Elyse Dillard
Content Specialist at LegalShield

Elyse Dillard

Content Specialist at LegalShield, creating educational resources about legal and consumer protection topics. She focuses on making complex legal and financial concepts accessible to readers and has contributed to various educational articles on consumer rights and protections.
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Articles by this author

articles
A woman sitting in an art gallery admiring a set of three paintings
Small Business
10 min read
How Copyright Works and What Protections It Grants

Copyright is an intellectual property right that gives the creator of a work the exclusive legal rights to it. These rights let creators sell and license the work they create, and it’s an important area of law for small business owners to understand.

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10 min read
A man and a woman reviewing an agreement
Legal Picks
13 min read
What Is an Uncontested Divorce? Key Details for Couples

If you’re both focused on moving forward, and you don’t have disagreements about how your lives should be separated, an uncontested divorce could be the right choice. Learn more about how it works.

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13 min read
A couple moving into a new apartment, they’re each holding a box and smiling at one another.
Personal Property
8 min read
23 Questions You Should Ask Before Signing a Lease

Before you sign a lease on your next home or apartment, it is essential to ask the right questions about rent, fees, security deposits, and property conditions to ensure a fair agreement. This guide helps you spot potential red flags like cash-only payments or missing inspection checklists, and shows you how to negotiate terms confidently. By understanding your rights and knowing what to watch out for, you can avoid costly mistakes and protect yourself. Ultimately, you can also connect with a LegalShield Personal Plan to have a provider law firm review your contract before you sign.

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8 min read
Closeup of a person writing on a tablet with an electronic pen
Personal Property
7 min read
Can You Set up a Trust Without a Lawyer, and Should You?

There’s no rule that says a lawyer has to set up your Trust for it to be valid. However, Trusts are complex and doing it yourself without a lawyer's help comes with risks.

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7 min read
A white house with wooden shutters and a manicured yard on a sunny day.
8 min read
Deed vs. Title: Differences and How They Work in Real Estate

If you understand the difference between deed and title, you can ask better questions before closing. A LegalShield® Personal Plan can connect you with a provider law firm for real estate legal advice.

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8 min read
Family reviewing estate planning paperwork together at home
Legal Picks
8 min read
Dying Without a Will: What Happens to Your Assets?

It’s usually much easier for families to settle an estate with a Will than without one. The term for dying without a Will is intestate. When this happens, state laws determine the distribution of an estate, not the person who has passed or the people they care about. If you’re trying to settle an intestate estate, consider seeking legal guidance.

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8 min read
A senior woman looks at a laptop while sitting at a table and a younger woman stands over her shoulder, smiling
Personal Property
6 min read
What Is a Limited Power of Attorney?

A limited power of attorney often comes in handy when you need help for a short time or for a single purpose. This legal document can help in situations like when you’re traveling, serving in the military, caring for an aging parent, or sending a child to study abroad.

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6 min read
Person reviewing a suspicious online classifieds listing.
Personal Property
11 min read
12 Online Marketplace Scams and How to Avoid Them

We’ll cover some of the most common scams, the red flags that give them away, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve already been caught out.

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11 min read
A woman putting up a reward poster for a missing dog
Legal Picks
3 min read
What Is a Unilateral Contract? When They’re Used and Why

Unilateral is a common descriptor for contracts that means “one-sided.” Rest assured that in most situations, a lawyer can worry about contract interpretations for you, but read on to find out more.

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3 min read
Two women sitting on a couch reviewing documents
Finance Rights
7 min read
How to File for Bankruptcy: A High-Level Overview

Owing more than you can pay can be stressful, especially when debt collectors come calling. When you’re struggling to keep up, bankruptcy could be a way to make a fresh start.

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7 min read
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