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Legal Talk

Legal Talk

Author: Fawzia Khan
Date: 2013-01-17
New year resolutions are made by millions of people across the globe, almost all of them well meaning but perhaps not always realistic resulting in many of them not being achieved. In this issue we look at what you can do to avoid becoming entangled with the law in the future and is very achievable. The following piece of advice is from Scott Piekarsky, a law lecturer and writer on ethics and trial practice in the US, on making 2013 one which is free of legal hurdles. His common sense approach may seem obvious yet many of us continue with our day- to -day activity often ignoring common sense advice, to our detriment. This is what he has to say.

  1. On The Road. Don't drive and talk on the cell phone at the same time without a hands-free device. These devices are readily available and inexpensive. Who needs a ticket and the risks and headaches from a collision?
  2. At Home. Don't duck any bills. If you are short this month, call the company and seek a payment plan or deferment. At least pay something, rather than nothing. Showing some good faith effort will go a long way in keeping the creditors away.
  3. At Work. Don't fool around where you work. I am being kind here. Romance in the office is surely going to cause headaches. Don't mess around on email or on the web. If you must, do it at home, but stay within the confines of the law. There's always someone watching you.
  4. In General. When you shop and buy particularly big-ticket items, look closely, ask questions, and don't sign anything you have not carefully read. Also when selling online, be sure to fully disclose and do not hide anything-document with writings and photographs.
  5. File Tax Returns. I am amazed at how many people get into trouble by not filing tax returns. They are also usually high earners. The penalties are severe. If you envision a problem in paying your taxes, you can always try to pay it off over time. But do not just ignore the process completely.
  6. If You Get Into A Pickle. Get legal advice. You would not do surgery on yourself, so do not think you can lawyer yourself.

Seems like obvious, easy stuff to remember. However, so many people ignore this sage advice. If you follow these simple rules, it will save you from tremendous headaches and unnecessary expense. On behalf of all of us at The Law Desk of Fawzia Khan & Associates, I wish you all a wonderful and (stress -free) New Year.

Know your rights! Email fawzia@thelawdesk.co.za or call 031-5025670 for any legal query.