3 Ways to Avoid Business Litigation

Business litigation can be a time and money-consuming process. This is why before someone else sues you in court, make sure you have already taken measures to prevent such a thing from happening. Here are some tips that can help: 

 

1. Put everything in writing. 

When strike an agreement with a business partner or a supplier, make sure you have everything written down. Many business owners require the help of Litigation Lawyers in Vancouver because their agreement was not written down. When the other party does not hold up against their end of the bargain, this can result in a big conflict.

2. Always read agreements. 

Another reason why business owners require the help of litigation lawyers in Vancouver is because of an issue with written agreements or contracts. Unfair clauses in an employment agreement, for instance, can result to litigation problems. You might be sued in court for not holding up to your end of the bargain because you failed to understand that it was included in the contract.

3. Always keep communication lines open.

Many problems arise due to lack of communication. By keeping communication lines open and resolving problems internally, you can prevent things from blowing out of proportion.

If you encounter litigation issues, don’t hesitate to get the help of litigation lawyers such as Lakes, Whyte LLP. Litigation is more than just a financial problem. It can also affect the reputation of your company when not nipped in the bud. The sooner the problem can be resolved, the better it is for your company.

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What to Do If Someone Steals Your Intellectual Property?

It’s heartbreaking when an idea you worked hard to bring to life gets stolen by someone else. All those weeks of hard work are undermined because someone else launched the same idea. If you ever get in this situation, how do you deal with it successfully? How do you make the other party stop? 

 

Consulting Litigation Lawyers in Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP is the first step. With the help of a lawyer, you can send the other party a ‘cease and desist’ letter that intends to scare them into continuing with their activities. In many cases, this alone is enough for them to stop what they are doing.

If the other party still refuses to cease, you can get the help of litigation lawyers in Vancouver to perform legal action on patent infringement. Your lawyer can assess the situation and determine whether there really is infringement done. After the assessment, your lawyer will advise you on how to further prevent this from happening. The same can be done for those involved in trademark disputes. The goal of lawyers is to ensure that your rights are enforced.

Going the extra mile in taking this matter into court is better and more cost-effective than letting the other party get away with the infringement, thereby undermining all your hard work and efforts. This is why it is important to get trademark on logos and products or patent for specific products and services before launching. With these things, your business can be protected and lawyers will have an easier time of it enforcing your rights.

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How Businesses Can Avoid Litigation Due to Spamming

With the anti-spamming law now fully in place, businesses must tread carefully when it comes to promoting their business. There are still benefits to digital advertising such as newsletters and subscriptions but there’s a fine line into ensuring that you are offering just the right amount of services to inundating your customers with spam. 

Have the option of signing up to your newsletter or e-mailing list. Never force anyone into receiving mail from you even if they don’t want to. You can entice readers into signing up for your mailing list by offering free e-books or letting them know what information they can gain from the newsletters and mails you will send them. Never buy lists as these lists often tend to contain fake e-mail addresses. If you are being caught sending to these fake e-mail addresses, you could get flagged for sending spam messages.

Improve your content. Make sure your readers can get useful information from the e-mail you will send them. Also, have the option of unsubscribing to your mailing list. This should be a basic part of this form of advertising.

It’s important to decide how much volume you would send out in a month. Never overdo it. You want visibility but not too much that Litigation Lawyers in Vancouver are sent to you because your company spams too much.

For those who are a victim of too much spamming, the anti-spamming law now protects your rights. Make sure you seek the help of litigation lawyers in Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP to help you in case of severe spamming.

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How Proper Record-Keeping Helps Prevent Litigation

Many people have lost litigation cases because they failed to produce the right documents or records that should be able to support their case. The documents that business owners should put into record are contracts, sales and notes that contain pertinent information about phone calls. E-mails can also be included in the pertinent documents needed to be preserved. 

 

Not producing these documents when you need them during litigation cases can weaken your stance and your position in the case and may also cause you to spend more on compensations.

What can you do? You would want to keep a hard and a soft copy of your documents. Try forming a team for record-keeping, which is advisable if your business tends to handle a lot of information and documents. Also keep an inventory of your records so they will be easier to locate and retrieve. Make sure your hard copies are kept properly. Arrange them properly as well in terms of date or purpose. Separate the documents by type.

For electronic mails, it’s a good idea to create digital folders for them. When you receive a particular e-mail from a client, you can automatically put them in the digital folder specified for that client.

If you find yourself in a position where you will need to retrieve pertinent documents for a lawsuit, don’t hesitate to seek the help of Litigation lawyers in Vancouver. Retain the services of experienced litigation lawyers in Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP so you know what documents to produce and which ones will really help in your case.

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How Your Social Media Account Can Get You Fired

Social media is no longer just a tool to connect with people you haven’t seen in a long time. To many people, social media has become a platform for them to release their pent-up anger. That might seem harmless when talking about the bad driver you came across with or the bad customer service you got at a restaurant but it definitely has some weight when sharing information about your work place. It can get you fired. 

 

Even without actively trying to check on their employees’ social media accounts, many employers still get ahold of information about employees bad mouthing them on social media from other sources. However, not all social media posts can be a ground for termination.

People have a right to gripe about their work privately. But when is griping crossing the line? It’s actually when you are putting harm to your company, sharing pertinent information that has no place on your private social media wall and when you are attacking people in your work place that it becomes possible for you to be terminated.

Employers can seek the help of Employment Lawyers in Vancouver to determine whether the termination is valid. Because if they terminate the employee and he/she files a lawsuit, the employer can be at a disadvantage. Employees can also seek the help of employment lawyers in Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP if they feel like they have been wrongfully terminated over a social media post that does not really harm the company. A consultation should happen to determine what your rights are, what you are entitled to and if they are worth pursuing.

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Why You Should Hire Employment Lawyers in the Middle of a Business Dispute

One of the things business owners dread is being sued by their employees. Business disputes can happen as your company grows. Some business owners tackle disputes and lawsuits using their own methods but whatever you do, make sure you have employment lawyers in Vancouver helping you out. 

 

Here are the ways Employment Lawyers in North Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP can help a business dealing with a lawsuit:

1. An employment lawyer can go over documents and agreements. 

This is to make sure that all agreements and contracts are valid and there is nothing that can potentially harm your business. Going over these tasks also help prevent future litigation problems from occurring. A lawyer can check if the agreements are fair or if there is anything that is not legally binding.

2. Lawyers can help you with fraudulence. 

If the lawsuit is an act of fraudulence, the employment lawyer can help you out with that. In addition, retaining the services of a lawyer early on will prevent the business from being at risk of fraudulence caused by their employees.

3. They can help with employment issues. 

In the case of many disputes, it arises from employee dissatisfaction. An employment lawyer can determine whether the lawsuit has validity as per the contract or agreement signed or determine ways on how the business can reduce litigation damages. Additionally, hiring employment lawyers from the start can help minimize instances of employee disputes.

Don’t go through lawsuits and litigation issues alone. Always consult lawyers experienced in employment law in order to prevent your company from being damaged badly by the lawsuit.

For more details about Litigation Lawyers in Vancouver please visit our website: lakeswhyte.com

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3 Compensation Steps to Avoid Employee Lawsuits

Good employer-employee relationship is crucial for every business operation. When employees are dissatisfied, they can leave the company or even file a lawsuit. Under compensation can be a ground for lawsuits so here are some of the things that can help you compensate properly: 

1. Pay your employees on time. 

Never delay payments without a valid reason. Your employees go to work on time so it’s only fair that you also compensate them on time. You can try setting up automatic payments through online banking methods to reduce the chances of late payments.

2. Offer reward to top performing employees.

Rewards make working in a company much more pleasurable. It also encourages employees to perform better. If your company can afford it, offer financial rewards or incentives to employees who perform well.

3. Consider offering non-monetary rewards. 

In addition to monetary rewards, you can also offer rewards that are not tangible. You can offer paid leave, massage therapy, company-sponsored trips and many more rewards that your employees will be happy with. Non-tangible rewards can be just as attractive as their tangible and monetary counterparts.

When it comes to holding on to employees and avoiding disputes, it is also important to consult a lawyer experienced in Employment law in North Vancouver. During the hiring process, you should understand employment law in North Vancouver to avoid coming up with a contract that might violate the rights of your employees. A law firm such as Lakes, Whyte LLP can help you create fool-proof employment contracts.

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3 Home Buying Disasters You Should Avoid

The home buying process seems like an exciting task. It mostly is but it can also be a source of stress. If you don’t know what you are doing and you are not guided properly, your home buying process can end up in a disaster. 

 

Here are some common home buying disasters you would want to avoid:

1. The seller getting away with your earnest money.

 

This can happen when the sale does not push through such as when you don’t get your desired loan or when you were not able to sell your current house prior to the deadline provided by the seller of the new house you are buying. The earnest money is something buyers use to assure sellers that they are serious in buying. This is a large amount of money that the seller might keep if the sale does not go through. This is why you need to consult a Real Estate Lawyer in North Vancouver before agreeing to a contract that will involve the use of earnest money.

2. Mortgage loan being cancelled at the last minute

 

The mortgage company can cancel your loan when they do one last check and they found out you incurred a big debt. Avoid using your credit card to acquire a big debt right before you have finalized your house deal.

3. Buying a house only to realize it has a lot of undisclosed problems.

 

Here is another problem that a real estate lawyer in North Vancouver can help you with. The seller should make full disclosure or legal actions will be taken in case a bad housing issue pops up during inspection.

Real estate law firms such as Lakes, Whyte LLP can help you avoid these disastrous situations in the home buying process.

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Where to Use Child Support Money

Every parent is legally responsible for financially supporting their children. After marriage, parents can apply for child support from the other spouse. The parent receiving child support can take the case to court if the other parent refuses to pay. The court can suspend licenses such as business or driver’s license, take it out from wage, seize property or even decide for jail time in case a parent refuses to pay for child support. 

 Child support money is used for the basic necessities of the child such as shelter, clothing and food. The money can be used to buy groceries and shop for clothes that the child needs. It can also be used to pay for mortgage or rent as well as household bills such as electricity, internet and phone.

The money can also be used for the medical and educational care of the child. The parent holding the money can use the money to get medical or dental insurance plans for their children. It can be used to pay for tuition fees and other educational expenses as well.

Child support money may also be used to pay for additional expenses such as the child’s entertainment. This covers payment for a new television, computer, camping trips, recreational activities and others.

This money has various coverage. It can be very beneficial for the parent struggling to provide for the kids. If you are having a hard time getting your former spouse to pay off child support, seek the help of Expert lawyers in North Vancouver.

Lawyers in North Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP are experienced in child support cases so they can help you win your case in court.

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How to Downsize Your Business without Violating Employment Law

Downsizing is one of the most difficult things a struggling business has to go through. Business owners are looking at letting go of employees who have been with them for some time and who might be angry at being dismissed.

When downsizing your business, your goal is to make it as lawful as possible to avoid conflicts and lawsuits.

1. Always consult employment lawyers in North Vancouver first.

Before starting laying off employees, consult with the best Employment Lawyers in North Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP first. This way, you can do the process as required by the law and not inadvertently violate said laws and become the recipient of a lawsuit.

2. Talk to your employees honestly.

Let them know of your business’ situation and that you are letting some of them go with dignity and compassion. Hiding things from them will only cause an even bigger problem.

3. Give compensation.

If they are being terminated without an opportunity to find work elsewhere or time to prepare, a compensation might due. Ask your lawyer about this and check your contract to know how much your employees are entitled to. If you an insurance policy, now is the best time to file for a claim to help you out with termination pays.

4. Give them a good referral.

Write them up a good referral so they have better chances of finding employment elsewhere.

It’s best to be very honest to your employees about your situation and to talk to them personally. They will appreciate honesty and compassion more than abrupt and heartless termination.

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Challenging a Will – When Can You Do It?

There are situations when a will can be contested. If you are one of the surviving family members who is included in the will, you can hire estate Litigation Lawyers in Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP in order to help you out in contesting a will.

Generally, here are the times when you can challenge the contents of a will:

1. When the testator is not mentally capable.

The law states that the testator or the one who made the will must be in a competent state of mind during the making of the will. If it is proven that the testator lacks the mental capacity as in the case of people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or similar degenerative ailments, the will can be contested.

2. When the testator has been coerced.

This is called undue influence. It basically means if the testator is pressured or influenced by another person to create the will and make sure its contents will be in their favor, the will can be contested.

3. When the will failed to follow the formalities stipulated by the law.

Before a will can become valid, it needs to have the signature of the testator and to unrelated witnesses. If this was not done, the will can be contested.

4. When there are dishonesty issues with the trustee.

If the appointed trustee has a debt to the beneficiaries or the people included in the will and there are issues of dishonesty, the will can be contested.

Consulting litigation lawyers in Vancouver is the first step towards determining if you have a sound case for contesting the will.

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3 Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgage Refinancing

When you are stuck in a rut and unable to pay your mortgage, one of the ways you can avoid getting in a deeper debt is to refinance your mortgage. Here are some frequently asked questions about mortgage refinancing and the answers that can help you decide:

1. When is the best time to refinance my mortgage?

Not all mortgage debt cases can be solved by mortgage refinancing. What you should do is determine the break-even time of the mortgage refinance. For instance, if it will require 30 months for you to break even, you need about $3,000 in closing costs so you have about $100 in savings every month. If you don’t have plans of staying in the house a lot less than your break-even time, refinancing might not be the best option. It also helps to identify the types of refinancing there is today so you know what your options are.

2. Do you need a real estate lawyer in North Vancouver for mortgage refinancing?

A simple refinancing transaction might not require a lawyer but having a Real Estate Lawyer in North Vancouver BC go through the documents can prevent you from signing up to a scrupulous deal. You might also want to retain the services of a law firm such as Lakes, Whyte LLP if there are issues with the property or if there are problems to your previous mortgage such as mis-indexed mortgage.

3. How do I get a good mortgage rate?

Before getting refinancing, improve your credit score first. Pay as much debt as you can and find ways to boost your home’s equity such as making home improvements.

Mortgage refinancing requires careful consideration. Keep these things in mind when deciding to refinance.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Property Disputes

Property disputes encompass issues pertaining to housing such as single family homes, condominiums, townhouses, apartments and other real estate properties. A property dispute can be an issue between the owner of the property and the tenants, disputes between the home owner and the mortgage lender or institution, issues between neighbors and issues between a homeowner and visitor to the property.

What Cases are Included in Property Disputes?

The most common would be disputes over title and boundaries. When homeowners are not clear about the transfer of ownership or the property line, this can lead to disputes with neighbors or sellers. Foreclosure of a property or dispute with mortgage lenders are also very common. For those living in condo units or apartments, property disputes can include issues when it comes to rent or downpayments and deposits. Insurance claims can also be included in property disputes as well as properties that are being argued upon after the death of a person.

How Can Property Disputes Affect People?

Legally speaking, properties that are under property disputes will have a hard time being sold off in the market. Retaining lawyers in North Vancouver is needed so that a legal proceeding can occur in order to solve disputes, especially when it comes to title disputes.

Will I Need the Help of Lawyers in North Vancouver?

Nearly all property disputes require the help of law firms such as Lakes, Whyte LLP because of the legalities involved, especially in title or property boundary disputes.

If you have more questions, it’s better to discuss it with your lawyer. Property disputes should not be taken lightly as it can affect your ability to sell off a property.

 

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What To Do When Your Boss Says “You’re Fired!”

“Fired” is a word no employee would want to hear from their boss. No one wants to suddenly find themselves without a job or a source of income, especially after investing so much time building up that career. But it’s a reality that can happen to anyone. Knowing what to do if this happens is essential.

1. Don’t zone out. Listen to what your boss is saying when meeting with you for your termination.

Get a hold of your feelings and listen to what is being discussed around you. Calmly find out the reasons why you are being terminated. Try not to do or say anything that might eventually be used to justify the termination.

2. Read the contents of the termination papers before signing.

Better yet, hold off signing it until you have collected your thoughts and put a rein on your emotions. Ask to take it home for you to review.

3. Contact employment lawyers in North Vancouver.

Start looking for employment lawyers in North Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP as soon as you get home. You would want a licensed lawyer to have a look at the termination contract, especially if there are things you don’t understand. Your employment lawyer can also determine if it’s an unjust termination and help you get the right compensation.

4. Go over previous contracts.

Your contracts might have certain limitations on what you can do in the future. For instance, if you decide to pursue the same industry or build your own company, there might be clauses in the contract that can prevent you from contacting the company’s previous clients.

Lastly, give yourself a break before planning what to do next with your career. It helps to collect your thoughts first before rushing to find another job.

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What to Expect When Meeting with Employment Lawyers

Most employees would rather walk away from a dispute with their employers and not do anything about it. But you would be surprised how many employers actually violate employment laws and how many employees have a fighting chance for compensation or litigation.

Hiring Employment lawyers in North Vancouver might be the last thing you would want to do right now but if you have a lot to lose, it might actually be worth the extra time, money and effort. Here are the things you should expect when meeting with your employment lawyers:

1. Expect to tell everything.

Like your doctor, you would want to divulge everything about your case to the lawyer. Your lawyer will need information he or she can glean from you as this is needed to determine the best way to solve the case.

2. Expect that they will ask necessary documents.

Before your employment lawyer can ask, already bring the documents that can support your case. Also bring with you a chronological written statement of incidents that happened in the work place.

3. Expect that your lawyer will be on time.

When meeting with law firms such as Lakes, Whyte LLP, being on time is crucial. Because you will be paying your lawyer by the hour, you would want to maximize every second.

4. Expect a professional environment.

This is why you shouldn’t bring other people who are not involved in the case when meeting with your lawyer as this can be distracting. You will also have a hard time preserving the secrecy of the details of your case with other people in attendance.

When dealing with employment cases, work with a law firm you will feel comfortable with. This way, it won’t be intimidating when meeting up with them.

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Power of Attorney for Couples – When Is It Needed?

Couples can benefit from hiring lawyers in North Vancouver to give someone power of attorney. There are many ways a power of attorney can help couples, even those who are still in a right frame of mind. Here are the times when Litigation Lawyers in Vancouver such as Lakes, Whyte LLP is needed for couples:

1. You foresee a long future together.

Even when you still have full grasp of your mental faculties, it makes sense to appoint each other power of attorney to oversee all of your financial matters. The future can be long and unpredictable so you would want to make sure you both have access to your investments, businesses and finances.

2. You have a spouse who has an illness that prevents making mentally sound decisions.

If one spouse is ill and is not capable of making mentally sound decisions, now is the best time to create a power of attorney. It doesn’t have to be the other spouse. It can be another person such as a child who can decide in behalf of the person who is not capable of doing so.

3. You need help in dealing with finances.

Keeping track of expenses at home, paying bills, dealing with investments – these things can be difficult to oversee, especially if both spouses are busy. Appointing someone else with a power of attorney can ease up the load and help you distribute your financial planning work.

4. When one spouse do not like to be the recipient of the other spouse’s financial responsibilities.

There are cases when one spouse isn’t keen on inheriting businesses, debts or other things involving the financial responsibilities of the other spouse. A power of attorney can be given to another person to oversee these things.

These are the instances when a law firm’s help is needed. Create a power of attorney to act as your third set of eyes and pair of hands.

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