REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

A real estate transaction is the process whereby rights to a unit of property are transferred between two or more people or entities. The transaction can be a complete transfer of rights such as a purchase or sale of a single family home. It could also be more temporary in nature wherein the parties transfer rights to property for a fix amount of time, such as a rental agreement. Of course, these transactions can be simple or complex. In either case, it is always a good idea to have a trustworthy and competent attorney at your side to guide you through the process.

The dedicated lawyers at Rika Bird & Associates have the knowledge and skill set to be in your corner, come closing day. Through our many years of experience we have encountered many of the issues that can come up during any type of deal no matter how complex. We work closely with a large network real estate brokers, sales associates, financing professionals, property management companies, and other attorneys on a day to day basis. Whether residential or commercial, our real estate team can help with a wide range of real estate transactions, some of which include:

• Negotiating and drafting commercial and residential contract for sale
• Drafting construction contracts
• Lease drafting and review
• Due diligence
• Applications for non-citizen landholding licences
• Closings
• Title searches

When our clients depend on us for legal counsel, they have the confidence that we will represent them diligently in identifying and addressing potential issues before they turn into problems.

BANKING

We have the business and technical knowhow and extensive experience of acting in a wide range of financial disputes. We provide timely, practical and confident advice to our clients.

Many of our matters involve other jurisdictions, but we are equally at home advising on domestic financial disputes.

Our legal team has experience handling a wide range of banking and finance legal issues, including:

• Demand guarantees and Performance bonds
• Guarantees
• Security enforcement issues
• Issues arising out of the bank / customer relationship
• Investment management disputes
• Escrow agent disputes
• Cheques
• Negotiable instruments
• Insolvency and fraud issues

Our clients range from financial institutions to individuals. We have spent years gaining the experience needed in order to be efficient and successful on the legal end of banking and finance.

FAMILY LAW

Family life… it is never stagnant and in this day and age, unpredictable. Family life can comprise of ups and downs that either improve or deteriorate the fragile modern day family. Sometimes families are faced with impending doom as they try to put the pieces of their lives back together, shattered by loss or the expectation of an imminent divorce. When your family faces change it is imperative to contact a family law lawyer who will take the time necessary to help you investigate your options and reach a decision that is in the best interest of you and your family.

Family law issues are usually very complicated and are typically supervised by an experienced attorney due to the high level of stress and emotions during this time in one’s life. It can be challenging trying to make life-altering decisions in these situations. For this reason, we highly recommend retaining a family law lawyer help you walk through the pandemonium. A qualified and knowledgeable attorney should be able to throw all the cards on the table and show you what’s at stake, providing the counsel you need to make cognizant decisions regarding your future.

Questions to ask yourself…

There are always questions that come up when families face new likelihoods or there's a major change in their life's structure. A family law attorney should be able to answer any questions that should arise such as:

• How will I support myself after a divorce when my spouse was the primary bread winner?
• How do I battle for sole custody of my children?
• What should be included in a Deed of Family Arrangement or Deed of Separation?
• How do I protect my welfare in divorce proceedings?
• How are matrimonial assets apportioned?
• What do I need to be mindful of when considering adoption?

Rika Bird & Associates can help individuals in a wide variety of matters concerning marriage, divorce, adoption, child custody, spousal support, domestic abuse and any other affairs pertaining to family law.

IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Rika Bird & Associates offers qualified legal advice on immigration law issues. We have a broad knowledge of immigration legislation and will escort you through the immigration process.

We work with a wide range of clients, advising both companies and individuals. We advise international corporations, small startup companies and sole traders, regularly advising individuals wishing to invest. Rika Bird & Associates are appreciated by its clients as they seek to investigate private residential requirements.

Our services not only cover immigration and citizenship law, but also issues arising out of immigration matters. Our firm recognizes that individuals, entrepreneurs and investors are crucial for the economic growth of Antigua and Barbuda and we are able to help you on your way to success.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Rika Bird & Associates provides intellectual property services, advising on the acquisition, use and enforcement of intellectual property rights. We deal with registration of patents and trademarks for small to large businesses as well as artistes.

Our lawyers provide strategic advice over a wide range of disciplines. Our areas of work include:

• Trademarks, brands and designs
• Patents
• Copyright
• IP audits and due diligence
• Licencing and related commercial agreements
• Data protection and privacy

OTHER SERVICES

At Rika Bird & Associates, we take pride in the fact that we consider our general areas of practice as well as specific areas. We also provide the following services:

• Notary Public
• Work permits
• Debt Collection both locally and otherwise
• Bills of Sale
• Power of Attorney encompassing specific powers or general powers
• Affidavits
• Guardian ad Litem services