About Canaan Suitt, J.D.

Canaan Suitt, J.D. Articles written 194

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.

What Are Nursing Home Resident Rights?

Residents of long-term care facilities have legal rights guaranteed by both state and federal laws. Violation of these rights can “occur in a variety of ways,” says Ashley N. Hadler, a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, and if you or a loved one lives in a nursing home, it’s essential to know your rights and what to do if they are violated.  As a nursing home abuse lawyer, Hadler “handles typical physical injuries such as falls or choking [as well as] more medically complex …

What Are the Types of Business Bankruptcy?

The U.S. bankruptcy code gives people and businesses who can't pay their debts a chance at a fresh start. The different types of bankruptcy are named after chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  Chapter 7 is the most common type of bankruptcy. Under Chapter 7, a business liquidates or sells its assets to pay off its debts. If you want to reorganize your debts rather than liquidate, "You use Chapter 11,” says Richard H. Golubow, a bankruptcy attorney at Winthrop Golubow Hollander in …

When Should My Business File for Bankruptcy?

"Bankruptcy law provides people and companies with a fresh start,” says Richard H. Golubow, a bankruptcy lawyer at Winthrop Golubow Hollander in Newport Beach, California. Bankruptcy is primarily a matter of federal law, although state laws are also at play in determining exemptions — the property you can keep in bankruptcy. The U.S. Bankruptcy Code has several sections called chapters that provide different types of bankruptcy for people and businesses.  If you’re a business owner …

What Property Can I Keep in a Bankruptcy?

Many people are nervous about filing a bankruptcy case because they fear losing what little they have left. But the purpose of bankruptcy discharge is not to leave a debtor with nothing. On the contrary, federal and state laws allow a debtor to “exempt” or protect a certain amount of property from creditors and the bankruptcy court. This article will give an introduction to exemptions. For advice on bankruptcy exemptions you can claim, speak with a local bankruptcy lawyer. What Is …

Are There Alternatives to Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy law aims to give people with debt problems a fresh start, putting them on the path towards debt relief. “Bankruptcy is a legal mechanism to address your debts,” says Ronald Sykstus, a bankruptcy attorney at Bond & Botes Law Offices in Huntsville, Alabama. “The bottom line is that bankruptcy gives a great deal of protection so that you don't lose everything you've got.” However, filing for bankruptcy is generally considered a last resort. It isn't always the best option. …

What Happens if Someone Dies Without an Estate Plan?

Having an estate plan brings many advantages, including:  Control of how your assets are distributed when you die   Peace of mind that your loved ones will be provided for  Control over health care and financial decisions if you become incapacitated  Despite these benefits of an estate plan, most Americans don’t have one. And lacking an estate plan can lead to unwanted results. “If you do not have a will or estate plan, the state where you reside and pass away …

What’s the Difference Between an Estate Plan and a Will?

When people think about planning for what happens to their property when they die, they typically think of a will. And while having a will is essential for making sure your wishes are followed when you're gone, there is more to estate planning.  “A will is part of an estate plan,” says Ohio estate planning and probate attorney Jay E. Michael, but it may also include a living trust, healthcare directives, or appointing a durable power of attorney in case you become incapable of …

What Digital Assets Should I Include in an Estate Plan?

When planning your estate, you may think of physical property such as your house, car, cash, or jewelry. Making an estate plan for these assets is important. But what about your digital assets? Digital estate planning is more important than ever as our lives increasingly move online, from financial accounts to family photos. Your estate plan should include digital assets along with traditional ones to account for all your assets. But what are digital assets, and how do you make an estate plan …

What Assets Should Be Considered When Planning Your Estate?

Anyone who owns assets of any kind has an estate. Estate planning is the process of preparing for what will happen to your assets when you die or become incapacitated.   An estate plan answers these key questions:  What are my assets?  How will my assets be distributed?  Who do I want to leave my property to?  Who will care for or raise your dependents if you die  What kind of medical care you will receive  Who will make decisions regarding your health …

What Is the Role of an Executor in Estate Planning?

Executors play a key role in ensuring a person's estate plan is followed when they die. Sometimes called a personal representative, the executor of a will is appointed to distribute an estate’s assets to beneficiaries according to the will’s directions. Executors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the decedent (deceased person) and their beneficiaries.   This article will explain what an executor is and does. If you have been appointed as an executor …

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