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Essential Clauses Every Business Contract Should Have
A well-drafted business contract is crucial for protecting your company’s rights, clarifying obligations, and minimizing risks. Whether you’re entering into an agreement with a client, vendor, or business partner, ensuring your contract contains the right clauses can prevent disputes and legal headaches. Below are the essential clauses every business contract should include.
Parties to...
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How a Business Can Effectively Deal with Negative Online Reviews
In today’s digital world, online reviews can make or break a business. A single negative review can seem daunting, but how a business responds is often more important than the review itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling negative reviews effectively while maintaining your reputation and customer trust.
Stay Calm and Assess the Review
Before reacting, take a deep breath and...
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What Costs Are Associated with Probate in Washington?
Probate can be an essential step in handling a deceased person’s estate, but it often comes with costs that beneficiaries and personal representatives should anticipate. In Washington State, understanding these expenses can help you plan and avoid surprises. Let’s explore the common costs associated with the probate process.
Court Filing Fees
One of the first expenses you’ll encounter is the...
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10 Common Missteps Personal Representatives Make During Probate in Washington
Acting as a personal representative during probate is a significant responsibility. In Washington, the probate process can be complex, and mistakes can lead to delays, disputes, or even personal liability. Here are ten common missteps personal representatives make and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Understand Their Legal Duties
Personal representatives have a fiduciary duty to act in the...
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Fifth Circuit of Appeals Reinstates BOI Reports
On December 23, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction that had temporarily halted the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. This decision reinstates the obligation for certain business entities, known as “reporting companies,” to disclose...
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Federal Court Suspends Enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s Reporting Requirements: What This Means for Businesses
In a significant development for businesses nationwide, a federal court has temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements. This decision has broad implications, particularly for small businesses, startups, and other entities affected by the law. Let’s explore the background of the CTA, the court’s reasoning, and what this suspension means...
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Contested Wills in Washington: What You Need to Know
Losing a loved one is challenging, and disputes over their will can make the process even more difficult. In Washington, a contested will can lead to legal battles that drain both time and resources. This post provides an overview of the key aspects of contesting a will in Washington, including common grounds for disputes, the legal process, and how to navigate this emotionally charged...
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Digital Assets in Washington Estate Planning: Don’t Overlook Your Online Life
In today’s digital world, our online presence is more than just a social media footprint. It often includes valuable assets like cryptocurrency, intellectual property, and even digital collections. Yet, digital assets are frequently overlooked in estate planning. For Washington residents, understanding how to account for these assets is essential to ensure a comprehensive estate plan. Here’s...
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How Outside Counsel Can Help Your Business Succeed
Running a successful business requires balancing growth with navigating a complex legal landscape. While some companies opt to build in-house legal teams, hiring outside counsel can provide significant advantages. Outside counsel, composed of experienced legal professionals not employed by your business, can offer specialized support, insight, and flexibility.
Here are several ways outside...
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Common Legal Mistakes New Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them
Starting a new business can be exciting, but it comes with a host of legal challenges that many entrepreneurs are unprepared for. Mistakes made early in the process can lead to costly disputes or even threaten the survival of the business. Here are some common legal pitfalls that new businesses face and strategies to avoid them.
Choosing the Wrong Business Structure
Selecting the appropriate...