Protect your business with a Lasting Power of Attorney

Found on www.prlog.org and  brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

Apr 15, 2011 – As a business owner you might think events like these are beyond your control but Frances Kelly, Senior Partner at Tallents in Newark explains that with careful planning and forethought, it is possible to plan for the worst case scenario.

Unfortunately, many business owners do not think about what would happen to their business if they became incapable of running or making important day-to-day decisions either through physical or mental incapacity, or if they were stranded abroad for any reason.

Frances says,

“This year businesses have had to cope with some quite exceptional events, such as Swine Flu, or key personnel being stranded abroad because of extreme weather conditions. In the current financial climate it is even more important that business owners plan ahead to keep their businesses running successfully.

“You may think you can rely on family, friends, or even employees, to take over the running of the business for you but this really isn’t a satisfactory long-term solution. You’ve probably spent years building up your business and you need to know that the person left in charge will have the authority to make the best day-to-day decisions.

“This is why we recommend that business owners protect themselves and their business by having a Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”). Not only will it save time, it’ll help ensure that everything runs smoothly in your absence.”

A LPA enables you to appoint someone (an “Attorney”)

to look after your financial affairs if you were to become incapable of dealing with them yourself.
Y
ou decide on who will deal with your affairs on your behalf and you can place restrictions on and give guidance to your Attorney(s) on how they should deal with your business affairs.
Frances continues,

“If you are making an LPA in respect of your business affairs, it makes sense to appoint someone who is familiar with the business. For example, the partners in a business could appoint each other, or you could appoint someone in your family who knows the business well. You can also choose more than one Attorney who could act jointly or separately from each other. The choice is yours, but it’s not one to be taken lightly.”

An LPA relating to your financial affairs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, regardless of your mental capacity in order for it to be valid. Once that’s done, then you will have peace of mind that should anything happen to you your Attorney can act on your behalf.

Frances finishes,

“If you were to become incapacitated, then without a LPA, an application would have to be made to the Court of Protection in order for someone to be appointed as your deputy. This process can take months and the costs involved are much higher than those involved in obtaining a Lasting Power of Attorney. In the meantime, who knows what will happen to your business?

It really makes so much sense to apply for an LPA now and never have to use it. Think of it as an insurance policy that could keep your business running successfully.”

…/ends

For more information, contact Tallents
2 Westgate, Southwell, 01636 813411
28A Westgate, Mansfield, 01623 666700
3 Middlegate, Newark, 01636 671881

http://www.tallents.co.uk

ABOUT TALLENTS

Established in 1774 and with offices in Newark, Mansfield and Southwell, Tallents Solicitors services the legal needs of private individuals, company and commercial clients and farmers in North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

We still offer a personal service to our clients and our size and structure ensures that partners are never remote from our clients. We provide a full range of legal services and our expertise covers all areas of law including:

Agricultural law, criminal law, commercial and domestic property transactions, inheritance tax planning, trust and estate administration, wills and probate, commercial and general litigation, employment law, company and commercial law, intellectual property, matrimonial and family law, personal injury claims and children issues.

In 2009, Tallents celebrated 235 years, having served more than nine generations of North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire people. This makes Tallents one of the oldest law firms in the county and possibly the UK.

Release issued by Liselle Barnsley, Tailored Marketing Solutions Limited, 07901 823877

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We can offer affordable and focused marketing solutions for your company. We can work as an extension to your existing marketing team, or on a consultancy / project-by-project basis.

Visit http://www.tailoredmarketingsolutions.com for more information.

Used Car Parts Cut Repair Cost

Found on www.torquenews.com and brought to you by Car Reapair Salinas

Submitted by Keith Griffin on Thu, 04/14/2011 - 06:55

 

As shade tree mechanics have known for years, installing used car parts can be a great way to save money, but only if done responsibly. Never install a used auto part that could compromise your safety.

No less an authority than Consumer Reports is endorsing the idea of used auto parts being a money saver but only in certain areas of your automobile. Critical safety items like air bags, seat belts, brake parts, and electronic sensors that monitor system problems should only be bought new or from a reputable supplier, which is where we differ slightly from Consumer Reports.

The organization says used car parts can be bought from reputable suppliers but even that is a risk not worth taking. Today´s reputable supplier can become tomorrow´s nightmare quickly in tough economic times. Plus, you never really know the source of used air bags, which have become common theft items because they are expensive to replace.

Your vehicle identification number is going to be an important thing to know when buying used auto parts because it closely defines specific equipment. When possible, also find out the specific part number that you want to use. That information is easily obtained by entering the make, model and year of your car into Google along with the replacement part needed.

Original equipment is going to be needed for your car´s airbags, especially because you only need to buy a used airbag when the one in your car bas been inflated because of a collision. (It is possible one could fail but that is remote.) Absolutely insist that your auto body shop replace your airbag with a new one from the manufacturer.

Consumer Reports makes a good point by including electronic sensors on the list of items that should never be bought used. Sensors are delicate items that are built to withstand the harsh automotive environment they live in but once removed are subject to an environment that could make them prone to fail. Auto salvage yards are not the best places for handling delicate computer sensors.

Faulty sensors are going to lead to a lifetime of problems (the lifetime of your car that is) because of error messages that will have you at the mechanic frequently. Diagnoses can be quickly add up as an expense.

Faulty sensors also potentially could mask problems with your car. That in turn could lead to defects not being fixed in time to avoid catastrophic failures that will cost you major money to repair or replace your car.

What used auto parts can you purchase safely? Mirrors, bumpers and alloy wheels lead the list according to Consumer Reports. Rearview mirrors especially make sense when it comes to used auto parts because they are less likely to be damaged in accidents (except in situations where a driver or passenger aren´t wearing a seat belt or a rollover). Modern, electronic mirrors are expensive. Keep in mind when replacing a mirror that you will have to reprogram it if it includes special features that will open a garage door, for example.

Consumer Reports also says that side-window glass and hoods can be safely installed. It´s important that you ask the supplier if the hood meets the original manufacturer´s specifications. A side-impact collision could warp the hood and make it a bad replacement used car part. You may not be able to tell the difference but it could become obvious during a pre-purchase inspection when you go to sell your used car. A prospective buyer is most likely going to know you have been in an accident because of services like CarFax.com and AutoCheck.com. You will only further devalue your used car if it seems like you used substandard parts to repair it.

Purchase used side-window glass only if you don´t have automotive insurance that covers its replacement. Otherwise, you should take advantage of the opportunity because window glass is an important safety component of your car.

Some other things to keep in mind are if your mechanic will allow you to install used car parts and if they come with a warranty, which could be for anywhere from one to six months. Save any receipts along with a copy of the return policy to avoid problems when trying to exchange or return a used part.

A mechanic is not going to offer a warranty for labor on a used part if it fails, even if it is under warranty. The supplier may replace the part but not the cost of installation. Also, mechanics make profits from parts and may not be willing to forego that additional income to save you money.

Used car parts can be an excellent way to save money but keep in mind that new parts should be bought when it comes to safety. That´s one area where you don´t want to skimp.

As the Federal Reserve Face a Bank Suit Over Credit Card Fee Rules Americans are Reducing Their Debt

Found on www.prlog.org and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

Apr 12, 2011 – Banks across the United States claim that the rules limiting credit card fees are not fair. The Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors are being sued by TCF National Bank as they challenge the legislation appended to last year’s Dodd-Frank financial regulation overhaul bill. No details from the case have yet to be revealed.

In December, credit card swiping fees were capped at 12 cents a transaction in contrast to the previous formula of 1.14% or 44 cents per transaction. The Sioux Falls-based unit of TCF Financial makes about $8 million a month on the fees, according to Timothy Kelly, a lawyer for TCF National.

As the nations bank fight to keep their profits high- Americans are trying to keep their debt levels low. For Veronica Pittman it was the dream of owning her own business that turned into a nightmare. Pittman engaged with an attorney-based debt resolution company to clean up her $25,000 of debt.

“There are needs that the business had and from time to time when the needs arose there was not always that cash flow. Plus interest rates were extremely high,” says Pittman.

Pittman and her husband engaged with the Barnes Law Firm in Georgia. Barnes Law uses the integrated legal support services of Morgan Drexen. Morgan Drexen provide legal support services to more than 35 law offices across the United States. Southern California trustee Jeffrey Golden also recently requested Morgan Drexen.

General Bankruptcy Counsel for Jeffrey Golden, Tom Casey says, “The Trustee engaged in an in- depth investigation of the support services that Morgan Drexen provides. He concluded that using these support services would benefit the trustee. The trustee would not have undertaken operating a Debt Settlement Program without using Morgan Drexen. They demonstrated an ability to operate very effectively in a complex industry.”

Attorneys throughout America have realized the value of using the legal support services of Morgan Drexen. Pittman says of the attorney-based program, “They handled everything for me and it was so smooth, the law firm would give me current updates monthly reports and monthly statements-it just made it smoother. It just was painless practically. I’m very glad for the firm’s involvement.”

For Texas resident Rosie Tinch it was a family illness that caused her debt to spiral out of her control. “Things just kept piling up and piling up and then every time you send a payment to the credit card company they’d raise the interest rates. It just go so high I just couldn’t afford it,” admits Tinch

Tinch like so many Americans is now living debt free. “I feel good about it- no more credit cards for me. It feels great- really great,” adds Tinch

Attorneys throughout the United States the attorneys using the support services of Morgan Drexen have reduced $235 million in consumer debt.

Director of strategic planning for Morgan Drexen Susan Muzila says, “The recent changes in law were put into place to protect consumers and not to push up the profit margins of the nations banks. High unemployment rates are affecting people across the United States and any regulation put into place to protect consumers is a good thing.”

The case is TCF National Bank v. Bernanke, 10-cv-04149, U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota (Sioux Falls).

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Morgan Drexen, Inc provides integrated legal services and administrative support to attorneys throughout the nation; who represent consumers facing the scar of bankruptcy.

Car Carpet Repair - How To Repair The Carpet In A Car

Here's some different info...

Found on www.carjunky.com and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Apr 12, 2011 - 1:01:00 AM

 

Find some helpful car carpet repair tips. You can make the interior of your vehicle look new by learning how to clean car carpet or by making some spot repairs.

After time, the carpet in your car can start showing wear and tear, which can cause a decrease in the value of your car. Not only does dirt wear your carpet down, but it can become stained or burnt from cigarettes, making your carpet unsightly.

Replacing the entire carpet can be costly and isn't necessary most times as it can be repaired. Repairing your carpet can be done, which will add the value back to your car and make it more attractive.

Here are some easy to follow steps to repair the carpet in your car:

1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly. This should be done whether you are repairing carpet from burns, tears or just cleaning stains from it.

2. For Cigarette Burns: Trim away any burnt areas. Then trim some carpet from under the seat. Place those trimmings to the side for use later. Using waterproof glue, fill the holes (from the burnt areas). Then place the trimmings into the holes, making sure to overfill the holes. Cover with a paper towel and something heavy to apply pressure. After a few hours and allowing glue to dry, trim any excess carpet from the holes. Vacuum again.

3. For Tears In The Carpet: Choose a thread color that matches the carpeting, thread a needle and knot one end of the thread. Press the sides of the tear together. Start stitching from one side to the other, making sure that the first stitch is done from underneath so that the knot is not seen. Once you have stitched the tear, cut the thread and knot the end. The knot can be tucked under the stitching so that it will not be seen.

4. For Stains: Mix a cap of carpet shampoo with one cup of water. Apply the shampoo and water solution to the stained area with a sponge. Let the solution sit on the stain for approximately 20 minutes. Dab dry with a clean towel. Rinse the area with water and use a clean towel to dab the area dry. This may need to be repeated more than one time for best results.

Car carpet repair can be a very simple process. It shouldn't take long for you to have your car looking new again with these easy how to car tips.

3 Legal Documents Every Graduating Senior Needs to Ensure Parents Can Make Important Medical & Final Wishes

Found on www.prlog.org and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

As a legal adult, privacy laws can prevent parents from making medical decisions on their child’s behalf. Parents of graduating seniors are urged to help their child prepare key legal documents to ensure they are consulted in case of emergency.

 

Apr 11, 2011 – ATLANTA, GEORGIA - As graduating seniors prepare to travel abroad or leave for college, parents are urged to help their children prepare HIPAA forms, a power-of-attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive to ensure they are consulted and actively involved  in their child’s care should they become seriously ill or incapacitated in accident.

Under current privacy laws, parents may be barred from making necessary medical and life-saving decisions on their child’s behalf without such documentation in place.  Parents may further find themselves unable to obtain necessary medical records without an Advance Health Care Directive and signed HIPAA form in place.

“Most parents assume they can make medical decisions on their child’s behalf until they are legally married, but that is just not the case,” says Marietta, Georgia, estate planning lawyer, Steve Worrall  “The law can prevent parents from getting involved in the care of a child 18 or older without explicit permission through legal documentation,”

he warns.

For that reason, Worrall urges parents of graduating seniors to help their child complete the following 3 documents which give them permission to intervene medically and make life-saving decisions on their child’s behalf:

1.   Advance Health Care Directive- This document allows a young adult to appoint someone they trust (the parent) to be their health care agent should they wind up in a coma or become otherwise incapacitated in a serious accident.  It also specifies the type of long-term care or life support the child would want should they become incapacitated or left in a permanent vegetative state.

2.   Financial Power of Attorney- Having a financial power of attorney is necessary to give someone (preferably the parents) permission to access any bank accounts and act financially on the adult child’s behalf if an emergency occurs.   Such activities covered under the power of attorney include paying bills, buying or selling assets, applying for social security or other government benefits and the opening and closing of accounts.

3.   Signed HIPAA Form- Parents should have their adult child pre-sign a HIPPA form to ensure they can immediately communicate with physicians and access important medical records.

Finally, to facilitate greater assistance from parents in the event of an emergency, Worrall also recommends keeping an ICE Card (In Case Of Emergency) in the child’s wallet listing the names of all approved emergency contacts, health insurance information and all known allergies.  

“It’s such a natural instinct to want to jump in and help our children in an emergency.  Yet without these documents in place, parents could be helpless spectators of their child’s care if they are incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves,” warns Worrall.  
Fortunately, this situation is entirely avoidable and I advise parents to protect their child with these critical documents before summer begins,” says Worrall.

For more information on the 3 legal documents every graduating senior needs to ensure their parents can intervene medically on their behalf or for more information on Marietta estate planning lawyer, Steve Worrall,  please call 770.425.6060 or visit www.georgiafamilylaw.com.

 

Right to Repair Act Introduced into 112th Congress with Bipartisan Support

Great news for U.S. car owners

Found on www.prnewswire.com and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Democrat Edolphus Towns, Republican Todd Platts Answer Call to Help Motoring Consumers

 

BETHESDA, Md., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reps. Todd Platts (R-PA-York) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY-Brooklyn) have introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 1449) into the 112th Congress.  

The Right to Repair Act protects motoring consumers from an expensive and growing vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that car companies provide full access at a reasonable cost to all service information, tools, computer codes and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles.  The pro-consumer, pro-small business bill is intended to level the competitive playing field for motoring consumers and between new car dealerships and independent repair shops. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets, only requiring them to make available the same non-proprietary diagnostic and repair information they provide their franchised dealers.

"The Right to Repair Act is really about who owns the vehicle's repair information, the car owner or the car company. After spending thousands of dollars to purchase a vehicle, consumers should not be denied the ability to have that vehicle repaired at the facility of their choice," said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). "Without Right to Repair, millions of car owners will be further held hostage by the car companies, forced to return to the dealership even after the vehicle is out of warranty. Every American taxpayer paid for the car company bailouts and 'Cash for Clunkers.' It's time that pro-consumer legislation is passed that doesn't cost the taxpayers money."

The need for the Right to Repair Act has become apparent due to the growing use of computers and electronics which control nearly every function of a vehicle from air bags and brakes to ignition, fuel injection and tire pressure monitoring systems.  Although these computer systems provide benefits to consumers through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to deny access to car owners and the repair shops where they normally obtain service for their vehicle.  

"We want to thank Reps. Towns and Platts for joining forces and taking important action to ensure that American car owners will continue to have access to quality, affordable auto repair," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).  "The Right to Repair Act does not cost tax payers money, but instead keeps motorists in the driver's seat by making sure that they, and not the vehicle manufacturers, have the final say on where their car is taken for service, whether to a dealership or a trusted neighborhood repair shop."

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Todd Platts (R-PA), would require car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealers.  The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's requirements.  For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.

SOURCE Right to Repair Act - Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

So Called “Personal Injury Specialty” Firms Are Rarely That, Despite What They Advertise

Found on www.prlog.org and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

While there are many attorneys and law firms that claim to have had success in personal injury cases, that success is usually limited. The law offices of Chandler, Mathis & Zivley PC employ experienced attorneys that won't settle for the easy way out.

 

Apr 08, 2011 – What not everyone realizes is that personal injury law covers many different areas, which is why an attorney that advertises a specialty in this field is often being misleading. More often than not, these lawyers actually have limited personal injury experience relative to the full spectrum of cases that are actually considered personal injury related. This is unfair to the individuals who need the services of a personal injury attorney because they believe that any of these lawyers will be qualified to take on their case when that isn't the reality.

The law offices of Chandler, Mathis & Zivley, PC are one of the most respected firms in the  country who have proven for several years that they are able to represent people in personal injury cases and do so successfully. Their reputation as a “trial firm” has been earned because of their willingness to take a case to trial when they have a strong case rather take the easy path of settling out of court. Since 1994, they've won over $300,000,000 in jury verdicts on behalf of their clients.

Those being pursued in a personal injury case would prefer to settle rather than go to trial because they know that when these cases are taken to trial, they’ll be forced to spend money and resources defending their case and often are forced to pay greater penalties to the plaintiffs when they face a jury. When a personal injury attorney chooses to take this path for their clients, they're risking lower settlements for the clients which shouldn't be the objective.

About http://www.chandlerlawoffices.com/semi-truck-accident-at ...:
The law offices of Chandler, Mathis & Zivley, PC is a Texas law firm which represents plaintiffs in cases ranging from personal injury to commercial matters and contract law. The attorneys at ChandlerLawOffices.com have won jury verdicts in excess of $300,000,000.00 since the inception of this law firm in 1971. If you would like to learn more then please browse through the website at chandlerlawoffices.com, or if you are in need of immediate legal assistance, then don’t hesitate to contact this law office directly.