Brian explains that during this time of year, we all need to be more careful. Homeowners need to keep their sidewalks clear of ice, snow and things that might cause hazards . . . and business owners as well. Something everyone should review each year.

Brian explains that the mother can go after the deadbeat dad, even if he is in another state. And, an attorney can take the case on a contingency basis. It will take some work, but the Dailey Law Firm handles cases like this all the time.

Brian explains that you, as the homeowner, always have the right to exclude people from your property for any reason you want. If they come over after you have told them not to, they are trespassing! Of course, there may be family issues that arise from this, but the legal issues and the family issues are two different things.

Brian explains that you can change your own will if you want to, it is dangerous to do so. A simple change won’t be that expensive with a lawyer; without one, a mistake could cost you so much more than you are trying to save.

An emailer tells Brian he is getting harassed because he has the same name as someone who really owes the money. He has explained this over and over again but to no avail. Brian explains that an action can be filed to stop the harassment and the bank or the debt collector will have to pay the attorney fees on the emailer’s behalf in a successful action.

A caller is waiting for a body shop to come up with parts to fix his car under insurance, and they have offered him cash if he will skip the repairs. Brian explains that this is inappropriate. The caller needs to tell his insurance company what is going on and ask for the name of another shop to take his vehicle to for repairs.

A caller is one of three people who hold a piece of property jointly with full rights to the survivors. A creditor obtained a judgment against one of the other owners — who is now deceased — and placed a lien against the property. Brian explains that the surviving owners can file the death certificate with the register of deeds and get a new deed issued in the names of the survivors and the lien will then become ineffective.

Brian explains to a caller whose husband is in the hospital now — possibly because of medical malpractice — that there are several considerations. The FIRST is to make sure her husband gets the best possible medical care NOW. Once that is taken care of, THEN it is time to weigh all your options to see if there is a case that needs to be pursued. Even so, consulting with an attorney now is vital.

A caller has had numerous power outages which cause damage to his home. Instead of filing a claim with his homeowner’s insurance, could he file suit? Brian explains that he could, but the cost of hiring an attorney and filing suit would probably make it economically unfeasible. Sit down with an attorney and discuss all your options.

Brian explains that there is a Federal law which mandates that doctor’s offices safeguard the records of patients. He advises this caller to write and complain to the office where this happened and demand that they take steps to prevent it from happening again, and to discipline the employee who did it.