Purpose of a Mechanic’s Lien

December 26, 2018 3:49 PM Tyler Edmondson

Purpose of a Mechanic’s Lien

A mechanic’s lien exists as a way for contractors to collect money for services, labor, and materials on both personal and real property. Filing a mechanic’s lien is necessary to show property owners you mean business about getting paid for your services, and rightfully so. A mechanic’s lien isn’t just for contractors, other skilled laborers or suppliers can file. Unfortunately, this type of circumstance happen. Imagine you spend months building a new attachment to a home. All of the necessary work is done, but the owner refuses to pay the remaining balance. The obvious thing to do is sue for breach of contract, but you could file a mechanic’s lien on their property. In doing so, the information about the debt becomes public. This can affect their credit, ability to sell or refinance the property; it can even threat foreclosure. A contractor can file a lien before the project begins and remove it once the full payment is made, this is the most effective way to guarantee payment. It doesn’t matter how big or small the job is or if you provided materials, the property owner is obligated to pay in full according to the contract. When filing a lien you don’t get paid right away, but it will make it difficult for the owner to do anything with the property. In the state of Texas, a mechanics lien must be filed by a certain date depending on if you are a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier. So, it may be wise to send a monthly notice for each month that you performed work on the property. It takes time to process the paperwork so don’t cut it too close to your monthly deadline. Also, remember that there are special notices for specially made materials (custom made cabinets can’t be used in another home). Keep in mind that leaving a project unfinished won’t force a property owner to pay, but may actually create more legal problems.

Wylie Attorneys Here to Help

You deserve to get paid for your hard work. Laws are put in place to protect you in case property owners refuse to pay you. But if you are new to this or have questions, you will need the expertise of a Texas attorney who knows the law inside an out. The advice from a construction attorney at Edmonson Law, PLLC can keep your construction project moving. Contact Edmondson Law in Wylie by calling 972-442-8326 or visiting www.wylietxlaw.com. We are here to help you or answer any questions you may have.

Information, Not Legal Advice. We provide the information on this website as a public service. The legal landscape is constantly changing and being modified by state law and case law. As a result, we cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and reflective of the most current jurisprudence.

We do not intend this information to be legal advice. By providing this information, we are not acting as your lawyer. If you need legal advice, you should contact a lawyer through our number (972) 442-8326 or contact another attorney of your choosing.

Estate Planning Checklist

December 18, 2018 4:31 PM Tyler Edmondson

Estate Planning Checklist

Whether you realize it or not, you have an estate. It may not be elaborate, but if you own a car or home, have a savings or checking account, life insurance, or personal possessions you have an estate. It comprises of everything you own, big or small. And like the millions of people earth, you want to leave everything you own to your loved ones after you die. In order to make sure your wishes are carried out you need to make a plan in advance- an estate plan.

In your estate plan, naming those you want to inherit your things can make life easier for your loved ones. Estate planning is not just about drawing up a will, but you can outline what medical treatments you want to receive if you become incapacitated, name a guardian for minor children, even name a person or persons allowed manage digital files.

Start Your Estate Plan

Getting everything in order can be overwhelming, but having a checklist can make the process run smoothly. Here is a quick overview of what you should do to start your the process of reassuring your loved ones a promising future. The first thing to do is make a full inventory of all your assets. This includes jewelry, vehicles, real estate, and other assets. Gather bank statements, make a list of insurance policies you have, mortgages, and so on. Figure out who and what you want to inherit your assets, list a trusted person to care for your minor children (if you have any), and who you want to be responsible for distributing your assets. When you’re ready to get your estate plan drafted, seek the professional help from an estate planning attorney. Bring all important documents, a list of questions, and anything else they ask you to bring to better plan your estate needs. Another important thing to remember is to update your estate plan as needed.

Plan Your Estate Now

Many people think that estate planning is for wealthy people or for those who have retired. And many put off estate planning because they think they don’t own enough. This type of thinking can leave your family to pick up the pieces when you are gone, which can become an expensive nightmare. With the help of a professional estate planning attorney, you can rest easy knowing your family will be taken care of. Contact Edmondson Law, PLLC for guidance and the peace of mind knowing your wishes will be met. Call us at 972-442-8326 or visit us at www.wylietxlaw.com to schedule a free consultation.

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Small Business

December 12, 2018 4:45 PM Tyler Edmondson

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Small Business

Starting a small business is an exciting venture. There are thousands of successful small businesses, but there are as many more that failed. The possibility of not being successful shouldn’t keep you from following your passion, what will keep you going is playing it smart- work smarter, not harder my friend would always say. Business ownership requires a lot of hard work, but once you work out the kinks and avoid common mistakes, you will have a thriving business to pass on to your family.

Making mistakes is a part of life, but so is learning from them. Same goes with running a business. The good news is there are helpful tools and advisors you can get advice from. Here are a few mistakes some owners make that jeopardize the future of their business.

Not planning for a future when you are no longer in the picture. This doesn’t necessarily mean after you die, but maybe when you leave the company to someone else or retire. Accidents happen, and you will want to be prepared. If you leave without a plan in place, it could be difficult for anyone else to take over, or the wrong person could step in your place. You also don’t want to leave inheritance questions or fights among your family as many owners want to leave the business to their children. Be sure everything is in order, and you have a plan laid out.
Not choosing the right business structure can hurt. There are different options, and some can provide more protection from personal liability than others.
Not having a business plan from the beginning. Having a plan can create a roadmap and help you set and achieve goals for your businesses success. It can lead to profitability and possible investors.

Business Law Attorneys in Wylie

As I said, you will make mistakes; there is no way around it. Some will be minor, and others will require a professional to help you with. The goal is to stay out of court, save money, and keep your business going. The attorneys at Edmondson Law, PLLC can help you avoid these and other common mistakes. They can also answer any questions you have while running your business. To get your business off to a good start, contact the offices of Edmondson Law, PLLC to help prepare you for the unexpected and avoid any legal matters in the future. Contact us at 972-442-8326 or visit us at www.wylietxlaw.com to view the services we provide.

Helpful Co-Parenting Apps

December 4, 2018 3:58 PM Tyler Edmondson

Helpful Co-Parenting Apps

Communication with your ex is essential when children are involved. But having that open dialogue may be difficult especially if you have a grim relationship with your ex. Parenting has its challenges, and you want every tool at your disposal to make things run smoothly. You may not know this, but there is a slew of apps to help you with co-parenting. There is an app for EVERYTHING, so why not one (or 3) to help you and your ex-spouse be better parents together- separately.

This genius technology has made it easier for separated parents to share the responsibility and be on the same page about their children. Babyology listed a few co-parenting apps that will help you and your ex.

SharedCare- This simple app isn’t just great for co-parents but also other carers who are helping or involved in your children’s lives, such as grandparents. SharedCare keeps you in control of every aspect of your kids’ lives, from care arrangements, expenses (including reimbursement requests), sharing news and photos, or just keeping everyone on the same page. Key features include shared calendar, care arrangements, expense recorder, and group news feed.
Parentship- Designed to reduce stress and focus on a shared commitment to raising children in the best way possible, Parentship helps parents better manage emotional distress or ambiguity in order to schedule, communicate and keep track of their activity and custody calendar. Key features include a customized dashboard, reminders, custom calendaring, smart profile, and digital documents.
FamCal- Really handy for all kinds of families – not just those who are co-parenting. A shared calendar, it allows you to share dates, schedules, tasks and notes all in the same place, so everyone is in sync and organized. Key features include a family calendar, lists and tasks, and family notes.

This is a few we listed, visit Babyology for the full list or do some research of your own. There are more apps to read through and choose from; some are free or inexpensive, but well worth the fee. And most of them can be downloaded through either Apple, Android, or both.

Wylie Family Law Attorneys

Our attorneys understand the complexities of family law in the State of Texas. We have years of experience, and you can expect exceptional personal service from our law office. Contact us if you are experiencing a family law matter and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Please call us at 972-442-8326.

We do not intend this information to be legal advice. By providing this information, we are not acting as your lawyer. If you need legal advice, you should contact a lawyer through our number (972) 442-8326 or contact another attorney of your choosing.

Power of Attorney is Important for Young Adults Too

November 27, 2018 3:40 PM Tyler Edmondson

Power of Attorney is Important for Young Adults Too

Most people would think medical power of attorney is meant for “old people.” Well, it is not! Little do they know that having one can prevent a nightmare if a health care emergency occurs. Once your child turns 18, they are legal adults, and it becomes essential to have these documents in place. There is nothing worse than your child suffering an accident, while away at college, and their doctors cannot discuss medical information with you or you cannot make lifesaving decisions. We get it; it is not exactly like your teen is thinking about this, that is why you are here.

Caring for your child’s well being does not stop when they move out. Being a parent is making sure they are ready for the real world and are ready to make hard decisions for themselves. While you cannot force your child to draft or sign a power of attorney, you can at least talk with them and give them a possible scenario where these documents can save their life. Serious situations can escalate into an unpleasant court case, but having these documents ready can take care of the problem. Getting permission from the court is both expensive and time-consuming. Even if you are the one paying for your child’s health insurance, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act keeps you from obtaining medical information about your child. This could all be avoided by planning ahead and speaking with your teen about what a medical power of attorney is and what position it leaves them in.

Healthcare Power of Attorney is a document that names a person who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. This person should be someone that lives close if possible, a person that knows you, someone who displays maturity and displays good judgment. This is why young adults chose a parent as their power of attorney.

Estate Planning Attorney

Again, if your child does not have a healthcare directive in place, you cannot make decisions for them if they become incapacitated. Encouraging your child to put in place a medical power of attorney could save them. To get the ball rolling, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney that has experience in drafting power of attorney. They can help you go through your option and answer any questions you have. Edmondson Law, PLLC has a team of professionals ready to help with your family’s needs. We have years of experience in Estate Planning, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with one of our members by calling 972-442-8326.

Co-Parenting Not Always Easy

November 20, 2018 2:48 PM Tyler Edmondson

Co-Parenting Not Always Easy

Experiencing a divorce is an emotional event that you and your children go through. It is a process that is time and mind consuming, and all you want to do is get through it as soon as possible, unscathed. For some couples, everything runs smoothly, but for others, their situation can drag on, affecting their children. Divorce can become more challenging when both partners are discussing custody of their children. What happens when your ex is using the children to turn against you? A situation like this makes co-parenting difficult. The last thing you want is for your toxic ex to “brain wash” your child into thinking you don’t love them, are not a good parent, or you are to blame for the divorce. This could all stem from your ex’s bitterness or anger.

As parents, our number one job is to protect them physically and emotionally; their well-being is a top priority during a divorce. In most judgment, there is a stipulation on how each parent should behave post-divorce. This basically means that neither parent can do anything to purposely undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent.

The best thing you can do is be the bigger person, be the adult in the situation. beenke.com recommends using OurFamilyWizard website as a tool to help you:

Easily coordinate custody an visitation schedules.
Track and split expenses through an expense log.
Get documented reimbursements through OFWpay.
Keep your kid’s health and school records updated in an information bank.
Send secure messages that cannot be deleted or altered.
Get access to a TON of co-parenting resources.

beenke.com claims that this website is so effective that judges in all 50 states recommend families to use it. The website has also served as a reliable documentation source for court proceedings since all messaging is tamper-proof and stamped with the date, time, and name of the person who sent it. Having all the tools at your disposal to be sure your child has a balanced life is the best thing you can do.

Professional Divorce Attorney

Doing everything you can to protect your children is always on your mind, but can be a challenge when dealing with a toxic ex. Keeping your cool and having an experienced divorce attorney in your corner can help you avoid making emotional decisions. Edmondson Law, PLLC well-versed staff in Texas State Laws governing divorce. Contact Edmondson Law, PLLC for their services or advice on your current situation. Call 972-442-8326 or click here www.wylietxlaw.com.

Love For Socks Builds a Business

November 14, 2018 11:52 AM Tyler Edmondson

Love For Socks Builds a Business

The incredible father-son business John’s Crazy Socks was erected after co-founder John Lee Cronin need to figure out what he was going to do after high school at Huntington High School and attending Wilson Tech where he studied retailing and customer service. Unlike many of his peers, Cronin’s career options were a bit limited as he was born with Down syndrome and nothing seemed to peak his interests. John turned to his father Mark to go into business with by saying, “I want to go into business with you.” The two needed to come up with a business and one that they would both love. John had the idea of starting a food truck business inspired by the movie “Chef” where a father-son duo works together in a food truck business. John and Mark had a problem though, neither could cook. This did not keep the two from concocting more ideas. Until their “ah-ha” moment. “Let’s sell socks,” John suggested. Not just any socks, crazy socks. John has always had a love for wacky, crazy socks throughout his life. His father says, “John has always had a sense of his own style.”

The two did not exactly have a business plan but went through the steps of starting a small business by opening bank accounts and filing with the State of New York. The only marketing the pair did was Facebook and videos John did talking about his socks. They had intended to launch their online store at 10 a.m., but the website unexpectedly crashed and did not open until 3 p.m. Despite the delay, the two were met with local orders that were delivered personally by John. By the end of the first month, they had shipped 452 orders and earned more than $13,000 in revenue. The company carries socks from over 20 different suppliers, and the socks they design are the most successful.

The company donates two dollars from every awareness sock sale, such as Autism Awareness Socks and Down Syndrome Awareness Socks, to the company’s charity partners and John’s Crazy Socks also donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics. They not only donate to charities, but they also hire people with differing abilities as well. They stay true to their mission: we want to spread happiness. Not just to their customers or charities, but to their employees by giving them a chance.

Need Help with Building Your Business

This successful duo found a career that they love and can do as a family. If you are starting a small business or have any questions about your current business, you will need help from a professional attorney. The staff at Edmondson Law, PLLC has years of experience that can advise you in any business venture. Deciding how to configure your new business will have implications that touch on many different areas. We can assist by providing advice and representation for all types of business transactions that impact your new business. Contact us at 972-442-8326 or visit us at www.wylietxlaw.com for more information about our practices.

What is Parental Alienation Syndrome

November 6, 2018 3:41 PM Tyler Edmondson

What is Parental Alienation Syndrome

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) was first introduced in 1985 when child psychiatrist Dr. Richard Gardner wrote in his paper, “Recent Trends in Divorce and Custody Litigation,” describing the syndrome and its effects on children. This PAS occurs when one parent tries to turn their child/children against the other parent in a negative way, usually during separation or divorce. He says, “…a disorder that arises primarily in the context of child-custody disputes. Its primary manifestation is the child’s campaign of denigration against the parent, a campaign that has no justification. The disorder results from the combination of indoctrinations by the alienating parent and the child’s own contributions to the vilification of the alienated parent”. A parent can be angry at their spouse or ex-spouse and manipulate the children by painting a negative picture; deliberately making negative comments, pushing blame or false accusations on the other parent. They can even hoard the kids, doing everything they can to keep the kids from the other parent.

Dr. Gardner mentions eight symptoms that distinguish an affected child:

a) relentless denigration of the targeted parent; (b) a frivolous, weak, or absurd rationale for the denigration; (c) a lack of guilt or embarrassment about the denigration; (d) a lack of ambivalence such that the child considers one parent to be entirely “good” and the other parent to be entirely “bad”; (e) automatic support for the alienating parent in any conflict; (f) hostility toward and refusal of contact with the extended family of the targeted parent; (g) the presence of “borrowed scenarios,” in which the child’s speech when describing aversion to the targeted parent often includes the same phrases used by the alienating parent; and (h) the child’s insistence that he or she is expressing his or her own opinions in denigrating the targeted parent.

This negative effect could cause the child to bad-mouth the other parent, they may not want to see or talk to the other parent, can’t say anything good, or has hatred for the alienated parent.

While the American Psychiatric Association doesn’t recognize PAS as a mental disorder, doesn’t mean this behavior doesn’t occur. As the alienated parent, however, the best thing to do is not to engage in similar actions towards the other parent, you don’t want to make things worse. You may want to get counseling for your child and yourself on how to react to your child’s actions and emotions, focus on positive activities when visiting with your child and don’t do anything to violate any court orders.

Wylie Family Law Attorneys

Divorce is not always easy, and children involved suffer the most. While this difficult road may not be easy to handle, your children are worth it. The best thing to do is contact an experienced family law attorney to talk about your options or answer any questions about your situation. The attorneys at Edmondson Law, PLLC have years of experience with a variety of different issues. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at 972-442-8326.

Owner Financed Transactions

October 30, 2018 12:39 PM Tyler Edmondson

Owner Financed Transactions

A home is a big investment one can make, but it involves some type of financing due to its high cost. Some home buyers may find it difficult obtaining a mortgage loan because their financial situation is not ideal. There is a lot that goes into buying a home including a predictable salary, employment history with no interruptions, and a pristine credit score. As the seller, you may not only have a hard time finding a buyer, but the borrower can have trouble getting approved for a loan, which can be a lengthy process. There is another way to complete the transaction that cuts out the conventional mortgage lender or bank.

Owner financing is a financing arrangement, between the buyer and seller, in which the homebuyer finances the purchase straight from the seller, resulting in installment payments, rather than having the buyer obtain a loan from a bank. In other words, the seller extends enough credit to cover the purchase price of the home to the buyer, and the buyer makes payments until the amount is paid. Owner financing goes by many names, such as Owner Will Carry, Owner Carried Financing, or Owner Carryback; it all means the same, it just depends on where you live. There is a lot that goes in owner financing for both the seller and buyer. You might think as the buyer you could make payments directly to the seller rather than going through the process of getting a mortgage, and that’s that. These types of owner financed deals are rare. What many do not realize is that the seller has to pay off their existing mortgage before they can sell and they may not have the finances to do so. As the seller, owner financing may not be a bad idea. You can sell “as is,” retain the title, and sell your home faster since the buyer avoids the lengthy mortgage process.

Real Estate Attorneys in Wylie

While all of this can be confusing, even after doing research online, it is in your best interest, as a buyer or seller, to be sure you understand the process and your rights. And there are advantages and disadvantages both parties should be aware of when considering or engaging in an owner-financing arrangement. A qualified Real Estate attorney at Edmondson Law, PLLC will answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our staff can also assist you in drafting contracts and promissory notes when needed. Contact us by calling 972-442-8326 or visiting us at www.wylietxlaw.com for more information about our services.

When You Should Revise or Review Your Will

October 23, 2018 3:38 PM Tyler Edmondson

When You Should Revise or Review Your Will

There are thousands of people who live their lives and die without having the proper documents in place to protect their loved ones. And there are those who do have a will in place but don’t put much thought into it after drafting it. This brings up the question, “How often and when should we revise our will?” Some people put their will or estate planning documents in a safe place for years without making any changes as there are significant changes in their lives. There are several reasons for you to look back and make necessary changes to these documents and Investopedia has a list for you to consider because of expected of unexpected life-changing events.

New People Should Be Named in Your Will

If there is a new addition to your family since you first drafted your will, it pays to take a look at the document just to make sure it is worded in the correct manner and to consider reviewing it with an attorney to see if any alterations need to be made.

You Get Married or Divorced

There may be a time that you decide to get married again and want to include your new spouse in your will or living trust. After a divorce, the last thing you may want to do is leave any money or rights to your ex in a time you may become sick or die. If you’ve gotten divorced since you last signed a will, consider discussing with an attorney what changes your will might require.

People You’ve Named Are Now Deceased

Whether your spouse, family member, or child, unfortunately, passes away, there should be changes made in your will. Wills are written or should be written in such a way that there are backups for everything. Let’s say, if your spouse were to predecease you, your assets might go to another relative.

It’s Just Time to Make Changes

You should review and make necessary changes to your will every few years. Many peoples draft a will when they are young or get married at a young age. It’s great to start planning at an early age, but keep in mind that what seemed appealing when you were young may not work when you are older according to Investopedia. If you have a change of heart, review your will and speak with your attorney.

Do You Need Help Updating Your Will?

If you need to make changes in your will, contact a knowledgeable estate planning attorney at Edmondson Law, PLLC. We can assist you in creating or revising any documents to be sure your affairs are in order. Contact us by calling 972-442-8326 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.