A sale agreement is more than a document confirming that a buyer and seller have agreed on a price. Once signed, it can create binding obligations between the parties. If important terms have been misunderstood, omitted or poorly drafted, resolving the resulting dispute can be far more difficult than addressing the issue before the agreement is signed. This is particularly important in property transactions, where substantial sums of money are often involved and completion may require several legal and administrative steps. Whether you are buying or selling property, the agreement deserves careful attention before you put your signature on it. The Purchase Price Is Only One Part of the Agreement Most buyers and sellers naturally focus on the purchase price. That is understandable. However, the price is only one term among many that determine how the transaction will work. The agreement should establish matters such as how and when payment will be made, the deposit required, the ...

Buying land is one of the most significant financial decisions a person or business can make. Unfortunately, the excitement of finding the right property can sometimes cause buyers to move too quickly. A seller may have a title document. The property may look genuine. The price may appear attractive. There may even be pressure to pay a deposit immediately before someone else "takes the opportunity." But ownership of land is not something that should be assumed simply because a person presents a title or claims to be the owner. Before committing your money, it is important to establish exactly what you are buying, who has the legal right to sell it and whether there are any issues that could affect your ownership or use of the property. This process is commonly referred to as due diligence . Start by Establishing Who Owns the Property The first question in any land purchase should be straightforward: Who actually owns the land? A buyer should not rely solely on informa...

A road traffic accident can happen within seconds, but its consequences can last for years. A person involved in an accident may be left dealing with injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, damage to property and significant emotional distress. For families, the consequences can be even more serious where an accident results in permanent disability or death. In the immediate aftermath, however, many people are unsure about what they should do. Should they report the accident? What evidence should they preserve? Who is responsible for the accident? Can they claim compensation? These questions are important because the steps taken shortly after an accident can have a significant impact on any subsequent claim. What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident? The first priority after a road accident should always be safety and medical attention. If someone is injured, appropriate medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible. Serious injuries may not always be immedia...

Many people postpone making a will because they believe they have plenty of time. Others assume that wills are only necessary for wealthy people with large estates. Neither assumption is safe. A will can be useful for anyone who has property, savings, investments, business interests or people they wish to provide for after their death. It can also provide clarity to a family at a time when emotions are already high. Without a valid will, the distribution and administration of an estate may be governed by the rules of intestate succession. While the law provides a framework for dealing with such estates, the process can sometimes become complicated, particularly where family relationships or property ownership are complex. Making a will allows a person to make important decisions while they are alive rather than leaving those decisions entirely to the legal process. What Is a Will? A will is a legal document through which a person expresses their wishes concerning the distributio...