Monday, August 16, 2010

Franchise and Franchising History

Before there was any serious governmental regulation of franchises, a number of hucksters involved themselves in the field. Many of them initiated get-rich-quick schemes which cost investors countless dollars. As a result, franchises and franchising became a bad word to some people. However, public and private sector watchdogs helped to restore trust and confidence in the relationship, launching franchising on its way to a prominent place in the American economy. In 1960, some franchisors formed the International Franchise Association (IFA) to police the franchising industry and eliminate the con artists. Individual states began passing laws to regulate franchise activities.

By 1979, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a franchise trade rule requiring disclosure of pertinent information to prospective franchise owners. Franchising became a respectable word again, and the practice flourished with the efforts of early franchisors like Ray Kroc (McDonald’s) and Dave Thomas (Wendy’s). Today, franchises are active and successful in a wide range of business categories. They exist in lawn, garden, and agricultural supplies and services, maid and personal services, security services, tools and hardware, weight control, and many types of food products, including baked goods, donuts and pastry, popcorn, ice cream, yogurt, and fast foods.

The popularity of franchising as a way of doing business is undoubtedly due to the way it increases an entrepreneur’s chances of success while providing a way for an established company to expand its business. That said, compliance with current franchise law and regulations is key to maintaining trust and confidence in the relationship between franchisor and franchisee. Contacting franchise attorneys who can establish and maintain franchise networks would be right for your business.

Mississippi accident statistics

Just a few facts about accidents in Mississippi gathered from various sources.

According to a study by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, cell phone distraction throughout the country causes more than 2,500 deaths and 330,000 injuries each year. A related study showed that drivers talking on their mobile phones were 18 percent slower to react to brake lights and took 17 percent more time to regain the speed they lost when they braked.

Hiring an experienced accident lawyer in Mississippi who understands that national trends are largely reflected at the state level. In 2008, there were 783 traffic fatalities in Mississippi per 100 million VMT, down eleven percent from 884 in 2007. This 1.80 fatality rate was the lowest ever recorded in the state of Mississippi, though still .42 times as great as the national average.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  • Forty-five percent of these deaths came from accidents involving passenger cars.
  • Light trucks accounted for 409 fatalities (42 percent).
  • 18-wheeler crashes accounted for 70 deaths (7 percent). These were predominantly horrific collisions involving rollovers and impacting multiple vehicles.
  • Motorcycle accidents accounted for 40 (5.5 percent) deaths.
  • Buses accounted for three deaths collectively (less than one percent).

Of the 783 deaths reported on Mississippi roadways in 2008, 297 of them, or about 35 percent, involved alcohol. This is a reduction by 50 alcohol-related deaths since 2007, a change of 17 percent. It would be ideal to hire an attorney in Pascagoula who is familiar with all of these statistics and would be able to help you with your case in Mississippi.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Philadelphia Child Support Litigation

Getting the Help You Need

Providing information on getting the help you need for your child support legal matters, including lawsuit and litigation cases. Reach out to a Philadelphia child custody attorney today if you need help with your case.

Lawsuits – they don’t have to be overwhelming

Lawsuits are difficult enough to pursue in circumstances where few emotions are involved. So, when it comes to the highly-charged issue of child support, litigation can quickly become emotionally taxing. If you have custody of your child and need support in order to feed, clothes, and otherwise care for him/her, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of having to file a lawsuit in order to collect what is owed to you by law. You need the help of an attorney experienced in Philadelphia child support laws with for advice and to help you file court papers, schedule appearances, and vigorously litigate on your behalf. You need a law firm to provide advice, support, and advocacy throughout the entire lawsuit proceedings.

Litigation – works both ways

On the other side, if you were ordered to pay child support, but now find yourself unemployed, you also have the right to expert assistance. You could be facing expensive litigation as your spouse pursues support payments, as well as collection threats that may put your very freedom as risk. In the event of a lawsuit, you need an attorney to plead your case and request a reduction or other modification to the original court-ordered child support decree.

Advocacy for your Child...and You

Whatever your child support issues, contact an attorney today. Although you want someone experienced with child support and family law, if you are going through litigation it would be ideal to find someone who is also an experienced criminal attorney in Philadelphia or in your area who knows how to fight to get the justice you deserve. No matter which side of a lawsuit you are on, you need someone who can offer experienced and vigorous advocacy on your behalf as we guide you through the particulars of the litigation process.