LegalShield Independent Associate Damian Dwyer

09/15/2019

Damian Dwyer ACAVEC THEATRE FUNDRAISER To offset Operational CostsBuilding RepairsBuilding Repairs

12/30/2016

At LegalShield, we’ve been offering legal plans for 40 years, creating a world where everyone can access legal protection - and everyone can afford it. Unexpected legal questions arise every day and with LegalShield on your side, you’ll have access to a high-quality law firm for as little as $20 a m…

09/17/2016

It’s Time for Your Legal Checkup

Each year 57 million full-time working Americans experience some type of legal event. As a LegalShield member you have a network of provider law firms in 49 states and 4 provinces in Canada to assist you and answer your legal questions. Certain legal matters can be avoided with careful planning and review. Use your LegalShield membership to take preventative action. The following information will help you review your estate plan, insurance coverage, credit report, contracts and more. Call your LegalShield provider firm if you have questions or need assistance.

* Protect your family with a will. One of the greatest benefits of a LegalShield membership is the will package. Even if you already have a will, your benefits include a yearly review to make sure your information is accurate and up to date. The process of obtaining your will begins with completing the LegalShield will questionnaire. You can obtain a will questionnaire by calling LegalShield, your provider law firm or downloading one (U.S. residents click here and Canadians click here). The LegalShield provider law firms use the information you provide to develop an estate plan that meets your specific needs. If you have questions as you complete the questionnaire, please call your provider firm and speak with an attorney. Also, review LegalShield’s infographic on completing your will.

* Get a living will or healthcare power of attorney. A living will, sometimes known as a health care declaration or advance directive, is a legal document that allows you to specify in writing the kinds of life-sustaining treatments you are or are not willing to receive should you become incapacitated. A health care power of attorney allows you to appoint an agent or proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf. Unlike a general durable power of attorney, a health care power of attorney is limited to medical decisions only. The laws where you live will determine which forms will best protect your wishes. It is always important to discuss your wishes with your family and your health care providers. If you need assistance or have any questions, contact your LegalShield provider law firm today.

* Review your insurance coverage. The Insurance Information Institute reports that in tough financial times many people switch insurance companies to lower their premiums, but do not fully understand the limits of the lower priced coverage. Some individuals drop portions of their insurance to save money or cancel the policy in its entirety because they can no longer cover the cost. You need to periodically review your policies to ensure they cover the essential investments in your property, changes in your life and recent purchases. Do not wait until after you suffer a loss. Contact your LegalShield provider law firm today and put your mind at ease by having an attorney review the terms of your insurance contracts.

* Review your credit report. Your credit reports include information on your residence; whether you pay your bills on time and whether you have been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. The credit reporting companies sell your information to a number of entities you may deal with, including creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses. Therefore, errors or an unfavorable report may affect your employment. It may also make it difficult or impossible to obtain life or casualty insurance or to obtain favorable premiums. In the United States, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that the three consumer credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—provide you with a free copy of their credit reports once every 12 months. You can order your free annual credit report online at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers Canadians online resources on how to obtain and understand your credit reports.

* Watch for signs of identity theft. Be wary of sharing personal information over the phone or email, especially if you’ve received an unsolicited communication (even if you do regular business with the organization). Many scammers pose as representatives of trusted businesses. Do not leave personal financial documents out in the open or anywhere you cannot limit access. If you believe you may be the victim of identity theft and you have an IDShield membership call (800) 806-3991. If you do not yet have an IDShield membership visit www.idshield.com to learn more.

* Have contracts reviewed by an attorney before you sign. Lawyers cannot change the past; NEVER sign a contract, lease or other agreement before you call your LegalShield attorney for review and advice. Contracts and other agreements are sometimes written to intentionally obscure the true meaning. Your LegalShield attorney can help you make sense of a contract, lease or other agreement to ensure you fully understand your obligations.

09/17/2016

8 Critical Auto Accident Legal Tips

Auto accidents come in many forms, from minor fender benders to catastrophic multi-car pileups. No matter what type of accident you are in, regardless of who is at fault, it is important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. After an accident you may be forced to deal with medical issues, insurance claims, lawsuits, citations and even potential criminal charges. Your LegalShield provider law firm can help you understand your rights and legal options. If you are in an accident call your provider firm right away.

Safety First - Pull safely to the side of the road and out of the traffic lanes, if possible. If you cannot do so or you feel it is dangerous to move your vehicle, carefully exit your vehicle and move yourself to a safe location away from traffic until help arrives.

Police - Even if your accident seems minor, call the police and file an accident report. Do not admit guilt or responsibility for the accident to the police or other persons. Some individuals who are shaken up after an accident become overly apologetic while others may become angry and combative. It is important to remain calm and let the police do their job.

Hit-and-Run – Never chase a hit-and-run driver. A chase could put you and other drivers in harm’s way. If you can only remember one piece of information make it the other driver’s license plate number. Knowing the make, model and color of the car will also be helpful. Call the police. Even if you have very little information about the other driver, a police report will be necessary for any insurance claim or legal action.

Information - Exchange information with the driver of the other car or cars. Gather names, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information. If there are witnesses on the scene take down their contact information as well. Witnesses may be particularly helpful in identifying hit and run drivers or understanding the full picture of a major accident. Use your smart phone to take pictures of the accident scene and any property damage.

Documents - Organize all documents regarding your accident and keep them together. Important documents include the police report, the other driver’s information, insurance documents, medical papers, repair estimates or bills associated with the accident. Keeping your documentation organized will help you and your attorney accurately review your matter and calculate expenses.

Injury – If you or a loved one is injured in an accident it is extremely important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Those who are seriously injured are often unable to gather evidence at the scene. An attorney can help explain the process and help make sure vital information is gathered and preserved as evidence.

Traffic Tickets – If the officer on the scene believes you committed a traffic offense you may be issued a ticket. It is important to be polite and cooperative. Avoid arguing with the officer. Comply with requests for your name, driver's license, registration and insurance information. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt, it only shows that you were provided with a copy of the citation. Save any objections or arguments for court. Use Snap to send your ticket directly to your LegalShield provider law firm. Once received, your LegalShield provider law firm will process the information and call you within 8 business hours. Submitting your ticket right away helps ensure an attorney is available for your court date and has plenty of time to prepare your case. Download the LegalShield App today from iTunes or Google Play.

Settlement Agreements - It may be tempting to take a settlement to pay for repairs, a replacement vehicle or medical bills, but it is important to make sure the settlement is fair and that it truly compensates you for the long-term consequences of the accident. An attorney can help you consider all of the potential costs and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Do not sign any documents or agree to any type of settlement without calling your LegalShield provider law firm to speak with an attorney.

09/17/2016

Are You Ready to Start a Small Business?

Building a successful business takes more than just a great idea or business plan. Making informed decisions during the startup process can put your business on the right track for success. The following information will help you recognize some of the important legal issues you will need to consider before starting your business. LegalShield small business members have access to experienced attorneys who can help them make informed decisions when building their new business. Click here to learn more about LegalShield small business protection.

What type of business entity should you form? – There are a lot of options, including sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited liability companies (known as Limited Partnerships in Canada) and corporations. Important factors to consider when selecting an entity include tax treatment and benefits, sale of interests in the business and limiting your personal liability. Consider that:

* Sole proprietorships put your personal assets at risk in the event of a lawsuit against your business. This means you could potentially lose your home, your personal savings and other assets.
General partnerships expose you to even greater risks than sole proprietorships. In a general partnership you are also responsible and liable for certain actions of your partner(s).

* LLCs and corporations may protect personal assets and limit personal liability.

* Should you form an LLC or a corporation? – Taxation, record-keeping, sources of funding, ownership and the physical location of your business are all important factors to consider when selecting between an LLC and a corporation. The best way to determine which type of entity best suits your needs is to consult an experienced business attorney.

In what state or province should you register your business? – Some businesses choose to register outside of the state or province where they are physically located for tax or regulatory reasons. Before you decide to register your business in another state, consult with an attorney. Registering out of state could end up costing you more in the long run. You are still required to register your business in the state or province where it is headquartered and you may be subject to additional taxes, fees and administrative costs.

Do you need a business permit or license? – Registering your LLC or corporation with the state or provincial authorities is not the same as obtaining a business permit or license. The city or county where your business is located generally issues business permits. Certain types of professional businesses also require a license to operate. Talk to an attorney to make sure you have all of the appropriate permits and licenses before you start doing business.

Should you hire employees or utilize independent contractors? – Whether your labor pool counts as independent contractors or employees depends on your level of control over them. If you control where, how and when they work, the IRS (CRA in Canada) will consider them employees. Your number of employees will be a factor in determining your company’s taxes, as well as how healthcare laws and human resource regulations affect your business. Talk to an attorney to ensure you understand the regulations that affect you and your business.

09/17/2016

09/17/2016

Member Story of the Day - Tenant doesn't Pay:

“I own a townhouse in Annapolis, Maryland. The tenant moved out without paying an $800 water bill. So, I took it from his security deposit. I get a letter in the mail 9 months later saying that he is suing me! After my attorney spoke with his attorney and explained my legal fees were zero as a member of LegalShield, they promptly withdrew the suit. Ha! He was thinking I would try to cut my losses rather than spend $300 per hour to defend the suit. Little did he know I was a LegalShield member. Thank you, LegalShield and my team of attorneys for always having my back!”

09/16/2016

Worry Less, Live More
Affordable Personal & Business Legal Services. Sign up now at:
legalshield.com/hub/damiandwyer
or damiandwyer.legalshieldassociate.com

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