fair value exchange and for both parties to understand exactly what the expectations and rewards are - and to have that in writing.

Review our sample legal document to assist you with compiling your agreement.

Jul 10, Dog Walking Contract

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Our comprehensive free agreement includes:

A Veterinary Release Form
Pet Owner Information Sheet
Pet Information Sheet

If house sitting will be part of your service, you can incorporate relevant clauses from that template in your document.

Jul 8, Real Estate Contract Forms

Mon, 8 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

We regularly see comments from both Landlords and Tenants about disputes arising and which course of action to follow.

The first question will always be: What is stipulated and agreed to in the Lease Agreement?

Quite often though, the answer is that they do not have a written agreement.

Landlord tenant law should not be a daunting subject for either party and both parties need to understand their rights and obligations.

We've compiled a variety of free landlord forms to use as templates. We also provide legal guidelines and links to your specific government pages where you can get even more information.

Jul 5, Wedding Photography Checklist

Fri, 5 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Having a checklist on hand during this important assignment can make things so much easier for the wedding photographer.

It can serve as a handy reminder of specific requests and a copy should be given to the photography coordinator so he/she will know what to look out for on the day.

The checklist is referenced in our free wedding photography contract and forms part of the complete agreement.

Jul 3, Parental Medical Consent

Wed, 3 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

This is such a simple document to execute but it can have such a huge impact in a medical emergency when the parents cannot be reached quickly.

If your child will be spending time away from you, you can give a Medical Consent form to a trusted adult who will be with your child.

It will also be immensely useful to your childminder to have all the child's medical information at hand and could be vital to attending personnel in an emergency.

Use our free template to compile your form.

Jul 1, Wedding Photography Contracts

Mon, 1 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Photographers are most welcome to use our free legal form and adapt it to suit their requirements.

Prospective bridal couples should also take a look to see what is typically included in such an agreement!

We make provision for eventualities such as:

Retainer / Reservation deposit
Cancellation by either party
Ownership of copyright

etc.

Jun 28, Automobile Bill of Sale

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

It may be a legal requirement of your local DMV to have a Bill of Sale when transferring ownership of a vehicle and many of the official sites publish a template.

Their main aim is to record the price paid for a specific vehicle upon which duties and or taxes will be levied.

However! They do not necessarily spell out the terms and conditions of the transaction to which buyer and seller agree.

Take a look at our free sample documents where you can achieve both:

Jun 26, Is a Model Release Always Necessary?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Photographers don’t need a model release of anyone taken in a public space unless:

You intend publishing the image and the person can be recognised. There are some exceptions! You don’t need a model release for use in a relevant news article or editorial or for artistic purposes.
The image will be used for advertising purposes or in any way that can seem as if the model is endorsing a product or service or organization (even non-profit).

We have a number of free sample model release forms for your use.

Jun 21, Do You Have a Seriously Brilliant Idea and Want to Get a Patent?

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

These are the steps you need to follow to patent your invention:

Develop your idea
Do a patent search
File a patent application - provisional and/or complete
Wait for the patent prosecution i.e. examination by the Patent Office

Going through our pages on patenting will give you a very good idea of the process and what is involved. This can help you decide how much you can do yourself and if and when you need to call in a specialized patent attorney.

Jun 19, 5 Safety Tips for Your Power of Attorney Form

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

There is no need to issue a General Power of Attorney if you only want your agent to attend to the sale of a property whilst you are overseas. In other words, use a Limited Power of Attorney wherever you can.
You should also specify an expiry date upon which the POA automatically becomes null and void and no revocation is necessary. If you are satisfied with the way your agent conducted your affairs, you can always issue another document.
Carefully consider which person you can trust to always act with your best interests in mind. You can appoint more than one person and can direct how decisions must be made, i.e. jointly, jointly and severally or a combination thereof.
Once you have no more need for your agent to act on your behalf or do not trust such a person anymore, put it in writing in a Revocation and issue a copy to any third party whom you or your agent have business with.
Consider executing a Durable Power of Attorney to cater for an event which may leave you incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself.

Jun 17, Temporary Employment Agreement

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

There is one distinct advantage to the employer of having a temporary employment agreement in place - it makes it clear that there shall be no expectation from the employee of permanent or continued employment after the time period stipulated in the agreement.

Our free temporary employment agreement spells out the terms and conditions of this work arrangement.

Note: It does not mean that employers can resort to a temporary agreement for an extended period in order not to fulfil duties such as health insurance or a pension plan which may be standard for permanent employees in the company.

Labor laws in prospective areas specify time guidelines and hours worked in order to make a distinction between temporary and permanent employees.