Ask Sam:

Mike Wells is a frequent source for the Winston-Salem Journal’s “Ask SAM” column, which provides answers to questions from readers. He also writes regularly for the Journal’s Sunday business section. Here are some of his recent contributions.

Ask SAM: Are online forms valid and enforceable?

QUESTION: Are wills and other estate forms available online valid and enforceable if they're properly completed? — R.H. ANSWER: Sometimes buying things off the internet might not be the bargain you're hoping to get. Mike Wells, a local...

Ask Sam: How do you dismiss an attorney?

Published Thursday September 15, 2016 in the Winston-Salem Journal. Mike Wells answers the question of how to dismiss an attorney. For the full article, click here.  

Ask Sam: Arbitration clauses in car sales

Over the years a number of bills have been introduced in Congress to require organizations to provide better arbitration clause options for consumers. But without a hue and cry from the public, arbitration clauses may be the standard now in various consumer contracts.

Ask Sam: When will electors be named?

For the full article, click here.

Ask SAM: Can we give the money from the sale of our church to our pastor as a retirement gift?

Question: Our church building is being sold and since we are a non-profit organization can we give the money from the sale of the building to our pastor as a retirement gift? — D.M. Answer: You can certainly give the pastor the proceeds...

Ask SAM: Who mows median on union cross road

Question: Now that the widening of Union Cross Road is complete, who is responsible for mowing the medians and grass by the sidewalks? It actually could look quite nice if this were maintained.

Ask Sam: Getting a contractor to respond

The Winston-Salem Journal's Sam consults Mike Wells about how to compel a contractor to respond to a client, and complete the client's project in a timely manner. For the full article, click here.

Ask SAM: Arbitration clauses in car sales

Question: I recently tried to buy a car and during the closing paperwork was given an “Agreement to Arbitrate Disputes” that I found too restrictive and would not agree to sign. I was told this was required with all auto sales and they...

Ask Sam: Variations of your name can cause headaches at the bank

The Winston-Salem Journals' "Sam" asks Mike about the challenges that variations in one's name can present, often the result of marriage and divorce, and advice for preventing or resolving them. For the full article, click here. 

Ask Sam: Getting rid of a timeshare

This week, a writer asks Sam how to get rid of a timeshare. Mike Wells offers solutions to this timeless problem. For the full article, click here.