If you are thinking about leaving your assets to family or friends, you may wonder if a handwritten will is enough to pass on your wishes. Typing up a will or going to see a lawyer may seem like a waste of time if you can simply write everything down on a piece of paper. While technically your wi...
Blog Posts
What Is the Magistrates’ Court in The Bahamas?
There are several different courts in The Bahamas, and which one hears your case will depend on a few factors. Sometimes, the Magistrates' Court is the proper forum in which to begin your legal case. What Are the Different Courts in The Bahamas? In The Bahamas, there are three main courts that ...
Will Stepchildren and Adopted Children Inherit in The Bahamas?
If you are thinking about planning your estate and have a non-traditional family in The Bahamas, you may be curious about the laws concerning whether adopted children and stepchildren can inherit. Estate planning is very important for many people because not doing any planning can lead to unexp...
Can Companies Engage in Mediation? How Does It Work?
Companies can engage in mediation, just like individual people with disputes. In fact, many mediations happen between an individual and a company, or between two companies. When a company is involved, a mediation may proceed a little differently than you might expect. Who Represents a Company ...
What Kind of Bahamian Lawyer Do You Need?
When you first decide that you need legal advice, you may not know which kind of lawyer you need. In The Bahamas, lawyers practice in different areas of law. You need to identify which area of law applies to your case (or at least have a rough idea) so that you can find a qualified lawyer to he...
Minority and Majority Shareholders: Their Roles in a Bahamian Company
Minority and majority shareholders play different roles in Bahamian companies. Balancing their rights and needs in a company helps the company continue to run smoothly. What Are Minority and Majority Shareholders? A majority shareholder owns more than fifty percent of a company's shares. This i...
Common Questions about Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney can protect you and your affairs in case you need help managing them or you are unavailable. If you want to sign a power of attorney, you may have some questions about the details of how they work. Are There Different Types of Powers of Attorney? Yes, there are different t...
Sales and Mergers of Banks and Trust Companies: The Basics
When sales or mergers of banks and trust companies begin, the process can seem complicated. There are many moving parts to ensure a successful transition. If you work for a bank or trust company planning a sale or merger, here are a few thoughts to consider. Is the Merger or Sale a Good Idea...
If You Learn that Someone Has Sued You in Court, How Should You Respond?
If you learn that someone has sued you in court, you may have only a brief time to respond. You will need to prepare legal documents and probably engage a lawyer, all within a matter of days of being served with the legal documents. When Does the Court Action Begin? When someone with a lega...
What Is a Partnership Agreement in The Bahamas?
When two or more people decide to form a legal partnership, they may want to negotiate a partnership agreement. This kind of agreement can modify the standard rights, duties, and powers that partners have under the law. Why Would Partners Want a Partnership Agreement? In The Bahamas, the Partne...
What Are the Benefits of Captive Insurance in The Bahamas?
Setting up a captive insurance company in The Bahamas has several important benefits. Captive insurance involves setting up a subsidiary or affiliated company that provides insurance to the parent company or group of companies. As a result, you do not have to obtain insurance from an outside co...
Multi-Generation Estate Planning in The Bahamas
If you are planning your estate and want to help your family for years to come, think beyond your immediate heirs to the next generation. There are a few techniques you can use to plan for giving to many members of your family. Trusts and Multi-Generation Estate Planning Setting up one or more ...
Do Directors Face Liability When a Company Gets Sued?
In specific situations, directors may face personal liability in The Bahamas when their company is sued. While companies provide substantial protection for directors, there are some circumstances when directors must take financial responsibility. If you are a director of a Bahamian company or int...
Limiting Personal Liability When Forming a Business in The Bahamas
When you form a business in The Bahamas, you should consider how to limit your personal liability in case of a legal claim. It is very risky to assume that you will never face personal financial consequences related to your business. Choosing a business entity that limits liability is a good way ...
Wrongful Dismissal for Disability: What You Need to Know
If you have a disability and work in The Bahamas, you have important employment rights that you need to understand. Being aware of your employer's duty to accommodate you could be the difference between working and being out of a job. If you are an employer, then you need to learn about the accom...
Operating Your Business Without Licenses? The Risks You Face
If you operate your business or company without required licenses, you could face many risks in the future. Among others, you risk government enforcement action, back tax liability, and lawsuits. An unlicensed business also hurts the other businesses in your area. Government Enforcement Action ...
How Is Mediation Different from Going to Court in The Bahamas?
If you are considering using mediation to resolve your dispute, you may wonder how it is different from going to court in The Bahamas. The differences are many, so you should be aware of what you gain and what you give up when you choose mediation. Private versus Public Forum A key difference b...
Trouble at Work? Bahamian Employment Laws May Protect You
Employees often face routine difficulties at work, but sometimes they deal with the kind of trouble that Bahamian employment laws address. If you are having issues at work and want to know if your employer's actions are legal, read on. Is It Legal for Your Employer to Treat You Differently? You...
How Long Can You Wait to Get a Lawyer? All About Statutes of Limitations
When you believe you have legal claims, it is vital that you do not wait too long to present them in court due to statutory limitation periods. Unfortunately, some people wait too long only to have their legal claims dismissed or denied because of their delay in finding a lawyer or going to court...
What Is a Business Succession Plan and How Do You Make One?
When you run your own business, you need a succession plan to help your business thrive even in your absence. Small business owners often invest everything into their companies, but they do not always plan for the future. Take the time to prepare. What Is a Business Succession Plan? A business ...
Will Making Investments Abroad Change Your Bahamian Estate Plan?
If you decide to make investments abroad, you should consider whether this strategy will change your Bahamian estate plan. Owning assets in more than one country can complicate your estate planning, so make an informed decision. Practical Difficulties First, realize that having assets in more t...
How to Become Adoptive or Foster Parents in The Bahamas
If you are interested in becoming adoptive or foster parents in The Bahamas, be prepared for completing the paperwork and meeting many requirements. Despite all the time and trouble, being an adoptive or foster parent can be very rewarding in the end. The Bahamian Department of Social Services e...
Reasons for Contesting a Will in Court
If your relative has passed away and you just learned what the will says, you may wonder if you have reasons for contesting the will in court. Sometimes, a will has problems that mean it should not be followed when distributing the deceased person's estate. Mere Dislike of Gifts Made in the Will...
Getting Started with Investment Funds in The Bahamas
If you are interested in establishing investment funds in The Bahamas, learn about the different types of funds and how they work. Whether you are an investor or someone who wants to establish an investment fund, there are many options that may fit your needs. Different Types of Investment Funds...
2018 Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations: What’s New?
The Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018 expands on Bahamian financial due diligence and enforcement laws that were already in place. Anyone involved in the banking, financial, or business sectors in The Bahamas should read up on how the new laws will affect them. The Act Replaces Old Law ...