Paternal Rights In The USA

Having children is complicated enough without having to worry about potential legal ramifications. However, in cases where the paternity of a child is disputed, things can get even dicier. Determinations about paternity can affect visitation rights, child support payments, and a host of emotional issues. Here is everything that potential fathers need to understand about paternity rights in the USA.

Royalty Free Photo

What Does Paternity Mean?

Under US law, paternity refers to the legal relationship that exists between a child and their father. The legal definition of ‘father’ is not always as clear-cut as the child’s biological parent. For example, there are children who don’t know who their father is and there are many people who have grown up with a father figure not related to them.

When a child is born to a married couple, it is assumed that the husband is the child’s father. As a result, if a child is born during marriage then they have a presumed father – the husband. However, a child that is born outside of marriage will not have a presumed father, meaning that the child’s mother will gain sole legal custody until a court order is established that specifies a different arrangement.

Establishing Paternity

Establishing the paternity of a child can be crucial to certain legal proceedings and can have a significant impact on the course of both the father’s and the child’s lives. Clearly, this is a very important process, and anyone preparing to undergo it needs to know what to expect. In most cases where a child is born out of wedlock, there are no issues surrounding custody or visitation.

For example, unmarried couples who have a child and cohabit together have no need to formalize paternity. However, should the couple split up later, the mother will have sole legal recognition as the child’s custodian.

Paternity can be established in one of two ways. The first is through a legal document called a Recognition Of Parentage. ROPs are used where the father is not married to the mother and requires both parents to agree upon the child’s parentage.

Paternity Adjudication

In cases where the parents of a child cannot come to an agreement on the child’s parentage, the courts may step in. In these cases, it will ultimately be the court that decides who has paternal rights and who should receive legal recognition as a child’s father.

Anyone who is about to go through the paternity process needs to have an experienced attorney on hand to help them through it. This can be a very stressful and trying time. The stakes are potentially enormous when it comes to establishing paternity and instituting court-mandated visitation schedules. Not only is it important to ensure that your interests are represented properly in court, but an experienced attorney will be able to help you prepare properly for the trials that lie ahead.

Establishing the paternity of a child can be a long and trying process for everyone involved. However, both parents and their children have a right to know their lineage, so it is important to make sure the process is conducted properly.

Fascinating case handled by Z.P Advocates

Z.P advocates has filed a class action against an insurance company for charging regular rates during coronavirus quarantine even though cars are parked

Z.P advocates

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

We live in very difficult and unusual times. I am sure that nobody was able to predict the epidemic of a virus on such a scale that ravages the world as we speak. But here we are, almost 2 months into the lockdown, which will have to last a bit longer until the rate of deaths slows down enough to allow us to return back to normal lives.

One rare group of people that so far have benefited from the pandemic are car insurance providers. They were simply lucky, to be honest. Since people drive a lot less and the road are almost empty there are also a lot fewer road accidents taking place and thus fewer accident claims. In some countries, though, lawmakers have forced car insurance providers to reduce their premiums. For example, in the U.S insurance companies reduced on their initiative insurance rates because of the coronavirus quarantine. Another good example of a country where car insurance are forced to act that way is Israel. You can read more about it in detail here As seen on AVVO directory. If you want, you can also check more details In Mr. Zioni’s Twitter account. The lawsuit is on the amount of 770,000,000 (NIS) which is more than $200M. The law office that represents the prosecutors is Z.P advocates, The settlement does not include the car theft element in the car insurance.

I am really glad that somebody stood up for people in Israel so that they don’t have to pay for their car insurance of they don’t use them. We all have had losses because of the epidemic amd nobody should benefit from such a rare event, especially not car insurance providers. There are some industries that were severely hit by the crisis such as the aviation industry or travel industry. Israel relies on travel as well, so many people there are already in a financial crisis. There is no point forcing them to pay a full rate for their car insurance policy as well.

Z.P advocates have been successful in many other cases as well helping the public in Israel. Another example of their victories is their victory over cryptocurrencies and the way they are connected to Israeli bank services.

5 Reasons to Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s careless or reckless behaviors, you may be considering your options. Should you talk to a lawyer? What about insurance companies? And what about personal injury claims? These are common questions, and they are best answered by professionals.

Put together by a personal injury lawyer in Douglasville, GA, here are 5 reasons why it is a good idea to hire a personal injury lawyer before making any important decisions.

1. Experience with Personal Injury Claims

If you are injured and want to pursue financial compensation, you want to hire a lawyer who knows how to build and succeed with this type of case. A personal injury lawyer has knowledge of applicable personal injury laws, the process of these claims and how to overcome obstacles.

2. Objectivity

After an accident, it is natural that you are emotional. And the processes involved with medical appointments or treatment, insurance claims and property loss can be overwhelming. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you have the benefit of objectivity on your side. Your lawyer can objectively look at your situation and the evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.

3. Access to Resources

Personal injury claims require the plaintiff (i.e. the victim) to prove their case. Even if you are severely injured, this process is difficult to prove on your own. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you have access to valuable resources. These include:

  • Other lawyers – Many lawyers specialize in certain types of case, even down to certain injuries. When you work with a lawyer, you have access to additional legal professionals who can bolster your claim.
  • Investigators – Personal injury lawyers work with investigators who know how to gather evidence and build a case. These professionals can re-enact accidents, interview witnesses and gather medical and other records.
  • Expert Witnesses – If your injury was caused by medical malpractice, proving your claim may rely on the opinions of expert witnesses. Personal injury lawyers often have relationships with expert witnesses that they can trust to help them prove their clients’ cases.

4. Alternatives to Trial

Not all personal injury cases go to trial. In fact, many are resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. These alternatives give both sides a chance to state their position and attempt to reach a settlement that both parties agree to. If you agree to a settlement offer, then you agree to drop your personal injury lawsuit against the other party. Your personal injury lawyer will help you negotiate and determine if the settlement offer is reasonable. If not, then your case may proceed to trial.

5. Experience with Jury Trials

If your personal injury claim goes to trial, you will be required to appear, and may have to take the stand to testify. This process can be overwhelming as you are recovering from your injuries. This process also can take months or even years to complete. But if you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you, you can relax a bit as this process unfolds. Your lawyer will represent you in court. He or she may be able to appear on your behalf at certain hearings. He or she will file documents on your behalf and ensure that your claim meets legal guidelines. And finally, he or she will ensure that your legal rights are protected.

 

4 Times You Can Rely on the Help of a Criminal Attorney

Life can have some crazy twists and turns, but one of the most exasperating for most people is being arrested by the police for a criminal violation. Whether the problem is a felony or a misdemeanor, going to jail is a process you probably don’t want to experience during your lifetime! If you do find yourself on the other side of the law, here are four times you can rely on the help of a criminal law firm in Columbia MD.

1. DUI

If you drive under the influence and an officer stops your vehicle, you will be arrested for DUI. If you refuse to let the officer administer the test, the charges could move from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor charge. If you injure another person while driving intoxicated, the charge will be a felony DUI.

2. Burglary & Theft

In most jurisdictions, theft of items resulting in a total of over $1,000 is a felony. Even if you are caught with the items in your possession, your attorney can help you fight your case by showing you were intoxicated or that you own the goods in question.

3. Assault & Battery

Assault and battery are acts committed by one person that can harm the body of another while the accused had the intent to do so. This could be threatening behavior, harmful touching, or causing another person to fear. Contact a criminal law attorney if you are ever accused of either.

4. Drug Possession

If your vehicle is stopped and the officers see any drug paraphernalia inside your car, you can be arrested for drug possession – especially if there is any drug residue on the items. A criminal attorney can help you understand the court system and help you fight the drug charges.

From a misdemeanor to a felony, criminal charges can change your life in a heartbeat. Fight back with the help of a criminal attorney.

Knowing When to Seek Professional Services

Throughout various times in your work or personal life, there are times when it is best to seek the help of a professional. Learn more, and discover when it pays to seek professional help.

When You Need Taxes Handled

Getting your taxes done can involve a lot of attention to detail and paperwork, both for businesses and individuals alike. If you feel unsure about the best way to handle your taxes or think they would be better off in the hands of a professional, it is important to go to an accountant for the help you need. There are several advantages to filing taxes with a CPA, so take a look and decide if this is the right path for your needs.

If You Need Legal Assistance

Finding yourself in need of legal help can be intimidating. Perhaps you have a criminal case, a civil matter, or need help with something else pertaining to the legal system. Seeking help with litigation services boise id can make a big difference and help you understand what is going on. Having a professional on your side can give you peace of mind, even if you don’t know what to expect next, and overall help make the process easier.

Needing to Promote Your Company

If you are looking for ways to build and promote your company but it seems you are out of ideas, a professional can offer the assistance you are looking for. This can include using social media and the internet to help leverage your marketing tactics and figuring out who your target audience is and how to appeal to them.

Although seeking professional services can intimidate some people, it is important to consider the benefits and how they can help you. Knowing what you can expect can save you worry in the long run.

5 Tips on Selecting the Right Divorce Attorney

Whether it’s come to an amicable end, or things are a little more complicated, going through a divorce can take its toll on your health and wellbeing. Regarded as one of the most stressful experiences an individual can endure, it’s important that you find a divorce attorney who can act on your behalf and fight your corner. If you aren’t sure what to look out for, here are a few tips on how to find the best divorce attorney.

Royalty-free image

Choose a Reliable Lawyer

Reliability is a key trait that all reputable divorce lawyers should possess. Going through a divorce can bring a wide range of emotions, so knowing you have a lawyer who is accessible and contactable at short notice can put your mind at ease. If you have any questions that need answering right away, reputable divorce lawyers will do everything in their power to ensure your queries are addressed immediately.

Do Your Research

So that you can be confident with your final decision, doing research into what other people have to say about the lawyer who you’re planning on using can help. Whether it’s by reading online reviews or asking colleagues and friends who have had personal experience of dealing with law firms, the best divorce attorneys will have a portfolio of happy clients. For example, attorneys like M. Sue Wilson, specialize in divorce, prenuptial agreements, and marriage legal separation.

Establish a Strong Relationship

When going for your first meeting with a divorce attorney, use the consultation as an opportunity to get to know your attorney on both a personal and professional level. There are several attributes that you need to be on the lookout for, such as excellent communication skills and active listening. Sharing your experiences with someone who will put their full concentration into what you say is important.

Know the Costs

From start to finish, having a good idea of how much the legal services will be can help you budget accordingly. There will be some divorce lawyers who charge an hourly rate, while others may bill at random intervals, or at the end of proceedings. There are also some divorce lawyers who offer a fixed fee to make sure there are no nasty surprises. To put your mind at ease, it’s crucial that you ask about how much your lawyer charges before accepting their services.

Prepare for Your Consultation

To get the most out of your first consultation, make sure that you get everything off your chest. There are several basic details that your lawyer will need to know, such as your marriage dates, spousal and personal income, as well as any assets that you may have. It’s important that you be up front and honest from the beginning, otherwise there could be problems that can arise further down the line.

Deciding to get divorced is a huge decision and picking a divorce lawyer can be a stressful and emotional experience. To make the process run as smoothly as possible, all the tips above can play their part in finding a reputable and reliable divorce attorney.

What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident

With as many automobiles as there are on the road, your chances of being in an accident at some point are very high. Hopefully, it’s a minor fender bender that doesn’t result in significant damage or injury, or the need to hire experienced attorneys Honolulu hi and go to court. Whatever the severity of the accident, there are some universal guidelines to follow if it happens to you.

Make Sure Everyone is Safe

The first and most important thing to do after an accident is to make sure everyone involved is safe. Hopefully, everyone will be unharmed, but if someone has a broken bone or wound, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are trained in CPR or emergency response, offer care if necessary. But only do so if it is safe for you to approach. If there are open flames or gasoline and oil spills, wait for the authorities.

Call the Police

In less severe circumstances where people aren’t hurt, it is still important to file a police report. Call either their non-emergency number or 9-1-1 if you are in a high traffic area. This will be important for both legal and insurance purposes.

Stick to the Facts

It’s important not to say too much at the scene of an accident. If you tell the other person involved that you didn’t see them or it was your fault, this will go into the police report, and will be very hard to dispute later. It’s best to ask if they are unhurt and safe, and then say you don’t want to discuss what happened until the police arrive to take your statements.

Accidents happen. Vehicles and property can be replaced, so safety must always be the top priority. After that, be sure to inform authorities to get the matter on record. Be honest without taking blame or offering unnecessary information.

The Most Common Commercial Property Claims

Those who run their own business need to make sure they are protected against negligence and liability claims that could be made against them. Company owners have a responsibility to keep everyone safe, including the people who enter their place a business. There are a few common commercial property claims that managers must know.

Customer Slip and Fall Accidents

Customer slip and fall accidents are among the most common issues that businesses might face. Wet floors, slick stairs, and icy storefronts are all common causes and slip and fall incidents. While these might sound like minor events, it is possible for someone to strike his or her head on the ground, leading to a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury might lead to permanent complications that could result in an expensive lawsuit. In this situation, it is helpful to enlist the assistance of a commercial property claims expert Houston TX. Furthermore, companies need to take every measure possible to ensure that any slippery surfaces are well-marked and dealt with efficiently.

Burglary and Theft

Most businesses have valuable items inside their establishments. This might include computers, vending machines, a safe, and even jewelry. These expensive items are common targets of theft. While companies usually invest in security systems and alarm mechanisms to deter thieves, burglary is still a major issue. If someone makes off with a company’s inventory, it can be expensive to replace. Companies need to invest in the right insurance policies and make sure the business is protected against burglary and theft.

Fire Damage

Finally, fire damage has the potential to ruin a business. Some of the most common sources of fires in the commercial setting include gas leaks and electrical sparks. If a fire starts overnight, it might evolve into an overwhelming blaze before anyone notices. Because of this, fires can consume an entire business in a matter of hours. It is critical for businesses to make sure they are protected against fire damage. In addition to protecting the building itself, business owners need to take out insurance on the items inside the structure as well. Fires pose a major threat to small businesses.

Protect Commercial Property from Harm

These are a few of the most common commercial property claims that business owners might encounter. Businesses are valuable investments and are a source of livelihood for countless small business owners. These establishments must be protected against these serious claims.

What You Should Look For in a Lawyer

You don’t necessarily have to like your lawyer, but you should be able to trust their honesty and capabilities. Most attorneys offer a low-cost or free consultation to discuss your situation. You can use this meeting to “interview” them and determine if they are qualified to handle your case.

Education and Practice History

First, you’ll want to get the details of a lawyer’s history. Feel free to ask potential attorneys where they went to school and how well they performed. You can also ask them about their experience, like other firms or states where they may have practiced. Remember that they don’t necessarily need to have a Harvard education or be a partner at a top-ranked law firm to be a good fit for you.

Specializations and Proficiency

Depending on what your issue is, the level of understanding an attorney has in that specific area of the law can make a big difference in your case. Find out the number of similar cases he or she handled and the rate of wins, losses and settlements. Sometimes, your case warrants specialized training or knowledge that not every lawyer has. For example, a DUI lawyer should probably not handle a patent lawsuit. Similarly, a personal injury attorney Columbia MD may be more successful if the firm has access to many medical experts that are familiar with giving trial testimony.

Costs and Communication

Here are the big ones: how much will it cost and how will the attorney communicate the details? Ask what the billing rate is and how often the law firm sends out invoices. Also, be aware that paralegals or other assistants may handle all or parts of your case. It is reasonable to expect that they should bill at a lower rate. Find out if your lawyer generally communicates via phone or email, and of which specific events in the process you will be advised.

Outlook and Honesty

An honest lawyer should inform you of the best course of action. It shouldn’t matter if it means less money for them or an alternative solution that doesn’t involve them at all, like arbitration. Attorneys should also be able to give you a good idea of how your case will play out, or be comfortable telling you that they don’t know.

You are not obligated to retain the first lawyer with whom you meet. If you don’t feel like it is a good fit, don’t be afraid to move on.

Elder Law: The Legal Considerations When Caring for an Aging Loved One

If you are the caregiver for an elderly loved one, there are many responsibilities to handle as you navigate this phase of life. While it is important to prioritize physical and social needs, it’s also critical that you consider the legal issues that often arise when caring for an aging loved one. Be sure to research your options regarding elder law and begin making plans as soon as possible to prevent complications in the future.

Estate Planning

Regardless of how much your loved one actually owns, estate planning services madison wv ensure their belongings are distributed according to their wishes in the event of their death. A legal team can help with drafting a will, setting up trust funds and even assigning power of attorney in the event that your loved one can no longer make legal decisions themselves. This can help your loved one rest assured that they are able to pass on their possessions without unnecessary hardship or hassle.

Medical Wishes and Care

While it may be an uncomfortable topic, it is necessary to determine what type of medical care your loved one wishes to receive in the future. Choosing whether or not to sign Do Not Resuscitate orders is a critical place to start. It’s also important to decide on in-home care or assisted living if they are no longer able to fully care for themselves.

Funeral Preparations

Often times, funeral preparations are included in estate planning, as there are large costs to consider. In addition to making decisions for the expensive aspects, like working with a funeral home or securing a final resting place, other details should be decided as well. Location, specific wishes for the memorial service and selecting cremation or burial can also be discussed at this time.

It’s vital to make these important decisions before your loved one is no longer able to communicate their desires and wishes. By working with a qualified legal team, you can plan ahead for more peace of mind.

How to Invite Family and Friends to Your Graduation


Yоu wоuldn’t be reading thіѕ unlеѕѕ оf соurѕе ѕоmеоnе in уоur оwn fаmіlу is gеttіng rеаdу tо graduate. That is certainly a time you ought to be рrоud of your реrѕоnаl achievement оr роѕѕіblу it’s thе ассоmрlіѕhmеnt іnvоlvіng one or mоrе оf уоur kіdѕ. Whеthеr or not іt bе соllеgе, high school, junіоr hіgh, оr еvеn juѕt kіndеrgаrtеn and рrе-ѕсhооl, уоu’rе rеаdу tо celebrate. Yоu аrе арраrеntlу interested іn a product thаt mау hеlр уоu get your grаduаtіоn shindig tоgеthеr аnd оbtаіnіng law school graduation invitations mіght easily еnd uр bеіng thе bеѕt wау tо accomplish thіѕ. Now mау vеrу wеll be bеѕt tіmе tо begin рlаnnіng аnd wоrkіng оut whаt mеthоd is bеѕt for you to аnnоunсе thе grаduаtіоn and hеlр tо make уоur fаmіlу and friends rесерtіvе to thе occasion.

Whаt рrесіѕеlу саn hеlр mаkе you еvеn рrоudеr іѕ tо hаvе the аbіlіtу tо ѕеnd оut custom graduation cards which will ‘knосk the ѕосkѕ’ оff уоur guests as ѕооn аѕ thеу rесеіvе them. Cuѕtоm grаduаtіоn invіtеѕ аrе really whаt уоu want tо ensure that еасh аnd еvеrу rесіріеnt feels a ѕеnѕе оf соnnесtіоn to thе grаduаtе which makes thеm wаnt tо аttеnd. Rеgаrdlеѕѕ іf уоu аrе asking thеѕе іndіvіduаlѕ to the actual ѕеrvісеѕ оr just tо thе grаduаtіоn раrtу, bеіng аblе to prepare custom іnvіtаtіоnѕ mіght bе important to уоu.

Dіѕсоvеrіng the Rіght Ones for Yоu

So hоw can you go about finding thе rіght grаduаtіоn invіtаtіоnѕ fоr уоu that wоuld make уоu proud? Well оnе way іѕ to dо уоur homework аnd уоu may come across something whісh is fairly new саllеd graduation invіtаtіоn kіtѕ. Thеѕе products usually hаvе еvеrуthіng you nееd tо buіld your оwn cuѕtоm graduation pаrtу invіtаtіоnѕ much ѕіmрlеr than іt wіll be if you wеrе tо ѕtаrt оut frоm ѕсrаtсh. You undоubtеdlу wаnt tо іnсludе the name оf the graduate someplace wіthіn thе grееtіng card. Thе tор graduation kits will рrоvіdе an орtіоn fоr уоu to ѕресіfу уоur or your ѕtudеnt’ѕ nаmе. Addіtіоnаllу уоu should соmе асrоѕѕ grаduаtіоn іnvіtаtіоn kіtѕ gіvіng уоu numеrоuѕ орtіоnѕ ѕо thаt уоu саn trulу build your оwn personalized invitation grееtіngѕ.

Gеttіng the Message Out to Guests

Studеntѕ mау well сhооѕе tо ѕеnd his оr hеr аnnоunсеmеntѕ оr раrеntѕ might ѕеnd them. In thе case оf аnnоunсіng the pre-school оr kіndеrgаrtеn grаduаtе, allowing thе сhіldrеn tо hеlр уоu mаkе thе cuѕtоm grаduаtіоn cardsgenerally іѕ a lot of fun рluѕ thеу wіll gеt a grеаt ѕеnѕе оf ѕеlf ѕаtіѕfасtіоn when уоur guеѕtѕ rесоgnіzе that thеу сrаftеd thеm thеіr ѕеlvеѕ. Thеѕе will аnnоunсе tо thе wоrld thаt hіѕ оr hеr degree аt that lеvеl wаѕ соmрlеtеd аnd wіll аllоw everybody tо ѕhаrе in thе сеlеbrаtіоnѕ.

What You Should Do When You Are Injured on the Job in Oregon

Worker’s Compensation laws are put in place to protect employees who sustain injuries while on the job. On-the-job injuries can be caused by an employer or a third-party individual or company, as well as from inherent job risks. Most companies are required to hold worker’s comp insurance. Third-party insurance claims Oregon can be filed when appropriate but cannot be filed if a worker’s comp claim has been submitted. You can ensure the process of filing and receiving your benefits is as efficient as possible by understanding some basic steps to take when you get injured at work.

Inform a Supervisor

The very first thing you should do when you get injured on the job—barring the need for emergency medical assistance—is to inform your supervisor. Many organizations mandate an individual complete an incident report so that there is written record of the injury and the events and conditions leading up to it. Even when a company’s policy does not require it, putting the incident in writing is a good idea.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Worker’s comp laws encode protections for employees and responsibilities for employers. As an employee, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities. Oregon rights include the right to file a claim and to seek medical attention, while you also have the responsibility, for example, to adhere to deadlines.

File Your Claim

Obtain Form 801 from your employer or online to begin the process of filing for benefits. You will also need to inform your medical provider that the injury they are treating you for is work-related so that they can work with you to fill out and submit the appropriate paperwork. Once the claim has been filed, you can expect to hear whether it was accepted or denied within 60 days.

Worker’s compensation insurance is a benefit that provides medical coverage and loss of work pay for qualifying claims. This benefit is not automatic. Understanding what you need to do to obtain your benefits will let you focus on healing so you can return to work.