Civil Law Information

Civil laws are those that regulate the relationships between individuals or individuals and business entities. It is different from criminal law, in that civil law is more concerned with issues like the fulfilling of contracts, including marriage and divorce, the payment of bills, and other business arrangements that are enforceable by law. A civil action suit may be brought by an individual whose rights, property, or person have been injured by another. Civil laws also regulate such things as property rights, personal freedoms, unlawful seizure of property, rights violations, medical malpractice suits, personal injury or emotional distress suits, and wrongful death suits.

In criminal matters, action taken by the state can result in jail time or stiff fines. In civil matters, judgments usually result with one party (the aggrieved individual) being awarded a money sum to be paid by the other party for the harm done to them.

Civil law attorneys help individuals individuals can also mean a business entity in this case) in the preparation of important documents, such as business contracts, purchase agreements, and wills. Those who need a civil law attorney include those who are starting up new businesses, those who are purchasing property and need a legal contract drawn up, or those who are entering into prenuptial agreements.

Setting up a corporation is a common task a civil law attorney would do, since there are a lot of legal issues in starting up this type of business. Careful attention to details in the formation of a new business can do more than protect assets and save tax dollars; it can also protect the individual from costly legal litigation, as well.

Another common area the civil law attorney deals with is estate planning matters, setting up living trusts and wills, and other areas of family law. Trusts, for example, can do much more than help to avoid probate upon death, but also can help with the issue of Durable Powers of Attorney, which comprises how ones wishes should be carried out in the event of disability. When someone becomes disabled without a Durable Power of Attorney the court places an order that the person be placed under the legal control of another person, called a Conservatorship, until that person is able to take care of him or herself.

Civil law can actually cover a wide area of the law. The links below will provide you with additional information that we hope you will find helpful.