CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATION
The Newby Law Office will represent contractors regarding a variety of issues. As a contractor, it is important for the Contractor to protect their money and legal interests. The Newby Law Office defends contractors against lawsuits, drafts contracts, and helps collect on invoice debts. It can be difficult to juggle the work for the homeowner, managing subcontractors, and running the small business. The Newby Law Office is here to help the Contractor manage their small business and their clients so that the Contractor can focus on success.
LAWSUITS
No matter how well the Contractor performs their work for a homeowner, the Contractor will eventually run into a homeowner that is dissatisfied with their work. The homeowner may file a lawsuit against the Contractor. If this happens, then it is important for the Contractor to hire an attorney to represent them in the lawsuit.
TIME IS CRITICAL!
If a lawsuit is filed against the Contractor, then the Contractor has a certain amount of time to respond to the lawsuit. Usually, the time frame is less than a month and the attorney will want to review the facts with the Contractor before agreeing to representation. Therefore, the Contractor should contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the lawsuit.
LAWYERS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR YOUR LEGAL ISSUE
Many issues that a Contractor may face in court, will likely require an attorney in court. These issues involve the Contractor creating a Limited Liability Company, also know as an LLC. While LLCs can provide great legal protections, they may require the involvement of an attorney. Consult an attorney to make sure that your issue requires an attorney.
BE SKEPTICAL OF SETTLEMENTS
Settlements can be great for a Contractor. A well drafted settlement agreement can be a great “business decision” for a Contractor. Settlements can provide the Contractor with a way out of the lawsuit. Also, settlements can provide defamation clauses in favor of the Contractor. However, poorly drafted settlement agreements can prevent the Contractor from collecting money owed to them. It is important to consult with an attorney before signing a settlement agreement.
Learn more about lawsuits HERE. The information above is not legal advice. Consult an attorney before acting on this or any information regarding a legal issue.
CONTRACTS WITH HOMEOWNERS
To a good Contractor, a written contract can feel like an unnecessary step in doing their job. Sometimes taking the time to review and sign a written contract will slow down business. But a written contract is often required. Therefore, the Contractor needs a good contract that can be used quickly at the point of sale. The Newby Law Office can help the Contractor develop a contract that can be effective in court and during the sale. Consult an attorney to discuss the requirements of a good contractor contract.
TYPICAL ISSUES INVOLVING CONTRACTS WITH HOMEOWNERS
Down payments are typically required by contractors before a job begins. But in some cases, Ohio limits the amount a contractor can request. It is important that these limits are followed to prevent any future issues.
Under Ohio law, it is possible that a Contractor may have to pay the attorney’s fees of the homeowner.
COLLECTIONS
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act spells out rights and responsibilities when collecting debts. It is important for the Contractor to follow certain procedures when attempting to collect a debt. Before attempting to collect a debt, the Contractor should consult an attorney to avoid any legal issues.
The Newby Law Office defends contractors against lawsuits, drafts contracts, and helps collect on invoice debts. If a Contractor has one of these issues, then they should contact The Newby Law Office for a free legal consultation as soon as possible.