Legal Question in Elder Law in Arizona

Legal document for writing book for friend

A friend has asked me to write and publish a book about his life. I live in MN and he lives in AZ. What can I do to have a legal form for him to sign giving me permission.

He was a well-known boxer from MN, now penniless and has the beginning of Alzheimer's.

My book is almost completed and he is very anxious. I want to do this for him yet don't want trouble.

His family does not get along. I don't want to put much money in this, it probably won't even sell. Just trying to make him happy.

If he just signs a paper saying he gives me permission to write and publish the book, sign and date and have it notorized, will that be enough to protect me from a lawsuit if they don't like what I write?


Asked on 2/08/07, 7:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Vatndal Law Office of Steven J. Vatndal

Re: Legal document for writing book for friend

The agreement needs to be carefully drafted to show that he has read and approved of what you've written and gives you permission to publish it, waives any intellectual property claims he might have and releases you from any lible/slander type claim and indemnifies you if he or someone on his behalf does anything contrary to the agreement. Since you mentioned that he has Alzheimer's, steps need to be taken to assure that he is competent. Does someone have a power of attorney or is there a guardian?

Also, nothing you do with him will avoid the possibility that others could you pursue you for their own lible/slander or other claims.

You need an attorney to review this withy you in detail. Please e-mail me if you'd like to discuss it further.

Read more
Answered on 2/09/07, 9:05 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Elder Law questions and answers in Arizona