Brette Sember, J.D.
Brette is a former attorney and has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, many of them about legal topics. Brette has written, edited, and consulted for a large number of legal outlets, legal websites, legal practice management software companies, online legal service companies, and law firms. She is a national expert on divorce and family law. View her work on her website.
More From This Author
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Understanding the Difference Between Fair Use and Fair Dealing
The fair use doctrine is part of U.S. copyright law, while fair dealing laws are present in other countries. Learn about these two concepts and when they apply to copyrighted works.
· 4 min read
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Creating Work for the Public Domain
Creative works that are in the public domain are available for anyone to use. Learn how works can become public domain and how you can contribute your own works.
· 3 min read
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Understanding Orphan Works and Copyrights
Whenever a person creates a work that is copyrightable, such as a book, poem, or song, they immediately own the copyright to the work. Use of that work without the owner's permission is called infringement. If it's not possible to determine the copyright holder for a work, that work is considered an orphan work, although it is still protected by copyright law.
· 3 min read
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Using an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust to Protect Your Assets
An intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) is an estate planning tool that can help preserve your assets for your beneficiaries. Get the details on how they work—and how they might save your beneficiaries from paying exorbitant estate taxes.
· 4 min read
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Buying and Selling Probate Property
Probate property sold to settle an estate can be a great opportunity to buy real estate at an attractive price. Find out how and when probate property is sold and how to take advantage of it.
· 3 min read
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The Basics of Conservatorship
Conservatorship is a legal process in which an adult, or sometimes an organization, is given the legal authority to manage an incapacitated adult's care or finances. Get the details on the situations in which this might be necessary.
· 3 min read
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How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Florida
Florida offers two fast-track procedures to process small estates. Find out the restrictions and how to use the one that applies to your situation.
· 3 min read
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How to Buy Expired Patents
A patent gives an inventor a limited time of exclusive ownership. If the patent expires, it's possible for someone else to buy it. Find out how to buy an expired patent.
· 3 min read
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What a Business Method Patent Is
A business method patent allows an inventor to protect their new idea for a way of doing business that involves a specific use of technology. Find out what the requirements are and how to apply for a business method patent.
· 3 min read
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How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in California
California's small estate affidavit procedure provides an easy way to inherit property. Find out if your loved one's estate qualifies and what steps you need to take.
· 4 min read
