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19, Jan 2024
Incorporating a Business? Don’t Miss These Key Laws and Regulations in Singapore

Are you an entrepreneur ready to take the plunge and incorporate your business in Singapore? Congratulations on making such a bold decision. As one of Asia’s leading financial hubs, this city-state offers countless opportunities for growth and success. However, before diving headfirst into the incorporation process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the key laws and regulations governing businesses in Singapore. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We will walk you through the essential legal requirements that every aspiring business owner must know to ensure a smooth and compliant operation in Singapore.

The Companies Act

The Companies Act is the cornerstone of corporate governance in Singapore. It outlines the legal requirements for incorporating and operating companies. Understanding the provisions of this act is crucial, as it covers various aspects such as company registration, the appointment of directors, financial reporting, and shareholder rights. Compliance with the Companies Act is non-negotiable for every business entity in Singapore.

Employment Act

Employment regulations in Singapore are comprehensive and aimed at protecting the rights of employees. The Employment Act, in particular, sets out the terms and conditions of employment, including working hours, leave entitlements, and termination procedures. Entrepreneurs must be well-versed in these regulations to ensure fair treatment of employees and avoid legal complications that may arise from non-compliance.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act

Singapore’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act governs the imposition and collection of the Goods and Services Tax. Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding SGD 1 million are required to register for GST. Familiarity with this act is essential to determine GST obligations, manage compliance, and facilitate smooth transactions. A proper understanding of GST regulations is integral for avoiding penalties and maintaining financial transparency.

Intellectual Property (IP) Laws

Intellectual property is a valuable asset for businesses, and protecting it is vital for long-term success. Singapore has robust IP laws that cover patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. Entrepreneurs should be well-informed about the registration process, enforcement mechanisms, and the significance of IP protection. Safeguarding intellectual property ensures that businesses can capitalize on their innovations without the risk of infringement.

Data Protection Laws

With the increasing reliance on technology, data protection has become a critical aspect of business operations. The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) controls the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data in Singapore. Businesses are required to comply with the PDPA to protect the privacy of individuals and avoid legal consequences. Understanding data protection laws is essential for implementing robust data management practices and maintaining customer trust.

Financial Reporting

Accurate and transparent financial reporting is imperative for every business. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore enforces the compliance of financial statements with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS). Entrepreneurs must be well-acquainted with these standards to ensure accurate financial reporting, meet statutory requirements, and foster investor confidence.

Incorporating a business in Singapore offers entrepreneurs a gateway to a thriving business environment. However, success hinges on a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework. Adhering to the Companies Act, Employment Act, GST Act, IP laws, Data Protection laws, and financial reporting standards is non-negotiable. Entrepreneurs should view compliance not only as a legal obligation but as a strategic advantage that contributes to the long-term sustainability and success of their business ventures. By navigating the legal landscape effectively, businesses can position themselves for growth and prosperity in the vibrant Singaporean market.…

lady of justice
26, Jan 2023
Legal Cases You Should Never Handle Solo

There are some legal cases that one should never handle alone. It is best to get professional assistance if you are not familiar with the law or if you don’t have any experience in law-related matters. Trying to handle a legal case alone can cost you more money and time than if you had just hired an attorney in the first place. This blog post will discuss six legal cases that a solo practitioner should never take on.

A Divorce

Ending a marriage is emotionally charged, and you may have difficulty making sound decisions about your best interests. An experienced divorce attorney can guide the most beneficial way to end the relationship, including asset division, child custody, alimony payments, and other essential matters.

A Personal Injury Claim

personal injury

Personal injury cases are complex and require a deep understanding of the law. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you identify who is liable for your injuries, obtain medical records, and negotiate with insurance companies to get the best possible settlement on your behalf.

A Criminal Case

Criminal cases involve serious consequences, including incarceration and hefty fines. You must have an attorney if you are charged with a crime. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence against you, challenge the prosecutor’s case, and ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.

A Contract Dispute

Contract disputes occur when one or both parties fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. Suppose you are involved in a contract dispute. In that case, it is critical to have an experienced attorney who can review the contract details, negotiate with the other party, and represent your case in court if necessary.

An Employment Dispute

Employment disputes involve wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and discrimination. An experienced employment lawyer can help you negotiate with your employer and represent you in court if necessary.

A Tax Issue

Tax issues can be complex, and the IRS has a lot of power to impose penalties for non-compliance. It is best to hire a qualified tax attorney to represent your interests if you are facing tax issues such as an audit or delinquent taxes. Your attorney can help you negotiate with the IRS and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome from your case.

No matter what type of legal issue you face, seeking professional legal advice is essential before taking any action. An experienced attorney can provide sound guidance about your specific situation and help you make informed decisions that are in your best interests.…

11, Dec 2021
Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are having trouble getting your workers’ compensation claim approved, it may be time to hire a lawyer. The workers compensation lawyers in Gold Coast are ready to help you navigate the complex legal system and make sure that you get what is rightfully yours. After all, when your injury prevents you from working, you need all the money that an employer owes to compensate for lost wages. If it sounds like something that would interest you, then keep reading!

Makes Sure Your Rights Are Protected

lawyerIf you are hurt on the job, your workers’ compensation claim is a legal document that makes sure that all of the rights and benefits owed to you by law are protected. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for everyday people to read these complicated documents and understand what they mean. It often leaves them open to losing some significant benefits or rights. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure that everything is taken care of and that you get the full benefits to which you are entitled.

Meets All Legal Requirements

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing, and it is easy to make a mistake that could cost you the benefits you are fighting for. A lawyer will ensure that all of the legal requirements are met and that your claim is processed as quickly as possible. It will help minimize any delays in getting the benefits you need. These legal requirements include filing your claim within the appropriate time frame and ensuring all of the necessary paperwork is filed correctly.

Negotiates a Lump-Sum Settlement

If you cannot return to work after your injury, a workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to negotiate a lump-sum settlement on your behalf. It means that you will receive a one-time payment instead of receiving payments over time. It can be helpful in cases where the injured person is not expected to make a full recovery or cannot do the same type of work in their profession.

 

Seeks Additional Compensation

writingIf you have suffered a severe injury that has resulted in long-term disability, your workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to seek additional compensation from the employer. It could include money for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages you may have incurred due to the injury. These additional compensations can sometimes provide an injured worker with enough money to cover the costs of lifelong care.

If you have been injured on the job, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer on Gold Coast today! They will be able to help you get the benefits that you deserve. You may be entitled to money for lost wages, medical expenses, and a whole host of other costs. You can find more information on their website!…

a business lawyer at work
12, Apr 2021
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Business

Whether a large corporation or a small enterprise, every business needs an attorney at some point to give legal advice on matters like lease agreements, business contracts, and buying or selling of a business. Each of the transactions needs some review, negotiation, and document preparation. Most business managers or owners are not trained on business law offered by attorneys. Therefore, for some business matters, you should hire a commercial lawyer to help prepare and review documents while protecting your legal rights and the business’s interest in the process.

Here are the benefits of hiring a lawyer for the business:

Providing Different Perspectives

to give different perspectivesIf your business needs to resolve a dispute or has a litigation case to deal with, it is necessary to know all options available. By hiring a lawyer, you will ensure that all possibilities are considered, and you understand them. They can explain the different approaches and interpretations in commercial litigation or dispute resolution case. Therefore, commercial litigation advisors ensure that you make the right choices.

 

Advising About Business Contracts

advise on contractThe most common business law matter which corporate lawyers address is negotiating and reviewing business contracts. Business contracts are legally binding agreements that involve two parties where each side agrees to avoid or take some actions. There are many types of business contracts which a company gets into, such as partnerships and employment agreements. A business lawyer helps you navigate through such contracts to ensure you get the best bargain and your rights are protected.

Preventing Problems Before They Happen

When you work with a lawyer in a business, you avoid legal problems. It is advisable to get things right early instead of spending more time putting out fires. With the legal advice of an expert, you avoid mistakes that can get you into problems. A commercial layer helps you protect the business from any sticky legal situation. Also, they advise on how to protect the rights of employees and customers while ensuring that your contracts are in top condition.

Helping Your Business with Incorporation

When you have an attorney, it means that if you decide to incorporate, there will be necessary tools for success. Incorporation can be confusing. However, there are benefits when you separate yourself from your business legally. Once the organization is incorporated, it becomes a separate entity with its responsibilities. The attorney will help you to understand how to incorporate the business and how to operate it.

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an illustration of a lawyer
24, Jan 2020
How to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

People deal with the law at least once in their lifetime. Of course, it is something that most people try to avoid. But things happen, and the only thing that they can do is to find ways to address the issues without creating another problem. Sometimes, regarding lawsuits, people prefer to settle disputes without going to trials. The presence of a lawyer is essential in this scenario. However, things are different when it comes to crimes. At this point, finding the best criminal defense attorney is the only way to solve the problem, especially if they need to prove someone’s innocence.

What to do then? This article highlights several steps for those who need to find the best criminal defense attorney. You can at least find the best firms or lawyers by reading the following information.

the statue of justice lady

The Specialist

The field of criminal law is quite broad, with many different possibilities. Sometimes, similar cases can lead to different verdicts due to the presence of various variables and considerations. For that reason, finding a specialist who knows how the field operates will give you benefits. You can at least trust the lawyer as they know what to do to handle the claim. It is vital to hire the one who has years of experience in this particular field. Remember that different types of lawsuits require different kinds of attorney. You will likely get the best results when only experienced specialists are involved.

Find Recommendations

a lawyer wearing black suitSometimes, getting a recommendation from people who have dealt with similar situations is the wisest thing to do. They know who to turn to, and they will give you advice on how to win the case. However, if you have nobody to ask, you can always opt to sift through several different options. Law firms usually put their essential information on their front page, and it should include their track records and testimonials from their former clients. If you find that they have a higher rate of success, it is a positive sign to visit their office.

Payment

Payments are one of the essentials when making inquiries about a specific criminal defense attorney. Professional law firms usually put the information upfront to make things easier for potential clients. However, if they do not, it should be the first thing to ask before moving on to papers and agreements to sign.…

court house
15, Jul 2019
Important Things to Know About Expungements

Having a criminal record has a lot of negative effects on an individual. Regardless if you’ve already faced the punishment for what you have done, it still stays on your record. And with this, it would be hard for you to get employed or simply get a place to rent, which is just one of the many consequences of having a not-so-good record.

Luckily, there is now the practice of expungement or expunction in which your arrest record will be sealed like it never happened. You can then start fresh as you go on with your life.

Expungement Explained

hammerIn the legal system, this is simply a process of sealing or setting aside the criminal record of a certain individual. But take note that this is not as simple as it may sound. You will have to appear before a judge who will decide whether or not to approve your appeal.

In order for you to get rid of your bad record, you shall undergo a proceeding. Before that, you are also required to file a set of documents. This could be a lengthy process, but if you seek the assistance of an experienced expungement lawyer, such as the one that you can find on this website, all your efforts will surely pay off. You can go through this process on your own, but it would still be a lot better to get legal help.

Eligibility

Not all people with criminal records are eligible for expungement proceedings. This depends on several factors, which include the nature of the committed offense and the length of time since the conviction. They will also have to take a look at your criminal history. If you have committed the same offense a few times, then your appeal might not be granted.

Furthermore, you have to remember that the process that you will have to go through will depend on the laws of the jurisdiction where you live in. Take note that in some states, such as New York and Arizona, there is no expungement law.

Legal Effects

Once your appeal has been approved, you no longer have to disclose your criminal records when applying for a job. Your prospective employer will no longer find your arrest record if they conduct a background search since it has already been sealed.

In other words, you will be free to move on with your new life without having to worry about people accessing your criminal history and judging you for it. You will have peace of mind.…

standing side by side
1, Apr 2019
Three Legal Issues to Think About Before Divorce

When a marriage is no longer beneficial to the lovers, divorce is the solution. And no matter how heartbreaking that decision is, both parties are supposed to act wisely, especially when they have had children. The states protect children, and if the court manages to prove that the parents are negligent toward their kids’ upbringing, social services will take over the parents’ custody. Unless you are a cold-hearted parent who can live with ignoring your child, then you must attend to the legal matters related to divorce because they will affect your kids significantly.

Custody is one example of legal factors to think about when divorce is inevitable. We will explore further below!

Parent-Child Relationship

If you have been abandoning your child until this point, where you want to be legally separated from your spouse, then you must entirely forget the idea of bringing your child to live with you. The first scenario, if your ex-spouse is fighting for the custody, and he/she has evidence of your negligence, you will only stain your name. Getting clean from that trait is difficult, and you will be seen as an abusive parent.

If you acknowledge the fact that you ever hurt your child in the past, it would be better if you follow the flow of the trial. Do not spell your mistakes out to the juries. Besides, if your kid is old enough to give testimonies, and he/she confirms to your negligent/abusive behaviors, then you can say goodbye to him/her forever. In fact, if you force your way through to meet your child outside the agreement, you do nothing but to provoke the court to issue a restraining order to you.

Moreover, if you are still working and deemed economically capable by the court, then the responsibility of child support will be granted to you. You can try to calculate child support for 2019 first so that you can prepare the expenses.

Debts’ Status

Most of the time, married couples owe money to a bank, yet later on, they get divorced, and the division of the wealth gets complicated because they have not thought of such a scenario. Therefore, you should gather information about whether or not your ex-spouse uses your name to owe money.

Even after the government acknowledges the divorce and you become no longer responsible for your ex’s expense, the possibility of stealthy debts and being visited by collectors is still there. And worse, you will be required to deal a lot with your ex-spouse and ask for him/her authorization.

Lawyers

Not all lawyers are experienced in handling divorce, but they may be adept and proficient in other fields. In other words, you cannot hire just any lawyer for your divorce if you want to win. However, experienced lawyers may charge you irrationally for their service. Therefore, in a situation like this, it would be much better if you know the right lawyer, or settle everything with your ex-spouse and deal with the matters before the divorce.…

truck accident
19, Mar 2019
Tips for Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney

When you are struggling to regain your livelihood, health, and life after a devastating truck accident, you need to work with a professional attorney. Many people or victims once they have been involved in a car or truck accident they do not know the right procedures of finding the best lawyer.

Once you find yourself in this state, do not risk working with a lawyer who does not have the right resources and enough experience. Take your time to find a professional attorney who can represent you in court and ensure that you win your case.

A professional attorney can make a solid first impression, but this is a common thing you need to expect after the first meeting. Also, keep in mind that truck accident litigation is never straightforward. Even though every case is different, that does not mean that an attorney cannot be able to represent and ensure that you win. Below are some of the critical factors that will guide you to choose the best truck accident attorney.

Get Recommendations

When you are looking for the best truck accident attorney, it is essential to ensure that you ask around to know if anyone has ever had a personal experience with a lawyer you are about to hire. When making your selection, remember those car accidents are vastly different from truck accidents. Therefore, choose an attorney who has specialized in truck accidents.

When you are getting the recommendations, it is vital to ensure that you get them from the people you trust. Listen to their suggestions before jumping into conclusions.

Do Your Homework

Once you get the recommendations from your co-workers, close friends, and relatives, the next step is to conduct your research. Make sure that you take your time to investigate some of the lawyers that your friends told you.

Approachable Personality

Once you have identified the best lawyer you need to work with, the next step is to interview them. Therefore, with an initial consultation, you can quickly access the lawyer’s personality and decide whether he has a genuine interest in your case.

Make a Decision

Once you have met with the lawyer, you will quickly determine whether you can work with him or not. But if you are hurt in a wreck with an 18-wheeler, you should make a wise decision and choose a truck accident lawyer who is interested in your case. If you find that the lawyer you met has all the requirements you need, you can hire him.…

justice symbols
4, Oct 2018
Situations When you Need a Wrongful Death Attorney

Unexpectedly losing your loved ones is a horrifying experience. During the grieving process, taking legal action is the last thing on your mind. However, if your loved one’s death was due to a third party’s negligence or recklessness, then you deserve compensation. You need not be left with funeral expenses, loss of financial support or unpaid medical bills.

In some situations like drunk driving, the responsible party needs to face criminal charges. Your family, however, may not necessarily get the compensation you deserve if the person is found guilty. To give yourself the best chance of recovering compensation, you need to hire a wrongful death attorney. Such an attorney will help you file a civil lawsuit against whoever caused the death of your loved one.

Injuries or Accidents

accident scene

Injuries and accidents are the most common causes of wrongful deaths. There are a lot of wrongful death accident cases. These include falling from poorly maintained buildings, workplace deaths dues to unsafe working conditions and car accidents due to reckless driving. These are however not the only type of accidents which may happen.

Defective Products

There are many ways defectively designed products, manufactured, or marketed can cause wrongful deaths. A crib could have bars which are far apart and pose choking hazards to infants. Lawn mowers without proper warnings and instruction could kill or maim the person using it. Car manufacturer errors can also cause wrongful deaths.

Medical Malpractice

stethoscopeMedical negligence is considered the third leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease. Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose severe medical conditions is the most common cause of medical malpractice. It is followed by errors during surgery then treatment errors. If you are sure your loved one died as a result of a medical practitioner failing to offer reasonable care, then you can hire a wrongful death attorney.

Defective Drugs

Pharmaceutical companies usually come under fire for failing to disclose potentially harmful side effects of their drugs. For instance, a company may fail to warn consumers about potentially fatal interactions between different types of drugs. If you lose a loved one as a result of drug complications, you need to consult with an experienced attorney to guide you on the steps to take.

Filling a lawsuit after your loved one’s death can be overwhelming. It is, however, a direct path to potentially recovering the financial compensation that you need. It will also help in holding the third party responsible, so their negligence does not harm anybody in future.…

Dog
30, Sep 2018
Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney When Bitten by a Dog

If an overly aggressive pet such as a dog bites you or your loved one, you do not need to wait to suffer the consequences without taking action. You need to look for an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases to help you recover from the injuries you suffer.

You will not want to incur the medical bills for injuries that are not your fault; your injury attorney will help you to ask the respective dog owner or your insurer to compensate you. Some dog injuries can be life-threatening, and you will not be able to do the legal procedures and process the medical requirements on your own. The following are the reasons why you need to hire a personal injury attorney when you are bitten by a dog.

Experience with the Insurance Companies

Hand with wound

When you suffer from dog injuries, you need to contact your insurance company to help you to recover the medical bills. However, you will not be experienced enough to follow up on the application process. Sometimes the compensation might take longer than you thought and you will be at risk if the injuries are life-threatening.

You need a personal injury lawyer to help you to claim fair compensation to cover for your loss. The attorney will speed up the compensation period because he or she has the experience with the insurance companies. The attorney will not be confused with the long procedures required for you to be compensated.

Best Jury Verdicts

If you need to file a case against the dog owner in court, you will need a personal injury attorney to help you get the best compensation from the irresponsible dog owner. The attorney will ensure that the dog owner covers for your loss after you win a case in court. The attorney understands the best way to represent you before the juries to achieve the best jury verdict in your favor.

A great attorney will know the best legal strategies to apply in court to ensure that his or her clients get a fair judgment and compensation after the case is solved. You will enjoy the great efforts of your attorney as he or she fights for you in court.

Experience Working with Other Attorneys

You need to understand that the attorneys in a law firm work together as they borrow ideas and assistance if the case is too complicated. Choosing a personal injury attorney will ensure that your case is investigated appropriately to come up with the correct findings so that you get fair compensation.

The personal injury attorney will work with other attorneys to ensure that your case is solved most effectively. The attorneys will exchange facts and documents to ensure you get your rights clear.

Objectivity

GavelWhen you are bitten by a dog, you will be experiencing anger, frustration, and pain that may affect your ability to think clearly. You will not be able to make conscious decisions on your own.

You need a personal injury attorney to help you with the objectives that will give you the best results. The attorney will advise you about the right way to handle your situation.…

DUI case
3, Jun 2018
Important Aspects to Consider When Choosing a DUI lawyer

Driving Under Influence is a grave offense in most jurisdictions. Working with a DUI lawyer is imperative when charged with such a crime. However, most people tend to ignore the need to work with a lawyer or fail to choose a DUI lawyer carefully.

If by any chance you are charged with driving under the influence offense, the first thing that should click your mind is to find a reputable DUI lawyer. However, finding a good lawyer can be a hectic process, but this should not worry you. This article highlights several things to consider when searching for a good DUI lawyer.

Specialization

Choosing a professional who is an expert in Dealing with DUI Cases should be a top priority. You can be guaranteed that only a professional in this field is well versed with laws relating to driving under the influence. This increases your chances of winning your case. Therefore, choosing a specialized DUI lawyer is no option.

Experience

Besides looking at specialization, you also have to pay close attention to experience. The lawyer you settle for should have experience in handling DUI cases. An experienced lawyer knows the defense tactics to use, and this is precisely what you need. Therefore, in your search process, it is vital to consider someone with years of experience.

References

A good DUI attorney should be in a position of giving you testimonials and references to people he or she has helped before. With a list of their past clients, you can contact these people to have a picture of the level of satisfaction they got from this lawyer. If you get positive feedback, then you can go ahead and hire this attorney.

Reputation

You should never settle for a DUI attorney that has had discipline cases. Ideally, such lawyers have a bad reputation, and once you associate yourself with such lawyers, you can be sure that your chances of winning the case are minimal or impossible.

DUI CrimeFees

You also need to factor in the amount charged by the attorney of choice, but this should be last consideration on your list. As a fact, you should only settle for an attorney that charges an affordable fee. Besides, you should also work with a DUI crime with a practical or reasonable payment plan.

Paying attention to these points will undoubtedly enable you choose the best DUI lawyer. That said, do not underestimate any of these aspects in your selection process.…

legal books
3, Jun 2018
Five Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

In case you or your loved ones get injured, the first thing you should do is to hire a personal injury attorney. Remember, at such a point the pain and worries associated with an accident may not allow you to think about compensation. That said, you should never underestimate the need to hire a personal injury attorney at such a point. Below are some reasons that justify the need to work with these professionals during this unfortunate time.

Helps you Avoid Unnecessary Hassles

personal injury law

Sitting back at a point when either you or your loved ones need care is essential. Working with a reputable attorney is a sure way of having peace of mind at this stressful moment. He or she will handle the paperwork and work closely with insurance companies to ensure you get a rightful compensation. Besides, these professionals know where to start when filing a claim.

Increase Your Chances of Getting a Fair Payout

Hiring an attorney is one way to level the playing ground between you and your insurance company. Remember that the insurance company is out to make money. As such, if you are not presented well with your attorney, they may end up paying you much less than you deserve. Thus working with an attorney that has your interest at heart and knows his job well should be a top priority. This is the only sure way of getting a rightful compensation.

Objectivity in Your Case

An experienced personal injury attorney knows how much to claim in case of an accident. Besides, their skills and experience give them an upper hand when coming up with the right estimates. For instance, they have the skills needed to quantify suffering, medical expenses, pain, lost wages, and many more. All these increase the value of your compensation claims.

Motivated to Win

In most cases, personal injury attorneys are paid based on the compensation value you get. This implies that the professional will be motivated to work harder to improve their pay. One sign that the lawyer you are about to choose is motivated and confident about their legal expertise is their terms of service. An attorney who charges you based on the compensation you get is better than one that requires you to pay a fixed amount for their services.

jailed manAvoid  Common Pitfalls

The legal team from the insurance company will always be looking for any pitfalls on our claim to reduce the compensation amount. Thus, if you are not conversant with personal injury law, it is easy to make mistakes, which might cost you a lot more than you would have paid for legal services.

These few reasons justify the need of working with a personal injury attorney. Be keen in your selection process, and you will enjoy these benefits.…