It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer for your Vermont divorce, especially if your case involves complex issues such as child custody, property division, and alimony. A divorce lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensure your rights are protected, and help you negotiate a fair settlement with your spouse. If you and your spouse are on amicable terms and have agreed on all the terms of the divorce, it's still a good idea to work with an attorney. Even if it’s just to have them review the agreement before you sign it to make sure it's legally binding and in your best interest ..read more

Depending on the nature of your case, lawyers often provide a fee or low-cost initial consultation. This allows the attorney to evaluate your case, while allowing you to determine if you actually want to work with this particular attorney.  In addition to analyzing the lawyer’s competency, knowledge, and experience, the interview is your opportunity to determine if you actually like and trust this person and would be comfortable working with them. Bad lawyer-client chemistry can turn even the most straightforward case into a nightmare.  Questions to Ask Your Potential Lawyer Befor ..read more

When one or more parties to a contract fails to uphold their end of the agreement, it may constitute a breach of contract. If you have experienced financial losses due to a breach of contract, you may be wondering if you have a case against the offending party or parties.  The 4 Elements of a Breach of Contract Case To have a successful breach of contract case, you must be able to prove the existence of the following four elements:  The contract was valid; The contract was breached by one or more parties; You upheld your part of the agreement; and The offending party or parties ..read more

It may not be the most exciting part of starting a new business, but choosing the right business structure is critical for multiple reasons. The structure you choose has implications for how your profits are taxed by the IRS, but your choice also affects much more than taxes. Furthermore, while certain structures offer personal liability protection for owners of the business, these protections come with additional requirements.  Types of Vermont Business Structures There are many considerations to make when deciding which business structure is right for your company. Working with a Ver ..read more

In some states, a parent with primary physical custody of a child must obtain court approval to relocate with their child. Vermont is not one of those states. In Vermont, when parents are not together, the parent who has physical custody of the child(ren) — known as having “parental rights and responsibilities” — is allowed to move to another state or town without court approval. But the move cannot significantly impede the other parent’s ability to have a healthy relationship with their child.  Preventing the custodial parent from relocating with the child is not an easy task. The nonc ..read more

Vermont has a lot to offer, and the benefits of living here have become increasingly apparent since the pandemic. Our low population, excellent public school system, scenic lake shorelines, and tranquil mountains offer a safe, healthy, peaceful way of life. And people from all over the country are taking notice.   Vermont’s picturesque landscape transports residents and visitors to simpler times. This effect is no accident, and is largely due to the strict land development laws and environmental protections passed by state and local legislatures. In fact, the regulations here are some of ..read more

It’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you have minimal assets and a modest income, an estate plan can protect your loved ones from potentially negative consequences upon your passing. In some cases, the consequences of poor (or non-existent) estate planning can be downright devastating.   That’s because the primary purpose of estate planning is designating heirs for your assets, whether that’s a small savings account or a lake house and stock portfolio. Without an estate plan in place, the court may dete ..read more