Legal Tank Blog
Expert guides on legal documents, state laws, business formation, and more. Written by legal professionals and powered by AI.
Pro Se Litigant: How to Represent Yourself in Court Successfully
Pro se litigants represent themselves in court without a lawyer. Learn what pro se litigants can and cannot do, common mistakes, and when to switch to counsel.
Motion for Reconsideration: Grounds, Deadlines, and How to Win One
A motion for reconsideration asks the same court to revisit an order on defined grounds. Learn the federal rules, common grounds, and the difference from an appeal.
What Is Probate and How Does It Work?
Probate is the court-supervised process that validates a will, authorizes the executor to manage the estate, pays debts and taxes, and distributes remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6 to 18 months and costs 3% to 7% of the estate's total value. Assets held in a living trust, jointly owned property, and accounts with beneficiary designations bypass probate entirely.
How to Write a Divorce Settlement Agreement
A divorce settlement agreement is a legally binding document that outlines how separating spouses divide property, handle custody, allocate debts, and address spousal support. This guide covers every section you need and how to get court approval.
Does Severance Affect Unemployment Benefits?
Severance pay can affect unemployment benefits depending on your state. Learn which states delay, reduce, or ignore severance when calculating unemployment eligibility and how to protect your benefits.
Appellate Brief: Structure, Word Limits, and How to Win an Appeal
An appellate brief is the written argument filed with an appellate court. Learn the FRAP 28 structure, word limits, and how to win on appeal.
What Is an Independent Contractor Agreement?
An independent contractor agreement defines the working relationship between a business and a non-employee worker. This guide covers essential clauses, the difference between employees and contractors, IRS classification rules, and how to protect both parties.
Subpoena Duces Tecum: How It Works and How to Quash One
A subpoena duces tecum is a court order to produce documents from a non-party. Learn FRCP 45, how to object, motion to quash, and cost-shifting.
What Is a Sublease Agreement? A Complete Guide
A sublease agreement allows a tenant to rent all or part of their leased space to a subtenant. This guide covers how subletting works, landlord permission requirements, key clauses to include, and the legal responsibilities of all parties involved.
How to Set Up a Living Trust: Step-by-Step Guide
A living trust is a legal entity that holds your assets during your lifetime and distributes them after death without probate. To set one up, choose between revocable and irrevocable, appoint a successor trustee, draft and notarize the trust document, then fund it by retitling assets into the trust's name. Costs range from $0 (DIY template) to $3,000 (attorney-drafted package).
Small Claims Court: Filing Limits, Costs, and 2026 Process
Small claims court resolves low-value disputes without lawyers. State limits, filing fees, and the hearing process explained.
Demand Letter: How to Write One That Gets Results in 2026
A demand letter is a written notice insisting on payment or performance before litigation. Learn what to include, common mistakes, and statutory pre-suit notice rules.