Legal Question in Business Law in Massachusetts

Re: Website Law

You will want an attorney who will be able to write a disclaimer for both the potential babysitters and potential employers that agree you have no liability with regard to any problems which may occur if the parties enter into an agreement. You might want to do this with a radio button that says "Using this service constitutes acceptance of the following term...." and specify how you are not liable, etc.

You can find an attorney by using Law Guru or a bar association lawyer referral service that leads you to an attorney that practices "computer law" or the like. You might also want the attorney to advise whether your state law regulates "employment services" or similar entities, as well.

Good luck with your new venture.

Patricia M. Joyce

Re: Website Law

In addition to the usual issues of disclaimers, privacy, and information usage which come with Website use policies, it sounds like you have the potential of collecting information from minors (and adults). You will have to address this issue in a manner which protects you from liability as you and your site will be acting as an intermediary between the parties. So there are some "landmines" you will need to avoid.

You need to address issues of your own liability (and the need to limit your liability through a proper business organization), you need a comprehensive usage and privacy policy, and you need to address permissions and verification for dealing with minors.

If you want to discuss any of this in more detail, please feel free to give me a call at 508-565-1413.

Re: Website Law

Your website will require the usual disclaimers, privacy, and information usage which come with Website use policies. More importantly, you will have to deal with the potential of collecting information from minors (and adults) and references or endorsement issues as related to baby-sitters. These issues need to be addressed in a manner which protects you from liability as you and your site will be acting as an intermediary between the parties. So there are some "landmines" you will need to avoid.

You need to address issues of your own liability (and the need to limit your liability through a proper business organization), you need a comprehensive usage and privacy policy, and you need to address permissions and verification for dealing with minors. You also need to do some sort of check to make sure your site is not abused by known sex-offenders.

If you want to discuss any of this in more detail, please feel free to give me a call without obligation at 508-485-1911.