Steven Douglas Law Office

Steven Douglas Law Office Steven has spent 13 years in private practice, serving the Bloomington and Ellettsville areas.

Prior to opening his local law office, Steven was a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Indiana and a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

12/08/2021

The last two years have been extremely trying. And I think we are all sick of the restrictions, the masks, feelings of depression, and the list pandemic-fueled maladies could go on and on. But I want to remind us all, as we approach the Christmas holiday, to remember those who have been impacted the most by the unusual circumstances that still surround us.

I am speaking of the elderly. Men and women who have difficulty getting out and around, even in the best of circumstances. Many of whom live in assisted living or nursing homes and have had their lifeline to the world cut off by restrictions on visitation. These dear people need the rest of us more than ever before.

So, this holiday season, visit them if you can. If you cannot, call them. Send them a card. Send them a photo. Ship them a gift. If they are tech savvy and have access to a computer, do a video chat. Do something, anything to let them know that they are still loved, still part of your life, and have not been forgotten.

Wishing you all the happiest of Holidays and a very, Merry Christmas!

These times remind us to be prepared.
08/31/2021

These times remind us to be prepared.

07/16/2020

When loaning money, execute a signed promissory note or contract of some sort. Interesting way to start a post, I know.

In the last few weeks, I have received several calls concerning non-payment of short-term loans. During the current environment, many folks have been trying to help their friends and neighbors by giving them a few dollars to assist with bills or other expenses. Beautiful sentiment. Gracious spirit. But what happens when you want to get your money back.

This can be a difficult situation. And a very difficult one if the loan is more than just a few dollars. While oral contracts are enforceable under Indiana law, their existence can be difficult to prove in court. Obviously, if one cannot prove the existence of an oral agreement for a loan, then enforcement of a contractual relationship is moot.

Here are a few thoughts which may help should you ever find yourself in a position to assist someone financially. One, make sure the other party understands that your financial contribution is a loan, and not a gift. Two, make sure to get some written acknowledgement of the loan. This should be dated and signed by the party receiving the funds. The document should also include a method of repayment and a time frame for the repayment. Three, you keep the document. If the party refuses to repay your loan going forward, you have evidence to present in court.

Finally, I should end by saying that I really do hate to write a post of this sort. Generosity should always be practiced and compassion should be a common virtue. Sadly, there are those among us who believe that the world is their oyster and have little regard to their obligations, especially when it comes to repaying the financial generosity of a family member, friend, or neighbor. Be generous always, but always be careful to secure your rights as well!

* This post does not constitute legal advice, and should not be construed as such. Nor does this post constitute the consummation of an attorney/client relationship. The above is for informational purposes only.

04/03/2020

I have received several inquiries about whether or not the office is still taking new clients during the current situation. Yes, we are! We ask that new clients please call for an appointment or email the office so that we can set up an initial consultation. These trying times have awakened many folks to the necessity of estate planning and we are happy to discuss your needs with you and how we can help.

As always, we hope that all are staying safe and healthy! We will get through this my friends! Stay positive and have faith!

Steve

03/22/2020

I have been putting off writing this post because, self-consciously, I do not wish to appear as a panic-monger or callously shilling for business. However, my phone has been ringing off the hook and my email inbox has been set ablaze with people worried about their estates should something go wrong in this current crisis. Here are some thoughts which will hopefully set some minds at ease....

First and foremost, yes, we should all be concerned about our estate planning. For most, this is a simple process and as things go today, not that expensive. You should have a Last Will and Testament, drafted by a qualified attorney.

Second, we should all have a health care representative designation. This is a fail-safe appointment in case we are in a condition where we cannot direct our own health care.

Thirdly, a Living Will declaration is a must. It directs medical professionals and our loved ones in dealing with end of life decisions.

Fourthly, a general, durable power of attorney is important. Again, there may be situations where we are incapable of making certain financial decisions or performing certain tasks which are essential to our financial well-being.

If you do not have the documents at this time, please do not panic. But moving forward, this should be something everyone considers.

In addition to this, stay in touch with your financial advisor. If you do not have one, get one. Do your homework and choose an advisor to best suit your needs.

Be well insured. Work with your insurance agent to determine how much coverage you need and for what.

If you work for a company that offers a pension plan, make sure to check in regularly. Also, make sure your beneficiary designations are they way you want them on any pension plan, IRA, or 401k.

I hope that this answers some basic questions concerning estates, health care and finances during this time.

A final word. Be careful and safe. Stay well and healthy. And do not forget the most important things in life do not necessarily have a dollar sign in front of them.

02/09/2020

Recently, there seems to be numerous attempts by unscrupulous, out-of-state companies to get local entrepreneurs to sign up for their services. They promise reviews of your business, plans to facilitate changes and guarantee to make you more profitable as a result.

Now, we all want to be more profitable, but please be careful. Some of these companies are nothing more than up-sell artists who seek to get your signature on a completely inadequate contract and then try to scam you out of tens of thousands of dollars for travel, analysis and incomplete services.

The old rule of thumb holds true in most respects. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are a couple of hints to assist you:

1. Before signing anything, check these companies out. If you did not seek out the company's services, this should be a red flag.

2. Before signing anything, call your attorney. Have the attorney review any contract. This may save you money and heart-ache in the end.

3. Do not be bullied. Many of these companies employ high pressure sales techniques, show up at your place of business without an appointment, and seek to obligate you quickly before you have any time to investigate them. Just because somebody shows up on your doorstep does not mean you are obligated to see them or sign up for their services.

4. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do not get in a big hurry. Remember, your business is your livelihood. Do not risk your future because you feel pressured.

The preceding is not legal advice and should not be construed as such.

02/01/2020

I love entrepreneurs! They are the energy and genius that drives our economy and our future. There are many attributes to a successful entrepreneur: drive, conviction, optimism, and a belief in one's services or product.

I am asked quite frequently what an entrepreneur needs to translate a vision into a successful business. While I do not have all the answers, here are a few tips which might prove helpful.

1. Have a plan. Organization is essential to starting out well. There will be obstacles to starting your business, so be prepared.

2. Seek out a mentor. Online research can be helpful, but it does not compare with mining the wisdom of a successful business person who has already achieved what you want to achieve.

3. Assemble a team. By this, I mean have people in place to provide you with services you will need. A good insurance agent, a financial planner, an accountant, and an attorney are essential and basic to the success of business owners.

4. Be prepared to work. I know that this sounds obvious, but employees, if you have any, will never look out for the interests of your business like you will. Being a successful entrepreneur means being busy.

5. Finally, enjoy the ride! Starting and building a business can be incredibly exciting and rewarding! Enjoy the experience, learn the lessons, build the relationships, and do not be afraid to adapt to changing circumstances.

The preceding does not constitute legal advice nor should it be construed as such.

Address

1503 West Arlington Road
Bloomington, IN
47404

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18123694435

Website

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