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Due Diligence Checklist for Commercial Property Buyers

Due Diligence Checklist for Commercial Property Buyers

Investing in commercial real estate can be an exciting venture, unlocking doors to long-term wealth and business growth. However, before diving headfirst into any deal, meticulous due diligence is crucial. Think of it as building a bridge to informed decision-making,...

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Your Rights After Being Injured Afloat

Your Rights After Being Injured Afloat

The vast expanse of the sea can be both exhilarating and unforgiving. Unfortunately, accidents do happen afloat, leaving injured individuals wondering where to turn. If you've been injured on a cruise ship, fishing boat, pleasure boat, or any vessel while on a...

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Dealing with Visa Denials and Appeals

Dealing with Visa Denials and Appeals

As immigration attorneys, we have witnessed firsthand the disappointment and frustration that visa denials can cause. For many, obtaining a visa is the crucial first step towards achieving their dreams, whether it be reuniting with family, pursuing educational or...

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I’m a Survivor . . . and Now I Have My Own Trust?

I’m a Survivor . . . and Now I Have My Own Trust?

Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be structured so that...

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Understanding ADA Compliance for Commercial Properties

Understanding ADA Compliance for Commercial Properties

When discussing commercial properties, one cannot overlook the importance of adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Enacted in 1990, the ADA is a landmark piece of legislation designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to...

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Part 2: Testamentary Trusts: The Best of Both Worlds

Part 2: Testamentary Trusts: The Best of Both Worlds

Do Not Forget Other Important Documents Even if you choose to include a testamentary trust as part of your will, there are other important estate planning tools you must have to properly protect yourself and your loved ones. Because a will only covers what happens to...

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Testamentary Trusts: The Best of Both Worlds

Testamentary Trusts: The Best of Both Worlds

You have several different options when it comes to creating the right estate plan. Some people believe that a revocable living trust is the best way to go, while others think that a last will and testament (commonly known as a will) is best under certain...

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How Social Media Can Impact Your Personal Injury Case

How Social Media Can Impact Your Personal Injury Case

Social media platforms allow us to connect and share, however, if you are involved in a personal injury case what you share on social media can have unintended consequences that may influence the outcome of your claim.   Seemingly innocuous posts can come back to...

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Important Differences Between Wills and Trusts

Important Differences Between Wills and Trusts

Sometimes people use these two terms interchangeably, when they are both distinct entities with their own characteristics. While a trusted estate planning attorney can help you understand the differences and help you create both, we’d like to go over the differences...

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Is Your Business Divorce Proof?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, December 14th, 2022. The divorce rate is higher for business owners than in the general population. In fact, studies show that divorce among entrepreneurs ranges...

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Understanding How to Use a Power of Attorney

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. From incapacity to frequent travelers to old age, there are many reasons why one would need to set up a power of attorney (POA). With this...

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Legal Liabilities for Virtual Real Estate Showings

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. With the pandemic hitting the pause button on many in-person showings, tours and open houses, more and more home sellers and real estate...

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Issues With a “Gray Divorce”

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Divorce rates among people 50 and older are booming. This so-called “gray divorce” phenomenon (referring to people over 50 facing divorce as opposed to...

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Spousal Inheritance of Real Estate

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Monday, November 8, 2022. If you are married but don’t have a will, you may wonder: Does my spouse automatically inherit all my real estate in the event I die? You may assume this to be...

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When Litigation is Better Than Mediation

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Monday, October 31, 2022. Any lawyer worth his or her salt will usually encourage their client to attempt mediation before resorting to litigation. But sometimes circumstances arise where...

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Who and What Should be Included in Your Will?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Whether you don’t have a will yet and want one, or you already have a will but need to amend it, it’s wise to get in touch with your trusted estate planning...

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What is a Financial Power of Attorney?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. You may already know that a power of attorney is a legal document specifying a person you trust to make specific decisions on your behalf if and when you are...

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Do You Have a Personal Injury Case?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on THursday, September 29, 2022. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether a slip and fall on a business property or a dog bite from the neighbor’s pet, your first...

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Are You Eligible for a Family-Based Green Card?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, September 22, 2022. If you meet certain requirements, you may be able to obtain a family-based green card. A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is used to...

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Why You Need to Update Your Estate Plan After COVID

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Monday, September 12, 2022. Having an estate plan in place is important at any time, but especially right after a global pandemic. That’s because health crises like the one we just had...

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Does Your Website Need a Privacy Statement?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Whether you are a brand new business or you are creating a new website for an existing company, it’s wise to incorporate a privacy statement. Also known as a...

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Plan Ahead to Avoid Probate

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, August 25, 2022. No one wants to think about their own death, much less plan for it. But being prepared now with the proper documents in place can save your heirs a lot of time,...

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6 Good Reasons For a Business Owner to Call a Lawyer

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. If you own a business, you know how demanding, stressful and, yes, rewarding it can be. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned business owner,...

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What is an E-Visa and Who Can Get One?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, July 21, 2022. The E-Visa process is a complicated and time consuming process, which is why you should have a lawyer behind you who is skilled in immigration law. E- visas are a...

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Should You Register Your Yacht in the U.S.?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. If you are considering buying a yacht, your next decision is where to register it. Choosing the right country is important, as your choice brings with it...

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Understanding the Path to U.S. Citizenship

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2022. Naturalization is the process one must go through whereby an immigrant to the United States becomes a U.S. citizen. Not every immigrant is eligible, which is why...

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Is Your Business Complying With Data Privacy Laws?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Data privacy is a big thing for businesses today. How do you know your small business is compliant? Compliance with data privacy laws help both you and your...

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Civil Liability From Wake Damage

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2022. If you own a boat, whether you use it on a lake, river or ocean, you know vessels in motion can cause a significant wake that can impact people, structures, and...

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Three Common Reasons For Real Estate Litigation

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. No one wants to get caught up in real estate litigation. It can be time consuming and expensive, but in the event you find yourself involved in any of these...

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The Jones Act: An Overview

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, March 23 , 2022. By Peter Regan, Esq.Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Rewind to about a century ago, when then-President Woodrow Wilson enacted the Jones Act, a law designed to...

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What is the Medicaid Lookback Period?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, March 17 , 2022. By Melissa Green, Esq. Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Medicaid offers health coverage to millions of Americans (currently, about 76 million people), including...

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Why You Should Set Up an LLC When Purchasing a Yacht

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, February 16 , 2022. While owning a yacht may be something you have always wanted to do, it’s important to be smart about how you go about it. In many cases, it’s wise to set up...

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Issues Surrounding Marriage-Based Immigration

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, January 27 , 2022. By Christopher J. McNally Esq. Immigration through marriage is a complex endeavor, one with complicated legal requirements, and regulations. Having an...

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Pandemic Not Reason Enough for H-2B Hiring

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, January 6 , 2022. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has ruled that the labor shortage crisis resulting from the extended COVID-19 pandemic is not a “one-time occurrence” that...

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Why an Irrevocable Trust May Be Better Than Gifting

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, October 19 , 2021. Are you facing retirement? In order to preserve your assets while still being able to qualify for long-term care benefits, you may choose to gift your family...

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Estate Planning for Blended Families

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The landscape of family life is changing. The typical two-parent household is on the decline in this country, as a result of the rise of...

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What is Premises Liability?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Premises liability is when an injury is caused by some kind of unsafe condition on someone else’s property. This falls under the umbrella...

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How to Get Started on an Estate Plan

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. If you have decided you need an estate plan, it’s important to understand what it is, what you want out of it and how it will best serve you....

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Defining the Line Between Federal and State Waters

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. It’s difficult to imagine boundaries when you’re in open waters. It all looks the same, wave after wave, with very few visual indicators of...

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Should Your Home be in a Trust?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Many higher end homes are bought and sold in and out of trusts. You may be wondering if placing your own home in a trust is something...

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Admission of Cell Phone Videos in Criminal Cases

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. It’s become very commonplace for people to whip out their phones and start filming interesting things. A crime taking place indeed falls...

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Cybersecurity Liability and Reporting Requirements

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, October 21, 2020. In our connected world cyberattacks are inevitable. Cybersecurity Ventures estimates cybercrime’s global cost will reach $6 trillion by...

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How COVID-19 May Impact Commercial Leases

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, October 1, 2020. Nearly all businesses operating out of physical real estate spaces have been impacted by COVID-19. If you are a commercial tenant or...

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How Long Will My Divorce Take?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2020. This will vary widely from case to case. Generally, it can take between six months and a year for a divorce to become final. And that’s for an uncontested...

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Who Owns Your Solar Roof?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2019. As a resident of Rhode Island, you may have considered at one time or another putting solar panels on your roof. No wonder: in 2018, Rhode...

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Disappearing Contractor: What Can You Do?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. Nothing is more frustrating than shelling out a lot of money for a home remodeling job that starts out OK but then abruptly stops because your...

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How Employers Can Prepare for ICE Raids

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Monday, June 17, 2019. From employment documentation to payroll verification, an employer should know exactly what to do in the event of a U.S. Immigration and Customs...

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Your Rights in Sexual Harassment Claims

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. The intense media coverage of transgressions committed by high profile individuals, celebrities, and members of the clergy has spawned an increased...

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Liability Issues for Boaters

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. A day on the water can be fun and relaxing. But any experienced boater can tell you that safety is a priority. Still, no matter how many hours you...

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Employee vs. Contractor Classification

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. It can get a bit tricky to know when to classify a worker as an employee or a contractor. The Internal Revenue Service says worker...

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What is a Summary Judgement?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. In short, this is a court order ruling that no factual aspects are left to be tried; therefore, a cause of action in a complaint can be decided upon...

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Can an Undocumented Immigrant File an Injury Claim?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Normally, when someone is injured due to someone else’s negligence, they don’t hesitate to pursue a personal injury claim. However, undocumented...

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How Landlords Can Defend Slip and Fall Accidents

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. As a landlord, you are rightfully concerned about any accidents or injuries that may occur on your property. Slips and falls in particular can...

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Finding Missing Heirs in Probate Cases

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 In general, when someone passes away, the probate process is cut and dried. The probate court will appoint a personal representative to administer...

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Eminent Domain and Your Rights

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. While American citizens have the right to life, liberty, and property sans unreasonable government interference, under certain conditions the...

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Cyber Liability

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. By Peter ReganSayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Data breaches make headlines when they occur on a large scale. Think Target stores or Equifax. But...

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Avoiding Litigation at Your Holiday Party

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. The company holiday party is a beloved tradition on the American business scene. But, unless you want to wake up on Christmas morning with a...

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Evicting a Problem Tenant

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. If you’re a landlord, you know all too well how difficult some tenants can be. Whether they consistently fail to pay rent on time (or at all!),...

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Minimum Wage Laws in RI & MA

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Remember the 1990s, when minimum wage was just five bucks an hour? Or, go back further to the early 1970s when it was just a buck and a half....

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DUI Laws in Rhode Island

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. If you will pardon the pun, DUI laws in Rhode Island are pretty stiff. Taking a hard stance against drunk driving and driving under the influence...

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Strange But True Laws

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Most laws people can really get behind – no speeding, no drinking while intoxicated, no violence towards another, no stealing, no looting…the...

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Should You Have a Dash Cam?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. No longer just for professional drivers and law enforcement, dash cams are becoming the norm in many personal vehicles. Due to the pervasive...

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Legal Issues for Airbnb

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. The rise in popularity of Airbnb has brought more choice, diversity and price points into the equation for people who love to travel. You can host...

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What You Need to Know About Changes to Flood Insurance

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. By Mark Thayer Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Rhode Island – the Ocean State - is defined by its relationship to the water. Many of our residents enjoy seaside homes...

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Fraud against Immigrants by Notario Publicos

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Friday, August 17, 2018. By Christopher McNally Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Immigration issues continue to generate front page headlines in our country. What is often missing from the...

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Hurt at sea? Maritime laws apply to your case

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Maritime law refers to the laws that govern nautical matters and maritime businesses. Essentially, these are the laws of the ocean. Maritime laws are kept up to date...

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Rhode Island: Specific state laws for divorce

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP on Monday, April 23, 2018. You've been married for a few years, and from the beginning, you thought it might have been a bad decision. You found your spouse in over his head in debt, and you...

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How to prevent a collision with another boat

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Thursday, April 5, 2018. With such a wide open sea, the thought of two boats colliding with one another seems unlikely. However, it does happen. In many cases, the collision is a result...

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Woman accused of DUI after calling police for road rage

Drinking and driving is a hazard to yourself and others, which is part of the reason why it's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. Not all people who appear intoxicated are, though, so it's important for the appropriate...

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What are the steps of adoption?

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. The decision to adopt isn't something you should take lightly. There are benefits and downsides to adoption, all of which require you to consider them carefully....

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Tips for staying safe while boating this season

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Everyone who lives by the ocean enjoys spending time there, whether it's on or near the water. Many people in Newport have boats or know people who do, so they...

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Childhood divorces can have negative impacts: Be aware

On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted on Friday, February 16, 2018. When your children are very young, you may think it's the best time to get a divorce. Your kids won't remember as much, and it's less likely to affect their...

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4 steps to take immediately after a boating accident

Boating accidents occur all the time off the coast. According to data from the United States Department of Homeland Security, a majority of these accidents in 2016 were a result of two boats colliding with one another.  Regardless of how the accident...

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You can defend your rights if you’re stopped for a DUI

Although you know that drinking and driving is not a smart decision, you still got behind the wheel and drove while intoxicated. You were rightfully pulled over, but you don't want to face time in jail or penalties for your actions. You thought your blood alcohol...

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What can you do to prevent sailing injuries?

Sailing is fun, and it brings people together. Whether it's a hobby or something you've put your entire working life into, sailing is important to you. What you do need to know, though, is the danger sailing can pose. If you're not prepared, a mistake could end up...

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Growing divorce rates lead to larger American families

When you get a divorce, it divides your family and can mean you lose some family members. That's short-lived, though, if you end up getting remarried, according to a news article. Divorce is actually responsible for making American families bigger than ever, growing...

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Boating under the influence

When most people think of DUI offenses, boats do not always come to mind. Yet a boat is also a vehicle that can cause substantial damage and injuries if operated improperly. In Rhode Island, operating a boat while intoxicated is a crime that can result in a...

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Yes, you can fight to have your DUI dismissed

If you've received a DUI charge and now have to go to court, you may be worried that life as you know it will change forever. The truth is that minor DUI charges have a minimal impact on your ability to drive, but they can impact your life for a significant amount of...

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