Perspectives

Brad Hauswirth and I are in Moscow to represent WFJ at the annual World Link for Law Global Conference. With over fifty attorneys registered to attend from more than twenty countries, and four days of conference meetings and events planned, it will prove to be an engaging and valuable time. We recently participated in the World Link North American Conference. The professionals we met while at the North American conference in Chicago over St. Patrick’s Day were great, and serving our clients through a  global referral network of mid-size law firms pairs well with WFJ’s continuing goal to provide solutions for our clients wherever their legal problem resides. …

Is the car you drive covered by an automobile insurance policy? If it isn’t, make sure to change that as soon as possible. If it is, however, don’t take comfort that you’ll be fully covered if you get into an accident. It’s best to protect yourself in case you get into an accident caused by an uninsured or under-insured driver. …

In an environment where it is difficult for some buyers to qualify for financing with a traditional mortgage, a land contract may be a viable option. A land contract is also called a Contract for Deed, or an Installment Land Contract. Regardless, they all work the same.

The way a land contract works is that the seller retains legal title to the property and the buyer acquires what is called equitable title. This means that the buyer has the legal right to possess and use the property for their own purposes as they fulfill their obligations under the land contract. …

When entertaining the idea of making that next big purchase, buying the warranty package, or delving into a new business opportunity, a contract will be involved. Contracts come in many shapes and sizes, including the terms and conditions you may click through on a website, papers that are handed to you at the point of sale, or formal legal papers which require the signing of both parties. Regardless of form, it is important to review the contract to determine your rights under the terms and conditions. …

Out with the old, and in with the new:  Iowa is set to dump their old paper lien filing system and install a new centralized,  online system. Its legislature has made major revisions to the Iowa mechanic’s lien law. Iowa will now centralize its lien filing through the establishment of an online registry for both commercial and residential projects. Under the old law, liens were filed with the clerk of court for projects located in any of Iowa’s 99 counties. …

Head’s up—the California legislature is at it again!  They have modified the California mechanic’s lien law.  The updates take effect July 1, 2012.

Thankfully, many of the changes are cosmetic, such as changes in phraseology of key words like “original contractor” and “materialman.” They also serve to make the lien law easier to understand, such as the legislature’s attempt to consolidate and bring consistency to the notice provisions. …

If you have had a couple drinks (or more) and you get pulled over by a police offer, consider these tips:

Always have your license, registration, and proof of insurance in a location where you can easily find them. Police officers take notice if you fumble around looking for these items, which can be a sign of impairment. …