Brian J Ladouceur JR’s Answers

Without specific details and reading the actual agreement its difficult to determine what rights you have or do not have to rescind (cancel) the contract. Carefully look at the contract as it should clearly communicate whether the price is $X “plus tax” or tax included. In Connecticut (since July 1, 2011) the state sales tax is imposed at the rate of 6.35 percent and among the Services Subject to Sales and Use Taxes are “Janitorial services” (i.e. cleaning of homes, offices and commercial...

Even when siblings are at odds, it might help to try talking with a sibling about their intentions regarding the cemetery plot. Generally, a cemetery plot does not give the plot holder “ownership” of the real estate (the soil itself) but rather it’s a contractual right (with the cemetery association) guided by contract law principals. Reviewing the underlying agreement may provide answers to what persons have rights to be buried at the plot. Agreements vary so it may give the current owner...

In Connecticut the statute of limitations (deadline to file suit) is based upon the claims being made, not the court the case is being heard in. Determining what deadline exists should only be done after consulting with an attorney because specific case facts can alter what claims may or not apply, and the time to bring such claims. In general, an action on any contract in writing “shall be brought but within six years after the right of action accrues” pursuant to Conn. Gen Stat Sec. 52-...

Given the large loss amount consulting a lawyer is advisable to explore potential paths to recovery. Depending on what happened be prepared that no right to recovery may exist because investments can and do lose value - something that brokers do advise clients of during the sales process. However, use of “LLC” does not always mean a limited liability company exists. Sometimes people will use LLC without actually forming a company, or on rare occasions they've registered a trade name / dba (...

While it’s nice your mom entrusted you with the reasonability to manage her affairs after her death, it is regrettable that your siblings are at odds with what your mom wanted you to do once she was gone. As an executrix / administrator you do not need to be alone in administering your mom’s estate. If you do not have an attorney already helping to probate the estate in Connecticut you can hire one on behalf of the estate and the cost of those services (as well as the accounting, funeral and...

You should consult an attorney to review the specific contract and change orders to determine your rights and whether you are legally obligated to pay for the extra costs specified in the second work order. For some background you can read my prior AVVO answer on a similar question (http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/i-sign-a-landscaping-proposal--contract-but-there--710671.html#answer_1186923) in addition to reviewing my Staff Pick Guide titled Protecting Connecticut Homeowners from Home...

Unless the Florida consultant has assets or other business interest in Connecticut, you may be best served to find a Florida attorney to consult with and pursue your case. For example, Florida counsel can advise you whether or not your small claims default (presumably less than $5,000) can be “domesticated” (i.e. enforced) against the consultant in Florida. Caution: If the judgment is against the old consultant company (and not the consultant personally) then collecting money will be...

You should consult an business litigation attorney knowledgeable in home improvement contract issues, because you MAY have strong defenses to the contractor's suit that could POSSIBLY put you in a position to not owe any money and actually have damage claims against the contractor. In Connecticut a home improvement agreement that is not in writing can result in a court finding the agreement void and therefore not enforceable. Read my AVVO guide for more details on Connecticut's Home...

If your move was within the Connecticut border (In-state) then the mover is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. If the move is between states (Interstate) the mover is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Look at the Contract and/or Bill of Lading to see if you've agreed to arbitrate the dispute in which case you'd be prohibited from filing a small claim and/or civil lawsuit. Also beware of waiting too long or not properly making a notice of claim to...

If the name is important to your organization then you should speak with an attorney knowledgeable in trademark law. Generally, the status of for profit or not for profit will have no impact to the assessment of your claimed infringement issue. In Connecticut (as well as most states) the name a company uses to register / incorporate / organize a business with the Secretary of State (SOS) does not by itself grant exclusive rights in a name, but rather only prevents others from registering...