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If you've already signed a purchase or lease contract, is there any way you can legally get out of it now? Maybe there is. Many countries, states, provinces and territories have laws in place to protect the rights of consumers and to ensure that they are well informed about the goods or services they are purchasing or leasing.

A business plan is one of the most important tools of doing business. Not only does a business plan lay out your vision for your company and its future direction and growth, it’s also a key component in obtaining financing and attracting investors. A business plan explains what your company does, how it plans to succeed and why lenders or investors should have confidence in its potential.

Thinking of starting your own cleaning business? It's a great opportunity for anyone who is hard working and responsible, and you can start working from your own home with only a minimal investment for start-up expenses. You can expand the business at your own pace and hire extra staff on an "as needed" basis.

Artists often ignore the legalities involved in exhibiting or publishing their original works, to their detriment. It is essential to protect your rights to the work you have created, and to ensure that you are paid a fair price for your labours. If you wish to retain your ownership interest and copyright in the work, you need to establish those rights and then protect and preserve them.

You remember the old adage - the only things in life that are certain are death and taxes. I assume you pay your taxes every year. But have you addressed the other part of that equation? Or are you one of those people who are putting it off because you don't want to face the certainty of your own mortality? Almost three-quarters of North American adults have not made a Will. That's a frightening statistic, when you consider the consequences of dying intestate (without a Will), and the costs that your loved ones will incur to administer your estate.

There are a few very important legal documents that everyone should prepare to ensure that their wishes are followed and that their loved ones are taken care of. One of these is a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney makes sure that your wishes are followed in the here and now, while you’re still alive, but can’t, for some reason, execute them yourself.

Now that you have some ideas of what to look for in your professional legal, business and financial advisors, the question is how to find them.­ Referrals, searches, and professional organizations are all good sources to use. Ask questions, do your research, and interview potential candidates. These people will have a huge impact on your business. It's important to pick the right ones.

Small business owners soon learn they cannot do everything themselves. Some matters - financial, tax and legal, specifically - require professional attention from an expert. Here is a list of 10 qualities you should be looking for in your legal, financial and business advisors.

Every business needs a mission statement, to serve as a blueprint for business planning and decision-making. A mission statement that clearly states the business’ purpose and goals will inspire your people to pull together as a team to accomplish that purpose, and will give management and stakeholders a means of measuring its success.

Law offices must hold all information respecting client matters in strictest confidence unless disclosure is (i) required by law, (ii) authorized by the client, or (iii) demanded by court order. This restriction extends not only to the lawyers, but to all law students, paralegals, administrators and office staff. Every client has the right to confidentiality, and every lawyer has a duty to ensure it.