About Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Canaan Suitt received his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. After serving as a senior editor for the law school’s comparative law blog, he was a staff member of the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review (ELPR). As a legal intern at the National Center for State Courts, he assisted in international rule of law projects and policy review; as a research assistant, he studied political dynamics in the U.S. federal judiciary. His articles on law and philosophy have been published in the ELPR as well as the academic journal Dewey Studies. He loves using his background in research and writing to make legal information accessible. Canaan currently writes for SuperLawyers.com. In his free time, he enjoys reading, travel, and being a cat dad.
Articles written by Canaan Suitt, J.D.
How Do You Become Eligible for Social Security Benefits?
Social Security is a federal program directed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides vital financial support and benefits to eligible individuals. How do you collect social security? This article will cover eligibility basics for the main types of benefits. For legal help, reach out to a social security lawyer. What Are Retirement Benefits? Social Security provides benefits to people in a wide range of circumstances, including: Retirees through Social Security …
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement and Should I Have One?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into before marriage that determines asset division, debt liability, and spousal support in a divorce. You should have a premarital contract with business ownership to ensure your children's inheritance rights or to maintain separate property rights. Without a prenup, marital assets are divided based on community property division or equitable distribution in a divorce settlement. For legal validity under family law, there should be honest financial …
Can My Parental Rights Be Reinstated After Termination?
Every state has laws for the termination of parental rights, but fewer than half provide for the reinstatement of parental rights after termination. In states that allow reinstatement, requirements and processes vary. This article will give an overview of why parental rights are terminated and how they can be reinstated in some situations. If you are seeking reinstatement of your parental rights, it’s strongly encouraged that you speak with a family law attorney for guidance through the …
How Do You Terminate Parental Rights?
Parents have legal rights and responsibilities in caring for their children. From making education and healthcare decisions to providing for a child’s daily needs, parents are responsible for all aspects of a child’s growth and development. The purpose of parental rights is to provide for the best interests of the child. Sometimes, however, a child's best interests require that their parent's rights be terminated so that the child can be put in the legal custody of someone else. …
What Does a Guardian Ad Litem Do?
Guardianship is a legal relationship in which an adult is authorized to represent the best interests of a person who can't represent themselves. In family law cases, one kind of guardianship is especially important: The guardian ad litem. The court appoints a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of minor children in disputes such as child custody, divorce, or the termination of parental rights. “Every state has some form of a guardian ad litem,” says Joseph P. Cadicina, a …
How Much Does It Cost To Get a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
The cost of a nursing home abuse attorney depends on the fee arrangement and the case's complexity. Many attorneys handle these claims on a contingency basis, meaning you generally don't pay attorney fees unless the case results in compensation, though you may still pay case expenses. Other lawyers charge hourly rates or require a retainer. Before hiring counsel, confirm the percentage, expenses, and payment obligations in writing. What Is a Nursing Home Lawyer and What Do They Do? Elder law is …
Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
A medical power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive are two important legal documents that prepare for what happens if you become unable to make medical treatment decisions for yourself. An advance healthcare directive outlines your healthcare wishes in the event you become incapacitated. A medical power of attorney designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you. These documents are among the most basic and necessary tools for planning your future. To make sure your …
What Is Elder Law vs. Estate Planning?
Estate planning and elder law are two related areas of law that address common issues for older people. Estate planning governs how assets and property are handled after someone passes away. Elder law governs end-of-life planning, including healthcare directives, Medicaid planning, and protection from elder abuse. This article introduces the fields of elder law and estate planning. For personalized help, talk to a local elder law attorney for legal advice. Understanding Estate Planning and …
How Elder Guardianship Works
A guardian or conservator is a court-appointed individual who manages the personal affairs of an older adult who has become incapable of managing their own affairs. When parents age, it presents children with many difficult questions. At times, there’s a fine line between trying to help and being perceived as meddling or taking over. Yet letting things go for too long can leave an incapacitated parent without the assistance they need. When is the right time for your dad to stop driving? When …
How To Get a Zoning Change or Exception
Zoning refers to the process of dividing a municipality into residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Within each zone type, there are restrictions on what a property owner may do. For example, residential zoning may limit the acceptable height of an apartment building. Local government zoning boards establish and enforce local zoning ordinances. For more information about getting an exception to your local zoning laws, talk to a land use and zoning law attorney. Real Estate and Zoning …
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