About Andra DelMonico, J.D.
Graduating from Stetson University College of Law with a J.D., Andra brings a straightforward approach to legal writing. With over a decade of freelance writing experience, she has a wealth of experience in writing about a broad range of legal topics. She has ghostwritten for individual attorneys, law firms, and businesses. When not writing, Andra spends her time boating and motorcycle riding with her family in sunny Florida.
Articles written by Andra DelMonico, J.D.
What Is a Frivolous Lawsuit? Legal Definition, Rules, and Examples
A frivolous lawsuit is generally a legal claim with no reasonable factual or legal foundation. That doesn’t mean that every unsuccessful case is frivolous. Many lawsuits involve real disputes and legitimate claims that simply face evidentiary challenges or difficult legal questions. The difference between a weak case and a frivolous one can affect strategy, legal costs, and potential court penalties. A lawsuit labeled frivolous may trigger sanctions, damage credibility, and raise serious …
Is Your Lawyer on Your Side? How To Check Your Lawyer for Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist when a lawyer cannot represent you with complete loyalty and independent judgment because of competing duties, personal interests, or relationships connected to the case. Some conflicts prevent a lawyer from taking a case at all. Others develop later and may require disclosure, withdrawal, or court involvement. Most people never expect to question whether their own attorney is fully on their side. Yet conflicts of interest arise in situations involving former …
Can You Pay a Lawyer With a Gift or Item? Legal Fee Rules
A lawyer may accept something other than money as payment for legal services, but strict rules apply. A gift offered out of appreciation is treated differently from a fee agreement, and what feels informal or generous to a client may carry serious ethical and legal consequences. For guidance tailored to your situation, connect with an ethics lawyer through the Super Lawyers directory. Can You Pay a Lawyer With Property or Something Other Than Money? There are times when a lawyer is permitted to …
Is Flag Burning Free Speech? US First Amendment Law Explained
In most cases, burning an American flag during a political protest is protected by the First Amendment because courts recognize it as symbolic speech. That protection, however, does not give someone unlimited freedom to damage property, violate fire laws, or endanger others. The American flag carries a powerful meaning, which is part of why this topic draws such intense debate. News coverage, political rhetoric, and public outrage can leave many people wondering whether flag burning is actually …
Common Law vs. Statutory Law: Key Differences and What It Means for Your Case
Common law is developed through court decisions over time, while statutory law is enacted by legislatures and codified. Most legal cases involve both, and judges rely on precedent and statutes together when deciding outcomes. Most legal disputes are decided through interpretation rather than a single clear rule. Judges look at legislative language, prior decisions, and how similar cases have been resolved before reaching a conclusion. That is why the difference between common law and statutory …
The Real Cost of a Lawsuit: Common Legal Fees and Expenses To Expect
Lawsuits can cost far more than most people expect. Beyond attorney fees, legal disputes may involve filing costs, depositions, expert witnesses, investigations, mediation, and trial expenses. The total price depends on the type of case, how long it lasts, where it is filed, and whether it settles or reaches trial. Understanding the real cost of litigation before filing a claim or responding to one can help you ask better questions, plan financially, and make informed decisions about your case. …
When a Defendant Is Judgment-Proof: Is It Worth Suing Someone if They Can't Pay?
A strong legal case does not always lead to financial recovery. If the defendant has no meaningful assets, protected income, or limited resources, collecting a judgment may be difficult or impossible. That does not automatically mean a lawsuit is a bad idea, but it does mean the decision deserves careful evaluation before moving forward. After an injury, financial loss, or serious dispute, many people focus on proving fault. That matters, but so does the practical side of litigation. Court …
Your Right to Water: Understanding State Water Use Laws
There is no federally guaranteed right to water in the United States. Water use laws in the United States are primarily governed at the state and regional levels. Access depends on regional rules that regulate how water is allocated, used, and restricted. Property owners may discover that owning land does not automatically include unrestricted access to nearby rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers. Instead, usage is shaped by permits, historical rights, and state-imposed limits that can change …
Protecting Your Author Rights: Guide for Online Authors and Self-Publishers
Online authors and self-publishers have legal rights from the moment they create original work, but those rights are not always easy to enforce in the digital world. Copyright registration, publishing contracts, licensing terms, and platform policies can all affect who controls your work, who profits from it, and what happens if someone copies or distributes it without permission. For legal help with copyright protection, publishing agreements, licensing disputes, or online infringement issues, …
Can I Trim My Neighbor’s Trees Blocking My View? A Legal Guide
Homeowners in most states may trim branches and roots that extend onto their property, but they cannot enter a neighbor’s land or damage the tree beyond the property line. A blocked view alone rarely creates a legal right to remove or significantly alter a neighbor’s tree. For legal advice about your property rights, contact a real estate attorney through the Super Lawyers directory. The Central Question in a Tree Dispute: Who Owns the Tree? The central question in a tree dispute is: Who …
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