Here's a sobering statistic: sixty-seven percent of American adults die without basic estate planning documents, leaving their families to navigate legal chaos during grief. Utah families aren't exempt from this trend, despite living in a state with some of the most family-friendly estate planning laws in the country.

Most people don’t hire lawyers often. When a need suddenly arises, maybe it’s a car accident, a business dispute, or an issue with a will, most of us jump straight onto the internet, hoping Google will point us in the right direction.

But what usually happens?

You get 20 open tabs. Every law firm claims to be the "top-rated" or "leading" expert in town. You scan bio pages, and before long, you're stuck scrolling with more questions than answers.

If that sounds familiar, the team at Local Attorney Online says there's a better way to find reputable lawyers without doomscrolling online.

What Makes a Lawyer “Good” for You?

Before you start Googling, it helps to define what you need. Not every lawyer will be a great fit for your situation.

Ask yourself:

What type of legal issue are you facing? (Divorce? Accident? Business dispute?)

Once you know your priorities, you can narrow your search to people who actually meet them, instead of wasting time on firms that look impressive but don’t match your needs.

3 Smart Ways to Filter the Noise

Dig Deeper Into Credentials

It’s easy to be swayed by a sleek website or a professional headshot, but those things don’t tell you whether a lawyer is experienced or just marketing well.

Look for listings that include concrete details like bar membership, years of practice, and specific case types they’ve handled. These details help you separate actual expertise from generic claims.

Some directories, like Local Attorney Online, display this information right on the profile so you can compare options quickly, without needing to jump between multiple tabs or sites.

Look For Patterns In Reviews & Not Just Praise

Reviews can be helpful if you know how to read them. Avoid getting stuck on a single 5-star or 1-star comment; instead, scan several reviews and look for patterns. Are multiple people mentioning responsiveness? Clarity? Compassion? Those are signs of consistency, not just a lucky good day.

And if something feels off, like a bunch of vague, overly polished reviews posted all around the same time, it’s okay to dig deeper or move on.

Use Filters That Actually Matter

Don't search blindly; use platforms that let you filter by legal specialty, location, and even case type. This might seem like a small thing, but it can dramatically cut down on wasted time. A tool that shows only vetted attorneys who handle your kind of case in your city? That’s a much stronger starting point than a general Google search.

Some platforms let you contact lawyers right from their profile page, which is convenient, but you don’t have to feel like you need to message anyone right away.

If you're not ready to talk, shortlist a few names first. Then check their qualifications, read their reviews, and maybe even see if they’ve published any helpful guides or answered questions online. That can give you a feel for their communication style before you ever send a message.

So, whether you're dealing with a crisis or planning, finding legal support shouldn't feel like a full-time job. Use the tools that make it easier. Take advantage of platforms built to connect people with real help. And remember, the right attorney doesn't just know the law; they make you feel confident, supported, and understood. Visit the website in the description to find out more.

You know, when we talk about truck accidents in Houston, we're dealing with some truly staggering numbers. Did you know that Texas sees over 15,000 commercial truck accidents each year? And here's what's really shocking - 98% of fatalities in these accidents affect the passengers or drivers in the smaller vehicles involved.

Welcome to another episode. Today we're tackling a question that keeps many Ontario families in the middle of a major change up at night: When you're getting divorced, should you choose mediation or litigation?

Let's start with the basics. Think of mediation as a guided conversation. You and your spouse sit down with a neutral mediator – think of them as a skilled referee – who helps you work through issues like property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. You're in the driver's seat, crafting solutions that work for your unique situation. Litigation, on the other hand, is the traditional courtroom battle. A judge listens to both sides and makes binding decisions about your future. It's formal, structured, and final.

So when should you choose mediation? Here's a checklist: Can you and your spouse be in the same room without World War Three breaking out? Are you both committed to playing fair? Do you want to keep your private business private – because remember, court proceedings become public record? Are you watching your budget? Mediation typically costs a fraction of litigation.

Most importantly, do you have kids? Mediation can preserve your ability to co-parent effectively. After all, you'll be dealing with each other for years to come at soccer games and graduation ceremonies.

But mediation isn't always the answer. Sometimes you need the big guns of litigation. If there's been domestic violence, don't even consider mediation – your safety comes first. If your spouse is hiding assets, playing games, or simply refusing to cooperate, you'll need a judge's authority to cut through the nonsense. Complex financial situations – think multiple businesses, international assets, or significant debts – often require the formal discovery process that only litigation provides.

The thing is, about 95% of cases settle before trial, even when they start in litigation. Many couples try mediation first, then switch to litigation if they hit roadblocks. There's no shame in changing course.

Some advice? Start by asking yourself one honest question: "Can we work together to solve this puzzle?" If the answer is yes, mediation might save you time, money, and emotional energy. If it's no, don't force it.

Remember, regardless of which path you choose, get independent legal advice. A good family lawyer will help you understand your rights and ensure any agreement protects your interests.

That's all for today. Remember, every family's situation is unique, so what works for your neighbor might not work for you. Take time to consider your options carefully.

Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.

If you have debts that are racking up, or have defaulted on one or more loans, and now are facing the insidious and hovering threat of asset repossession... before that hard knock comes at your front door, you should look into a bankruptcy filing.

Experienced attorneys at The Law Office of Kim Covington suggest that this is often the best, and sometimes only, path forward for individuals and small businesses with mounting debts they can’t repay.

If you are facing this kind of financial difficulty, one of your biggest concerns is probably the foreclosure of your home or property, or the repossession of your assets, whether this is your car or other higher ticket items like electronics and appliances.

Secondary to this is most likely the fear of having your wages garnished in order to repay your overdue debts, which can ultimately put you in an even worse financial position.

Thankfully, a bankruptcy filing can put an end to this possibility... and so can a good bankruptcy attorney.

If you contract the legal services of a trustworthy bankruptcy attorney whose services include asset protection, one of the first things they will do for you is to put an immediate foreclosure and repossession prevention plan into place.

From there, a good attorney will develop a personal financial recovery plan, which may, if appropriate, involve a legal bankruptcy filing.

The truth is bankruptcy can happen to anyone, especially today, when the cost of living continues to rise while wages remain stagnant and many people face precarious employment.

As Kim Covington of The Law Office of Kim Covington said, “Financial troubles do not discriminate. During hard economic times or a good economy, hardworking individuals can fall behind for a wide range of reasons. People from all social, educational, ethnic and professional backgrounds can find themselves with debts they simply cannot afford to pay off.”

This is why highly experienced bankruptcy attorneys—like Ms Covington, who has over 22 years of experience—approach their cases with an immense amount of sensitivity, and why she encourages you to get the legal help you deserve.

If you are facing financial difficulty, a good place to start is to find an attorney that offers their initial consultations free of charge, like The Law Office of Kim Covington does, and that has affordable and transparent rates, as well as payment plans.

You also want to look for a firm that is specialized in bankruptcy filings for both individuals and businesses, asset protection, debt relief and creditor harassment protection.

If Kim Covington of The Law Office of Kim Covington can help you, she will, and she encourages you to speak to a reputable attorney before you receive your next 'past due' notice. Click on the link in the description to learn more!

Let's be real for a second. If you were buying a new phone, a car, or even just looking for a place to eat—what's the first thing you'd do? You'd check reviews, compare options, ask around. But when it comes to hiring a personal injury attorney—something that could literally determine your financial future—most people? They just pick whoever shows up first in Google or on a billboard.

That mistake could cost you thousands. And that's exactly the problem that Gilbert Personal Injury Attorney is tackling head-on. They've seen it happen way too many times. Injury victims rush into hiring the wrong lawyer. Not because they're careless—but because no one ever told them what to look for. No one teaches you how to choose the right attorney when your life's just been flipped upside down by an accident or injury.

Here's something most people don't know. Almost 95 percent of personal injury cases settle out of court. That means your lawyer's ability to negotiate—not just their courtroom swagger—is what really drives your results. And with over 62 million Americans seeking medical care for preventable injuries every year, the demand for solid legal guidance is only going up. But people are still making the same avoidable mistake: choosing fast instead of choosing right.

That's why Gilbert Personal Injury Attorney does things differently. Yes, they handle auto accidents, mesothelioma cases, and medical malpractice. But what really sets them apart? Their consultation process actually teaches you what to look for—not just in them, but in any attorney you're considering.

They've even put together some helpful resources online. There's a quick video guide that walks you through what to look for in a personal injury attorney—especially if you're in the Gilbert, Arizona area. You can find it on their website.

So here's the move. If you or someone you love has been injured, and you're not sure where to start, call 6 2 3 3 0 4 8 7 0 0 for a free consultation. Want to check them out first? Sure, just click on the link in the description.

In a city of gleaming towers and relentless ambition, where success is measured in square footage, prestige, and returns on investment, Toronto-based lawyer Ivan Steele is quietly leading a revolution—not in court, but in spirit.

An immigration and family lawyer with almost 17 years of practice, Ivan Steele made a decision some years ago that startles even the most progressive circles: he gave everything away.

He gifted his Jeep to someone who needed it more. He sold his century home—an elegant, character-filled property that had been a dream come true. He parted with irreplaceable heirlooms: furniture, books, paintings, even silverware, each piece heavy with personal and historical memory. He dresses in simple, practical clothing, and lives in a modest rented space, adorned with Buddhist practice objects. He owns no real estate, no car, no investments, and keeps practically no personal wealth.

More astonishing still, Steele donates 90% of his income— to charity and to those in need, and underfunded Buddhist monasteries around the world. He keeps almost nothing for himself, aside from essentials., And he has never felt more free.

Steele’s life-altering decision is rooted in an ancient Buddhist principle: Dāna—a Sanskrit and Pāli word meaning generosity, or selfless giving. It is the first of the Ten Perfections (Pāramitās), regarded in Buddhism as the foundation of the spiritual path.

“Dāna isn't just about charity,” Steele explains. “It’s about letting go—of ego, attachment, fear. When we give without expecting anything in return, we’re not just helping others. We’re transforming ourselves. We’re loosening the grip of the self.” To give not from surplus, but from identity—to be the giving—is a spiritual practice so rare in our time that it appears almost unrecognizable and scary.

Steele’s actions stand in stark contrast to the prevailing culture of hyper-consumption, especially in legal circles of billable hours. In a society trained to equate success with accumulation, where lawyers often climb toward greater material comfort, his renunciation seems almost subversive.

But that is precisely the point.

“What we call ‘security’ is often just samsaric bondage,” he says, invoking the Buddhist concept of cyclic suffering. “We hoard things—houses, diplomas, relationships, identities—hoping they’ll make us feel permanent, worthy, safe. But everything is impermanent. Letting go is not a loss. It’s a liberation.”

Despite renouncing material wealth, Steele remains deeply engaged in legal practice. His clients include international couples navigating Canada’s immigration system, families seeking peaceful separation, and queer communities facing systemic exclusion. But he practices law as an act of compassion, not commerce.

“I see each file as an offering,” he says. “Each contract I draft, each application I prepare—it’s a prayer. Law doesn’t have to be about power. It can be about healing.”

Unlike many in the profession, Steele refuses to litigate in adversarial settings, focusing instead on collaborative law and trauma-informed advocacy. His goal isn’t to win—it’s to serve. And for those he serves, that distinction is everything.

While rooted in spiritual values, Steele’s actions also serve as a critique of systemic inequity. In giving away his earnings and living simply, he exposes the absurdity of a system in which justice is too often reserved for the privileged.

“True generosity,” he says, “is a form of protest. It’s saying: I refuse to participate in a world where dignity is bought and sold.”

In this way, Dāna becomes not only a spiritual practice, but a political one. A way to live differently. A way to be different.

Steele’s renunciation is not a spectacle. It is not an aesthetic. It is not a phase or gimmick.

What most of us see as deprivation, he experiences as peace.

“There’s a strange kind of joy that comes from being unburdened,” he reflects. “When you own nothing, you belong to everything.”

The story of Ivan Steele is not meant to inspire imitation, but introspection.

Would you, perhaps, finally feel free?

For Steele, the path forward is not through more. It is through less. Less ego. Less fear. Less clinging. And in that spaciousness, a profound abundance arises—not of things, but of meaning.

Even in Toronto.

Thomas Law Group, PC has published a new article entitled "Parental Alienation in Denver: Legal Solutions & How a Family Attorney Can Help." The report sheds light on the rising issue of parental alienation in Denver. It also focuses on how the legal system, particularly family courts and attorneys, addresses and combats parental alienation to protect children and preserve parent-child relationships. Those involved in a high-conflict custody battle, as well as other interested individuals, can view the full article on ThomasFamilyLaw/Blog

The article includes several interesting pieces of information; one, in particular, is how Denver family courts are increasingly taking a hard stance on parental alienation, with judges now modifying custody orders—and, in some cases, awarding primary custody to the alienated parent—to protect children from emotional manipulation during divorce battles. Such information should be of particular interest to parents, guardians, and caregivers going through custody disputes, as it highlights a significant shift in how Denver courts handle parental alienation, signaling to parents that this behavior is no longer overlooked and can have serious legal consequences.

One of the most important pieces of information the article tries to convey and communicate is that parental alienation cases require in-depth knowledge of Denver custody laws and strategic legal action. The best example of this is perhaps found in the following extract:

First, build a compelling case with strong evidence. Then, present arguments effectively in court. Finally, push for court-ordered solutions that prioritize the child's best interests.

In discussing the article's creation, Thomas Sergei, Founder/CEO at Thomas Law Group, PC, said:

"Going through the complexities of family court without legal support can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high. A dedicated Denver family law attorney ensures that parental rights remain protected while working toward a resolution that benefits the child."

Regular readers of Thomas Law Group, PC will notice the article's familiar tone, which has been described as 'trustworthy and relevant'.

Thomas Law Group, PC now welcomes comments and questions from readers about the article, as they intend to provide relevant and valuable information to their clients and readers based on their desire to help their audience better understand the impact of divorce and parental alienation.

Anyone who has a specific question about a past, present, or future article can contact Thomas Law Group, PC via their website at thomasfamilylawcounsel.com

The complete article is available to view in full at ThomasFamilyLaw/Blog

Here's a striking statistic: partnerships represent only 7 to 10 percent of all U.S. businesses, yet they account for 15 to 20 percent of companies that survive their first year. This suggests that businesses structured as partnerships, including joint ventures, have a significantly higher survival rate than their solo counterparts.

Joint ventures offer a compelling path for business expansion, but many entrepreneurs miss opportunities or make costly mistakes simply because they don't understand how these partnerships work. Whether you're eyeing international markets, seeking to share development costs, or wanting to combine expertise with another company, joint ventures can accelerate growth in ways that going it alone cannot.

Many successful business owners eventually hit a growth ceiling. They have a solid operation, loyal customers, and steady revenue, but taking the next step requires resources they don't possess—specialized knowledge, distribution channels, manufacturing capabilities, or simply capital to fund expansion.

The traditional options often feel inadequate. Taking on debt increases financial risk. Hiring new employees and building internal capabilities takes time and money with uncertain outcomes. Selling equity means giving up control and future profits. This is where many businesses get stuck, watching opportunities pass by while they debate whether the risk of expansion is worth the potential reward.

A joint venture creates a separate entity where two or more businesses pool resources to achieve a specific goal. Unlike informal partnerships, joint ventures require careful planning and clear agreements to succeed. Companies typically form joint ventures for four key reasons, each addressing different strategic needs.

Resource leverage represents one of the most common motivations. One company might excel at product development while another has established distribution networks. By combining strengths, both parties can achieve more than either could independently. This approach allows businesses to access capabilities they would otherwise need to develop internally, saving both time and money.

Cost reduction provides another compelling reason for joint venture formation. Sharing expenses for research, development, marketing, or production allows each partner to access capabilities at a fraction of the individual cost. This proves particularly valuable for expensive technological advances or market entry costs that might be prohibitive for a single company to bear alone.

Expertise combination creates opportunities for innovation that wouldn't exist otherwise. When companies with different backgrounds and skill sets collaborate, each benefits from the other's knowledge base. A software company partnering with a healthcare provider, for example, can create medical technology solutions that neither could develop alone. This cross-pollination of expertise often leads to breakthrough products or services.

Market entry, especially into foreign markets, represents the fourth major driver of joint venture formation. Partnering with a local business provides immediate access to established relationships, regulatory knowledge, and cultural understanding that would take years to develop independently. This approach significantly reduces the risk and timeline associated with international expansion.

The foundation of any successful joint venture lies in its agreement, which should clearly define several essential elements. The objectives and scope must specify what goals the joint venture will accomplish and what activities fall within its mandate. Contributions from each party need detailed documentation, covering what resources, expertise, or capital each will provide.

The management structure should establish how decisions will be made and who has authority over different aspects of the operation. Profit and loss distribution requires a clear definition of how financial results will be shared among partners.

Finally, duration and exit strategy planning determine when and how the joint venture will conclude or transition.

A company seeking quick profits paired with one focused on long-term market development will likely face conflicts that undermine the venture's success. Cultural mismatches present another significant challenge, as different management styles, corporate cultures, and decision-making processes can create friction. These differences require upfront attention through clear communication protocols and mutual understanding.

Inadequate legal structure represents a critical oversight that affects taxation, liability, and operational flexibility. The choice between corporation, LLC, or partnership structure significantly impacts how the joint venture operates and how partners are protected. Incomplete exit planning creates another major risk, as joint ventures should have clear dissolution procedures.

Without proper exit strategies, partners may face lengthy disputes when the venture concludes, potentially damaging both the business relationship and the companies involved.

Corporate formation specialists who work with joint ventures daily emphasize that proper structure prevents future disputes. Experience with corporate formation reveals common patterns in successful ventures versus those that fail, providing valuable insights for new joint venture partners.

For businesses considering expansion between the United States and Canada, joint ventures offer particular advantages. The regulatory differences between federal and provincial incorporations, varying tax structures, and distinct market conditions make local expertise essential. Proper jurisdictional planning prevents compliance issues that could derail promising partnerships.

Successful cross-border joint ventures require understanding both legal systems from the formation stage, making professional guidance even more critical.

The statistics speak for themselves—partnerships show higher survival rates, suggesting they provide real competitive advantages. If you're considering a joint venture to accelerate growth, expand into new markets, or access specialized capabilities, the key is starting with proper planning and professional guidance.

The right partnership could be the catalyst that takes your business to the next level, but only if it's built on a solid legal foundation from the start. Success depends on careful planning, clear agreements, and understanding both the opportunities and risks involved in this strategic approach to business growth.

If you're going through a separation or divorce in Ontario, there's a good chance you've come across the term "spousal support." Maybe you've even tried using an online calculator, only to feel more confused than when you started. The good news is, you don't have to figure it out on your own.

At Pace Law Firm, the team understands how overwhelming it can be to go through this process. That's why they offer dedicated guidance to help clients across Ontario understand how spousal support is calculated, what it's for, and what their financial rights and responsibilities look like during this transition.

Let's start with the basics.

Spousal support—often confused with alimony—is a financial arrangement where one spouse provides support to the other after separation or divorce. It's intended to help ease the financial impact of the separation and ensure a fair outcome, especially in cases where one spouse was financially dependent on the other.

In Ontario, spousal support is governed by the federal Divorce Act, and more specifically, by the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, also known as the S.S.A.G. These guidelines help determine both the amount and the duration of support, depending on each couple's specific circumstances.

There are two main formulas—one for situations without child support, and another for those where child support is involved.

For example, if no child support is being paid, the S.S.A.G generally recommends an amount ranging from one-point-five to two percent of the income difference for every year you were married or living together—up to a maximum of 50 percent of that difference. The duration typically falls between half a year to one year for each year of marriage or cohabitation.

If there is child support involved, the calculation becomes more complex. The guidelines take into account each person's Individual Net Disposable Income, which is income after taxes, deductions, and child support. The goal is to bring the recipient's income to somewhere between 40 and 46 percent of the couple's combined disposable income.

There are other factors too—like how long you were married, whether children are still dependent, and whether the "Rule of 65" applies. That rule suggests support could be indefinite if the recipient's age plus years of marriage total 65 or more.

Now, it's important to understand that these are just guidelines. Every case is different, and courts still have discretion—especially in situations involving high incomes or special circumstances. That's why working with an experienced legal team is so important.

At Pace Law Firm, their family law team brings decades of experience helping clients understand how the law applies to their unique situation. They explain the process clearly, answer your questions, and guide you through each step—whether you're negotiating a separation agreement or preparing for court.

They've served Ontario communities for over 40 years, with offices in Toronto, Etobicoke, Collingwood, London, Kenora, and Sudbury. Their services are available in over 38 languages, and they offer both remote and in-person consultations depending on what's most convenient for you.

So if you're trying to make sense of spousal support, let them help. You don't have to go through it alone. Schedule a free consultation with a member of their experienced team by clicking on the link in the description.