If You Are Starting Your Own Business, Some Things You Should Know by Lisa Godfrey Should I incorporate? There are three reasons why you might want to incorporate your small business. First, if you have one or more partners, it is advisable to own a business as a corporate entity. Second, a corporation will limit…
Do I Need A Will? by Lisa Godfrey Less than one-half of all American adults currently have a will. Anyone who acquires assets (such as a house or investment accounts) and who has a family (particularly if that family includes minor children) should seriously consider leaving a will. The property of individuals who die without…
So You’ve Been Called In For Jury Duty? by Lisa Godfrey Jury duty is both an important civic duty and an excellent way for citizens to participate in and increase their knowledge of the judicial system. In order to ensure that your experience with the jury system is a positive one, there are certain things…
Contractors’ Liens: What Every Homeowner Should Know by Lisa Godfrey If you are a homeowner who has recently purchased a newly constructed home or has had recent work done through your own contractor, you may be faced with a lien against your property. If a contractor or subcontractor is not paid, under North Carolina law…
What To Know In Selecting A General Contractor by Lisa Godfrey Whether you are enclosing a screened porch or building a million-dollar home, selecting a general contractor is the most important first step. Anyone who undertakes a building project costing $30,000 or more must be licensed as a general contractor. The only exception to this…
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY COVERAGE: ARE YOU COVERED? by Lisa Godfrey Mr. and Mrs. Baggett were the owners of a ladies’ clothing store in Swansboro, North Carolina. They had “all risk coverage” on their business. They were told by the insurance agent who sold them the policy that this type of coverage was sufficient for their…
Do I Need To Avoid Probate? More about North Carolina’s Wills & Trusts Laws by Lisa Godfrey Many people, particularly those who have moved to North Carolina from other states, believe it is necessary to arrange their assets so as to “avoid probate”. The reason this belief has prospered is that in some states, other…
Tires Screeching-Crash-Glass Breaking-Sirens: Now What Do I Do? by Lisa Godfrey We all pass accidents every day or watch the evening news and look with wonder and horror at the crushed cars, ambulances loading the injured, and the wreckers hauling cars away. The news media shows the details on the evening news and in the…
Buyer Beware: Things You Should Know When Purchasing a Home By: Lisa G. Godfrey Buying a home is the largest single purchase most people will make in their lifetime. In order to avoid problems after the sale, it is important to know what must be disclosed to you prior to the sale, and what you…
INSURANCE COMPANY BAD FAITH: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE “GOOD HANDS” PEOPLE HAVE THE UPPER HAND Most people in our society today spend a significant amount of their disposable income on insurance coverage. We are required by law to purchase insurance on our automobiles. Anyone who has a mortgage must have homeowners insurance. Even if you…
