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.
Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
A medical power of attorney and advance health care directive are both important legal documents that prepare for what happens if you become unable to make medical decisions: Advance health care directive: This legal document lets you to put your own health care decisions in writing. You say what you want your health care provider or medical care team to do (or not do) if you become incapacitated and unable to make health care decisions. Medical power of attorney: Also called a health care …
What Is Elder Law vs. Estate Planning?
Estate planning and elder law are two distinct but related areas of law that address what happens near the end of a person’s life and after their death. Both areas of law help ensure that an individual’s personal affairs are taken care of and that their loved ones are provided for. “There isn’t necessarily a definition of elder law that applies to every attorney who practices in the area,” says Virginia elder law attorney Ann McGee Green. Generally speaking, elder …
How Elder Guardianship Works
The aging of our parents can present many thorny questions, and at times, there's a fine line between what we think is helping and what's perceived as meddling or taking control. And yet, letting things go for too long can leave an incapacitated parent without assistance when it's needed. When is the right time for your dad to stop driving? When does mom need someone to balance her bank account and pay her bills for her? Laws and requirements vary by jurisdiction. Contact an elder law attorney …
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 …
What Real Estate Owners Should Know About Land Use Laws
Land use and zoning is an area of law “associated with the tension between the landowner doing what they want to do with their private property and the government having the ability to regulate what the owner can do through its police power,” explains Texas eminent domain attorney Charles B. McFarland. Most land use and zoning laws are at the state and local levels. A number of federal laws are also relevant, particularly environmental regulations and the management of public lands. …
How Do You Determine Just Compensation in Eminent Domain Cases?
“The government always has to pay for the private property it takes through eminent domain,” says Texas eminent domain attorney Charles B. McFarland. This requirement is called just compensation. The key question is: How much? Determining just compensation can be complicated and is frequently litigated in eminent domain cases. This article will overview some of the factors that can go into determining just compensation. Since this area of law is complex and varies by state, it’s …
Can I Refuse To Sell My Property in an Eminent Domain Case?
“Eminent domain is the taking of private land for public use by the state or federal government,” says Texas eminent domain attorney Charles B. McFarland. Government entities exercising the power of eminent domain are called “condemnors.” This is why eminent domain attorneys are sometimes called condemnation attorneys. Of course, the government cannot simply take your property — they must pay you for it. It’s the last of the rights mentioned in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. …
Steps for Employers To Avoid Employment Litigation
Employers want to avoid unnecessary employment litigation. Litigation is costly, uses company resources, and can harm the company's reputation. Though lawsuits can happen even with the best practices in place, employers may be able to avoid many lawsuits with strong workplace policies and enforcement. If a lawsuit does arise, employers can be confident that they have done what they can to prepare themselves for legal action. This article covers steps employers can take to reduce the risk of …
What Are the Most Common Types of Employment Litigation?
Many employees face unfair treatment from employers. Some of these workplace issues violate state or federal employment law. This article will explain some of the most common types of employment litigation, including the practical side of what's involved in seeking legal help against your employer's adverse actions. For legal advice about your case, talk to an experienced employment litigation lawyer. Understanding Common Employment Lawsuits From wrongful termination to hostile work …
What Are the Types of Workplace Discrimination?
Federal and state anti-discrimination laws protect individuals from discriminatory practices in the workplace. “A workplace discrimination claim arises when an employee feels that they've been fired [or had another adverse employment action taken against them] because of their inclusion in a protected class," says Lawrence N. Lavigne, an employment litigation attorney in Union, New Jersey. This article will introduce the laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace and the steps to take …
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