Erie E-Law is a complimentary service of the Erie County Bar Association designed to make basic legal information available to you with ease. You can gain access to E-Law either by reading the information found below or by contacting us to request a copy of the transcripts.
The best way to protect yourself when seeking a home improvement contractor is to do some investigative work of your own prior to entering into the contract. Check to see if the contractor has a permanent address in your area. Request references from the contractor for prior work and checks those references. The Bureau of Consumer Protection is a branch of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office. There is no charge for any of the services rendered by the Bureau of Consumer Protection. When starting a small business, there are numerous steps which must be taken and many factors which should be considered. One of the first steps in starting a business is to determine the form of entity which will operate the business. There are basically four types of business entities: the sole proprietorship, the partnership, the limited liability company and the corporation. When two or more persons decide to organize a business for profit, they must select the type of organization under which they will operate. One such organization is a general partnership. A general partnership is an association of two or more persons who carry on a business for profit as co-owners. You need a patent when you have invented or discovered something new and useful for which people are willing to pay. A patent may be obtained for any new and useful process, machine, or article of manufacture; any new, original and ornamental design for an article of manufacture or a new asexually reproduced plant. The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a relatively new entity type that is available to business owners and investors, as well as families seeking asset protection opportunities. LLCs are characterized by the limited liability protection granted to their members (owners), like a corporation, but with the option of "pass-through" taxation, like a partnership. Consumers have significant legal protection against abuses by creditors and debt collectors. Under the law, a creditor or debt collector may not use profane, obscene or abusive language. A debt collector or creditor may not telephone you at work unless they have been unable to reach you at your residence during the proceeding thirty (30) day period. Forming a Pennsylvania corporation involves specifically following the Corporation Laws of Pennsylvania. Because a corporation is a separate legal entity created by statute, certain formalities must be followed. The first of these is a basic corporate document known as the Articles of Incorporation. If you have fallen behind in your mortgage payments you may find that your lender will start legal proceedings against you. This procedure is called mortgage foreclosure and is the lender's way of getting possession of your house to protect the money they have loaned you. Remember, the lender does not really want your house but it does want the payments to be made. It is not unusual for a couple to physically separate during marital difficulties. However, there is no such thing as a legal separation in Pennsylvania. This means that the parties do not have to go to Court for an order authorizing or evidencing their desire to live in separate places. There is no legal requirement that a husband and wife be separated for a period of time to file for a divorce.
Home Improvement Contracts
Consumer Law
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Bureau of Consumer Protection
Consumer Law
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Starting a Small Business
Business Law
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Forming a Partnership
Business Law
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Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks: When Do I Need One?
Business Law
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Forming a Limited Liability Company in Pennsylvania
Business Law
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Debt Collectors
Bankruptcy/Debtor Info
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Forming a Corporation
Business Law
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Mortgage Foreclosure
Bankruptcy/Debtor Info
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Separation of Married Couples
Family/Marital Law Matters
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