Undue influence is about power tripping, where a person in an advantageous position can manipulate a vulnerable victim. In the probate courts, many undue influence cases involve contention over wills and trusts, petition for guardianship, and conservatorship. It is also present in domestic violence, hostage situations, white-collar crimes, scams, and cults. All these situations jeopardize the financial state of the victim.

What is unfortunate is that undue influence generally happens behind a closed door. There is no witness because the perpetrator makes sure that they and the victim are alone. The most common culprits are family members, caregivers, and other interested parties like telemarketers. However, there are ways to spot undue influence and save your loved one from being manipulated.

These include:

• massive cash withdrawal, fund transfer, or purchase of expensive items that reflect in the bank account
• newly signed documents that show a slightly different signature of the person
• an unrelated individual who is acting on behalf of your loved one
• your loved one is being kept in isolation from family and friends
• suddenly the elderly person looks disheveled and unkempt

What to do to stop or prevent undue influence

Be transparent

Undue influence usually thrives behind the shadows. As a family, you should all know what is going on with the elderly that needs caregiving, including his financial situation. Whether you decide to keep him in a health facility or at home, being transparent about the decisions would prevent someone from exerting undue influence.

Keep a paper trail

It’s best to keep all the receipts of all the expenses and written documentation of issued checks. If you see substantial cash withdrawals, fund transfers, or purchases of items that they do not usually buy, it would be easy to find out who manipulated your loved one. It can be someone close to him, like a caregiver or a family member is, pulling some tricks to make him do it.

Make a written agreement

If you are the primary caregiver or a sibling, it helps to have a written agreement to avoid family conflict in the future. It may come in handy when your parents or siblings pool money for health care. Also, if your loved one decides to leave a large chunk of his properties to you, the other family members may accuse you of exerting undue influence. It will become a messy issue if one of the family members is left out of the will.

When your parent needs to discuss plans for his assets with his estate executor or family lawyer, set up the appointment but don’t sit with them. It can make others suspicious and sue you. Telling everyone about the plan is the best option and ensuring that no one is pressuring your parents.

Say no to joint bank accounts

Whether it is you or any of your siblings, say no to the suggestion of your loved one to open a joint account so it will be easy to do transactions on his behalf. The law presumes that when the principal owner dies, the surviving owner owns it 100% and cannot be compelled to share the balance with the family. This can lead to a lawsuit in the future if a family member accuses you of influencing your parents.

Document gifts from your loved one

If your loved one wants to give you cash or a valuable item like a piece of jewelry, it is best to document it. Ask your parent to make a written statement about why they give it to you and let them sign it. A third party (non-family member) can be a great witness to why they give the gift. This would prevent a lot of explaining when a family member accuses you of manipulating your parents to give it to you or, worse, stealing it.

Takeaway

If you suspect that someone is unduly influencing your loved one who is elderly or under a health care program due to degenerative diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s, seeking the help of a lawyer is a top priority. It’s also your best option if your family suspects you of manipulation that leads to excluding someone out of the will. An experienced attorney in probate litigation can help you on whichever case.

Ayesha Saeed

A happy mom, professional article writer, SEO practitioner, blogger, guest blogger & freelancer. She’s in digital marketing since 2018. She loves reading books and spend time with her family. Reach her on Email 

Houston’s drug crime rate is 5.8 per 1000 residents. A drug crime often has a penalty attached that requires a lengthy prison sentence in a correctional facility. Suppose you are facing drug crime charges.

In that case, it is crucial to find an expert Houston criminal defense attorney who can provide the best possible litigation representation so that you don’t face incarceration for an extensive period.

An excellent criminal defense attorney will help develop a defense based on the facts of the case and, if it is a strong one, negotiate with prosecutors to get you a reduced sentence. Here’s how to find them:

1. Obtain a List of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Your Area

Though you can find lawyers online or by asking family and friends, it is best to start with the list your lawyer will provide. This list typically includes information on criminal defense lawyers in their practice area(s) qualified to work on cases like yours.

2. Check Experience and Qualifications

The most qualified Houston criminal defense attorney for your case will possess extensive experience defending clients facing similar charges, especially if they successfully won the case and negotiated a reduced sentence compared to what they could have gotten. 

They should also be familiar with the local court’s laws, federal laws, and other applicable laws.

3. Schedule a Consultation

After you have read reviews and visited their websites, ask yourself if this is someone who comes across as an experienced professional with integrity. 

Do they make you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to defend your case? If so, call and set up a consultation. Find out the details about their fees and their payment plans. 

Make sure to mention any concerns you have about the case and everything that you know or have been told about it so far.

4. Discuss Your Case

You should be able to tell from the way your lawyer responds whether they are confident in their ability to fight for your rights and defend your case. 

They should take a genuine interest in you and the details of your case, especially if they have a history of successfully defending criminal defense clients facing similar charges.

While every case is different from one another, know that an experienced criminal defense attorney has represented many clients just like you and has been able to negotiate for reduced or dropped charges as well as get their clients light sentences.

5. Trust Your Discretion

If you are not feeling comfortable with a particular lawyer, plenty of others out there can help defend you against drug crime allegations. Prepare yourself for the costs and make sure that you can make monthly payments if necessary.

Criminal defense lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not have to pay them an hourly rate or up-front costs. If they win your case, they will get the fees for their services from the court. On the other hand, you would owe them nothing if you lost your case.

Final Thoughts

The key is to do your legal research and trust your gut when finding an experienced and highly qualified criminal defense lawyer who can help get you the best possible outcome for your case.

Ayesha Saeed

A happy mom, professional article writer, SEO practitioner, blogger, guest blogger & freelancer. She’s in digital marketing since 2018. She loves reading books and spend time with her family. Reach her on Email 

We could not undermine the beauty of glass. Its application allows as much natural daylight, which reduces the need for mechanical ventilation. So it is not surprising that builders are leaning towards transparent materials, like polycarbonate for roofs, because it gives off an inward and outward view and provides a unique appeal to any building. A polycarbonate roofing system is also versatile. It may come in varying thicknesses to keep up with the impact of the elements, including snow and wind. They are highly preferred for their physical properties, durability, and competitive cost.

Glass is fast becoming the main architectural feature of choice for 2022. It highlights some of the biggest projects slated for this year, including the Sydney Modern in Australia, Taipei Performing Arts Center in Taiwan, and the Far Rockaway Library in New York, USA. Although it has been used for many years, it was only recently that a vast spread of glass was used in modern architecture, taking advantage of its versatility and flexibility.

Sydney Modern Art Gallery, Australia

The extension of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, built overlooking the Sydney Harbour, will open its doors to the public this year. It has 7,000 square meters of gallery space housed within cascading glass wall pavilions. It also has an underground gallery built on top of an oil tank used during World War II. The Sydney Modern is a complete opposite of the existing 19th-century neo-classical building of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. But it is interlocked by a square identified as a public art garden, a multilevel atrium that offers scenic views of the Harbour through, again, glass walls.

Taipei Performing Arts Center, Taiwan

This 59,000 square meter cultural venue slated to open in Summer is much anticipated for its unique futuristic appeal. Among its many impressive features is the central glass cube, where the three main theaters are plugged into, which draws in much of the spotlight. The project was unveiled in 2009 on a site adjacent to one of the country’s most popular night markets, the Shilin Night Market.

Far Rockaway Library, Queens NY USA

The new 18,000 square foot, two-story library sits on a 1968 public library, which was last used as a relief center when Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. The community has outgrown the structure, so a replacement was made in a rectangular fritted glass that reflects the Long Island sky.

Glass is becoming a predominant feature in modern architecture. It offers various benefits, from inviting the outdoors in to fitting any structural design to providing a quality that will continue to impress people for years to come. It is a great way to keep a striking balance between aesthetics and timelessness. It is also valuable in eliminating practical barriers with its flexible features. Building with glass helps you achieve various goals at once, enjoying the benefits of natural light while giving your structure a convenient access point for the outside views.

Tristan D. Porter

I am Tristan who loves to ride and spend time with my jenny (horse) and my love Mark. After completing my graduation, I have been working as an accountant in a private firm in Cologne.

Energy bills are one of the most significant expenses in every Australian household. Several factors decide your energy usage, standby power being one of them. The good news is that you can take small steps and make changes to your daily habits that could help reduce your energy costs. 

Comparing the best energy plans available in your location would be an excellent first step. Next, you can identify what areas in your household consume the most energy and look for ways to curb energy usage.  

What is Standby Power?

The modern appliances fitted in your household run on electricity. The common understanding is that once you switch off the appliance, it stops consuming electricity. But, that is not always the case. 

There are some appliances which when switched off, enter a standby mode, meaning they are not entirely switched off and continue to draw minimal units of electricity.

The standby design feature enables a device to be switched on instantly. You could also control them remotely. Devices with light blinkers and digital clocks, for example, microwaves, game consoles, use standby power.   

Can Standby Power Increase Your Energy Bills?

Yes, standby power can increase your energy bills. Older devices comparatively use more electricity in standby power. You are technically not using the device in standby mode; it is sitting in an idle state. But, you still end up paying for electricity which you are not even using.

If every household uses ten different appliances in standby mode, it could increase the strain on the network. In addition, if the distributors spend more money on maintaining the infrastructure, the costs will eventually affect your energy rates. 

Standby appliances also generate heat. So apart from electricity, you will spend additional money on cooling solutions as well. The energy used may seem minuscule, but these small things add up to significant costs.

As per the Energy Department, standby power could account for 10% of your electricity bills.

What Can You Do to Save on Energy Bills?

The simple practice of turning off devices completely, and switching the button off can go a long way in saving energy. For example, if you use your game console only on the weekends, leaving it in standby mode throughout the week does not help. But, switching it off when not in use, it is estimated that you could be saving as much as $200 a year.

Go through all the appliances you use and identify which of those go into standby mode when you press the power button on your remote. Do not block switches behind furniture or place them at inconvenient heights or locations. When shopping for appliances, buy the ones with a good energy rating. 

Other ways to save on energy bills would be to know how much energy you are using for a specific billing period and how much you pay for it. You can then use a comparison website to find the best energy plans in your area.  

Standby mode is undoubtedly a convenient feature, but you end up paying for this convenience in the form of energy costs. Discuss and plan with your family; make it a habit to completely turn off devices and unplug them.

Ayesha Saeed

A happy mom, professional article writer, SEO practitioner, blogger, guest blogger & freelancer. She’s in digital marketing since 2018. She loves reading books and spend time with her family. Reach her on Email 

Convenience stores are popular with most consumers. People, who often travel, work late into the night, or run errands in the late hours of the evening have one common question to ask – Is there a convenience store near me?

Convenience stores provide hassle-free and quick access to almost all essential household items. Please search for the closest convenience store near me and get your hands on the following list of products.

1)    Dairy

Convenience stores carry dairy products like cheese, yogurt, milk, ice-creams, etc. It is much easier to run to a convenience store for milk or a family-sized tub of ice cream than to browse through the many aisles of your local supermarket.

2)    Health and Beauty

Not many pharmacies are open during the late hours of the night. However, most over-the-counter medications like aspirin, antacids, etc., are available at convenience stores. If you have a medical emergency at night, you may be able to grab a few basic requirements at a convenience store before you head to the nearby hospital. Convenience stores also sell toiletries such as soaps, toilet papers, shampoos, sanitary items, etc.

3)    Items for a Travel Pack

On your way to getting on an early morning flight, stop by a nearby convenience store and grab your favorite magazines, snacks, water, tissues, sanitizers, etc. A convenience store carries everything you will need for an unplanned trip.

If you are driving into a new city at an odd hour, a simple search for “convenience store near me” and get access to all the necessary items to make your travel simpler and more comfortable.

4)    Liquor and Tobacco

If you are crashing into a party after office hours, stop by a convenience store to grab some drinks. Convenience stores also sell cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc., from behind the cash counter.

5)    Snacks and Packaged Food

Convenience stores are the perfect choice to satiate your late-night cravings. Are you out of soda on a Saturday night? Are you yearning for some candy on your way back home from the movies?  Do you want some peppermint before you head on a date?

Stop by a convenience store to find a whole range of snacks, soft drinks, and packaged or ready-to-eat food items. People on a road trip always stop by a convenience store to buy chocolate bars, potato chips, cookies, etc.

6)    Bread and Egg

One of the commonly sold combos at convenience stores is bread and egg. People working night shifts grab a loaf of bread and some eggs to enjoy a fulfilling breakfast when they get home. Some convenience stores carry a variety of bread types, like brown, multigrain, etc.

7)    Energy Drinks

Do you have to work through the night on your assignment? Are you preparing for your exams? Look for a “convenience store near me” and grab some energy drinks and protein bars to keep you active through the night.

8)    Seasonal Products

Some convenience stores also stock up on seasonal products like Christmas décor, Halloween masks, summer hats, etc., for last-minute buyers.

Ayesha Saeed

A happy mom, professional article writer, SEO practitioner, blogger, guest blogger & freelancer. She’s in digital marketing since 2018. She loves reading books and spend time with her family. Reach her on Email 

Motorcyclists are overrepresented when it comes to vehicular accidents in the US. Approximately 975 motorcyclists are involved in accidents for every 100,000 registered motorcycles.

Despite being overly careful on the roads, you can still become involved in a motorcycle accident due to unavoidable circumstances. If that happens, you should take some quick steps in the aftermath of the accident to receive fair compensation and reimbursement for your hospital bills.  In case you are having trouble with your insurance claim you can always hire an insurance claim lawyer for a fair settlement.

When you are unsure of what to do after being involved in an accident, get in touch with a qualified attorney from Alvine Weidenaar, LLP for an initial one-on-one consultation at no cost.

What to Do When You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

After you’re injured in a road accident, try not to remove your protective gear and wait for the paramedics to arrive at the crash scene. Getting medical attention regardless of whether you have visible injuries or not is crucial to ensure your well-being.

You must collect as much proof as possible in the aftermath of your accident. Take photos of the accident scene, get a copy of the police report, and collect your medical records. This will help reclaim reimbursement at a later stage.

Your Rights and Entitlements

When involved in a motorcycle crash, you are completely entitled to sue if you have injuries. You may also be entitled to take legal action for damages if your vehicle has been damaged.

You should be aware that there is a statute of limitations when it comes to personal injuries. You have a limited time to prepare and file a claim unless you fall under an exceptional case (if you were minor or mentally incompetent when the accident occurred). The statute of limitation differs from state to state.

If you have to give statements to an insurance claims adjuster or a defense attorney, never do it before you have spoken to a lawyer or have one present with you during these times.

The other party can compel you to give statements that can minimize the extent of your injury or loss that will result in less or no compensation at all. It’s ideal not to sign any waiver or settlement form unless you get it checked by a lawyer beforehand.

You can contact a motorcycle accident lawyer from Alvine Weidenaar LLP to ensure protection from any liabilities after your accident.

Consult an Experienced Lawyer

Having an experienced lawyer who will speak in your best interests is imperative, as you are not well-versed in law-related matters to fight for your compensation alone.

Whether you have to file an insurance claim or sue the other party for willful negligence that caused your accident, an experienced Racine-based car accident lawyer will make sure to keep you informed and file the paperwork required on your behalf.

Many times, motorcyclists are held liable for an accident even if they weren’t at fault. With a trustworthy lawyer helping you out, you can receive fair and just compensation for any injuries and damage you have received due to the accident.

Receive Fair Compensation with the Help of a Lawyer

The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer in the aftermath of your accident, the faster you will be able to move past the accident after receiving appropriate compensation.

With a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer, like those found at Alvine Weidenaar LLP, you will be able to receive an adequate amount from the insurance company and the other party without facing any significant obstacles.

When you get involved or injured in a motorcycle crash, remember not to make statements that can be used against you, especially when it comes to admitting fault. Even innocent words said carelessly can be used to undermine the extent of your motorcycle accident at a later stage.

Ayesha Saeed

A happy mom, professional article writer, SEO practitioner, blogger, guest blogger & freelancer. She’s in digital marketing since 2018. She loves reading books and spend time with her family. Reach her on Email 

Personal injury law, also known as “torts” law, provides that an injured person can be entitled to a fair compensation when another person’s negligent behavior causes harm. This means that if you’re injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness, it may give rise to a legal liability, providing you with the right to run after the at-fault party and get compensated for the damages.

There are plenty of situations that may require legal action and these can include the following common accidents:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

These are the most popular types of accidents that may require some legal interventions. Motor vehicle accidents usually take place when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, road debris, and other road obstruction like trees or poles. These can be in the form of:

• Car accident
• Truck accident
• Bicycle accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Pedestrian accident

The common causes of these road accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, over-speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, fatigue, and many more. Moreover, depending on the impact of the collision, you may sustain injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, fractures and broken bones, burns, internal injuries, and the like.

Thus, if you’ve been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident without your fault, it’s best to call an attorney to help you receive monetary compensation for your losses. An experienced legal professional can safeguard your rights throughout the legal process.

Slip And Fall Accidents

These accidents occur when a person slips or trips and gets injured on someone else’s property. These types of accidents often happen in areas such as parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, and other commercial buildings. Also, slip and fall accidents are likely to take place when there are poorly-maintained stairs, torn carpets, changes in the flooring, wet floors, and other dangerous conditions.

Generally, these types of accidents can be a source of legal obligation since property owners or those who are managing the premises have the legal duty to maintain the premises’ safety and ensure it’s free of hazards to avoid injuries.

But, it’s important to note that not all injuries such as broken bones, hip fractures, sprained ankles, and cuts and abrasions will automatically result in legal liability. This is where the assistance of a reliable attorney becomes beneficial. They can help prove that the property owner has a legal duty to keep the premises safe and therefore any injuries sustained as a result of such duty breach should be fairly compensated.

Workplace Accidents

Another type of accident that may require legal action are those taking place in the workplace. Thus, when you’re injured while at work, you may have the right to run after the at-fault party and demand compensation for your injuries. The most common causes of workplace accidents can include fatigue, lifting, poor lighting, trips and falls, hazardous materials, and a lot more.

However, unlike other types, accidents arising from work come with a different legal process. For instance, if you sustained injuries while working, you’re not allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. Instead, you’re required to bring a claim under the Workers’ Compensation Act, which mandates employers to give several benefits to their injured employees. These benefits can include medical treatment, wages for temporary total disability, and a lump-sum payment for permanent partial disability which are intended to compensate the injured worker.

So, if you’re injured while at work such as working in a construction site, it’s best to hire a trustworthy attorney to help you know your rights and guide you through the process to obtain the compensation for your injuries.

Accidents Caused By Dog Bites

Another type of accident that may require legal action are those caused by dog bites. In most cases, the dog owners are financially responsible for the injuries caused by their dog. While the laws on owner liability differ from one state to another, most states follow the rules about strict liability and the one bite rule.

If your state applies the strict liability rule, the owner of the dog who has bitten you will be liable for damages although the animal has never shown aggression or a tendency to bite in the past. On the other hand, if your location follows the one-bite rule, then the dog owner will only become responsible for personal injury damages if they know their dog has previous history of aggressiveness and dog bites.

But, regardless of the rule that’s applicable to your case, you should work with a legal professional to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Accidents Caused By Defective/Dangerous Products

Annually, many people around the world get injured or killed by defective/dangerous products such as toys, household equipment, and industrial products. Also, injuries sustained due to these products can be as serious as those suffered in a car accident. Therefore, if you’re injured as a result of using defective/dangerous products, then you may have a legal action against the manufacturer, distributor, or wholesaler.

Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that accidents caused by defective/products give rise to different types of legal liability which include a design defect, a manufacturing defect, and the failure to instruct or warn the consumer about the use of the product. When it comes to initiating a product liability case, you should be aware of the time it requires to perform an investigation and properly evaluate the products in issue.

As such, you may need to hire an attorney who can help fight for your rights as a consumer against huge companies. With someone by your side, you have higher chances of getting compensated for your injuries.

The Bottom Line

Indeed, accidents can happen anytime even if you take extra caution. They can happen when other people are careless about their actions. However, accidents of this nature are associated with injury or harm. For that reason, they may give rise to a legal liability against the person or entity alleged to be negligent.

Hopefully, you find this article useful in educating yourself about the common accidents that may entitle you with the right to recover compensation for the injuries and other losses you suffered.

Denis Woods

Danis Woods in Businessman, investment banker and stock exchange traders. On the same time he loves writing financial blogs to shed lights on different aspects that new and existing businessman are not aware of.