Devesh Maharaj Trinidad

Starting a business is an exciting journey, filled with opportunities and challenges. However, many startups fail due to avoidable legal mistakes. Entrepreneurs often focus on product development, marketing, and funding while neglecting the legal foundation of their business. This oversight can lead to lawsuits, fines, or even the collapse of the startup. In this guide, we will discuss the most common legal mistakes that can destroy your startup and provide practical steps to avoid them. 1. Choosing the Wrong Business Structure One of the first legal decisions every entrepreneur must make is selecting the right business structure. The most common types include: Sole Proprietorship  — Easy to set up but offers no liability protection. Partnership  — Good for co-founders but can lead to disputes without proper agreements. Limited Liability Company (LLC)  — Offers liability protection and tax benefits. Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)  — Ideal for scaling businesses but i...

Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning and adherence to legal regulations. Registering your business is one of the most critical steps in establishing a legitimate enterprise. This guide, prepared with insights from  Devesh Maharaj Trinidad , will walk you through the essential steps to legally register your business and ensure compliance with all necessary laws. Step 1: Choose a Business Structure Before registering your business, it is essential to determine its legal structure. The type of business entity you choose will impact taxation, liability, and regulatory requirements. The most common business structures in Trinidad and Tobago include: Sole Proprietorship : A single-owner business where the owner assumes full responsibility for debts and obligations. Partnership : A business with two or more owners who share profits, losses, and liabilities. Limited Liability Company (LLC) : A separate legal entity that provides limited liability pro...

Buying or selling property is a significant financial decision that requires careful legal scrutiny. In Trinidad and Tobago, real estate transactions involve several legal requirements to ensure a smooth and lawful process. Devesh Maharaj, a respected legal expert in Trinidad, emphasizes the importance of following a structured legal checklist to avoid pitfalls and legal complications. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help buyers and sellers navigate the legal aspects of property transactions. Legal Checklist for Buyers 1. Conduct a Title Search Before purchasing property, conducting a title search at the Land Registry is crucial. This search verifies the legal ownership of the property and ensures there are no encumbrances, such as liens, mortgages, or disputes. 2. Verify Planning and Zoning Regulations Buyers must check with the Town and Country Planning Division to confirm the property complies with zoning laws. Some properties may have restrictions on land use that could affect futu...

  Legal disputes can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Many people believe that going to court is the only way to resolve conflicts, but in reality, there are several alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods available.  Advocate Devesh Maharaj , a well-respected legal expert, shares valuable insights on handling disputes effectively without resorting to litigation. Why Avoid Court? Going to court can be: Costly : Legal fees, court costs, and time away from work add up. Time-Consuming : Cases can take months or even years to resolve. Stressful : The process can be emotionally draining. Public : Court proceedings are usually public records, affecting privacy. According to  Devesh Maharaj , seeking alternative solutions can save time, money, and stress while preserving relationships. Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods 1. Negotiation Negotiation is often the first step in resolving disputes. It involves direct communication between the parties to reach a mu...