Top Ten Copyright Myths

Posted by Dan Steven on May 27, 2012

Myth #1: “To obtain a copyright on my work, I have to register it.” Actually, copyright is automatic when a work is created and fixed in a copy or recorded for the first time (the instant you lift pen from paper, or your word processing software saves to disk). Registration is not required to qualify for copyright protection. Myth #2: “If it doesn’t have a copyright notice, it’s not...

Can You Execute?

Posted by Dan Steven on May 22, 2012

Being the “Personal Representative” or “PR” of an estate — the modern term for executor — is not a task to take lightly.   The Personal Representative is responsible for managing the administration of a deceased individual’s estate.  Although the time and effort involved will vary with the size of the estate, even if you are the executor of a small...

Disinheriting A Relative

Posted by Dan Steven on May 20, 2012

You may feel that you have given one child more during your life, so he or she should get less in your will. Or you may want to cut out an heir altogether. Whatever the reason, disinheriting a close relative–especially a spouse or a child–can be complicated. It generally is not possible to completely disinherit a spouse. Even if you don’t leave your spouse anything in your...

May Someone With Dementia Sign a Will?

Posted by Dan Steven on May 20, 2012

Millions of people are affected by dementia, and unfortunately many of them do not have all their estate planning affairs in order before the symptoms start. If you or a loved one has dementia, it may not be too late to sign a will or other documents, but certain criteria must be met to ensure that the signer is mentally competent. In order for a will to be valid, the person signing must have...

Medical-Legal Reports

Posted by Dan Steven on May 7, 2012

For most health care providers, the intersection between law and medicine occurs most often in the area of medical reports.  Although orthopedic surgeons are the most frequently involved in providing reports to attorneys, every provider will furnish medical-legal reports at one time or another.  The most common type of lawsuit in which medical reports are requested are personal injury suits;...