Signed a non compete at 17 for my first job, original owner is now threatening to sue me for opening my own business

The challenges

• 1You signed a non-compete agreement when you were 17, likely without fully understanding its implications. Now it's coming back to haunt you.
• 2Navigating the legal complexities of contract law can be overwhelming, especially when facing a potential lawsuit.
• 3You're worried about the financial burden of legal fees and the potential impact on your new business.
• 4You're unsure if the non-compete agreement is even enforceable, given your age at the time of signing and the nature of your previous job.
• 5The threat of a lawsuit is causing significant stress and anxiety, affecting your ability to focus on running your business.

Why Googling Legal Advice Usually Backfires

Online legal advice is a minefield. Every state has different laws, and what you read on a forum might be completely wrong for your situation. Plus, generic advice can't account for the specifics of your case, like the exact wording of the non-compete or the nature of your old job versus your new business. Spending hours sifting through articles and forums will just leave you more confused and stressed. Instead of playing lawyer, focus on gathering the right information and getting it to someone who actually knows the law.

The 5-Minute First Step: Document Everything

Before you do anything else, create a secure folder on your iPhone. Then use eSign PDF to scan and save all relevant documents: the non-compete agreement, any communication from your previous employer, and details about your current business. Next, write down everything you remember about signing the non-compete. Was it presented as a condition of employment? Did you have a chance to read it carefully? Even small details can matter. eSign PDF lets you add notes to each document, so you can keep everything organized and easily accessible. This takes minutes and sets you up to actually solve the problem, instead of just worrying.

A day in the life

Recommended setup

• 1Download eSign PDF from the App Store. It's the fastest way to scan and organize your documents on your iPhone.
• 2Create a dedicated folder in eSign PDF for all non-compete related documents.
• 3Use the app's annotation features to add notes and highlight important clauses in the agreement.
• 4Back up your eSign PDF data to iCloud or another secure cloud service.

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