I work for a real estate VA company and I signed a non-compete in the beginning. As it was explained to me it was there so that I wouldn't start my own VA company and steal clients. Now that being said, would one think that the non-compete would stop me from working as a REVA for someone else?

It would depend on what your non-compete wording is. It may not only be to stop you from working for yourself but others as well. This is standard in non-competes and usually there is a time frame that the contract is in place should you decide to leave your current VA company. If you are considering a change you may want come legal advice on the non-compete contract.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Definitely seek legal advice in this matter.

I don't think non-competes like this stand up in court (but I'm not a lawyer). I don't think that anyone can stop another person from trying to make a living. But check with a lawyer. I'd never sign a non-compete agreement, but then again, I don't work as a subcontractor.

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Julia

I have read the non-compete over and over and it does appear to zero in on creating my own business vs. working for another. I will try to find a legal expert next week to help me with this, thanks for the input.

I live in Florida and I have heard on various occasions that non-compete's do not hold up in the state. I am sure the lawyer can help me with that. On a normal basis I would not have signed one but just starting out I thought I needed to do what was necessary to get in the "VA World" !! But of course that was before I found this wonderful forum!

Check out the SBA and Score they may have someone who can answer your questions since this is a business-contractor issue. I think the biggest thing depends on whether the company who had you sign the agreement will pursue legal action should you actually break the contract.

This is not legal advice but sometimes if you do pursue other interests and don't go after their clients they will not pursue.

I never sign no competes, I was given that advice early on in my mortgage settlement career. Or at least make sure the compensation is enough for the term of the agreement.

Good Luck on this one.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

What is Score? I have no intention on taking any clients or being vindictive to where the company would feel threatened in having to take action. I honestly am not sure how, unless I told them, they would know if I was providing services of a similiar aspect to another person or company.

These laws can vary from state to state. If you can tell me which state you reside in, I will do some research for you. However, it is somewhat dfficult without being able to see the actual wording of that contract. I can tell you that your signature is legally binding and from a legal standpoint, lack of understanding is not a defense.

I have just found a website which may be of help to you. Law.JustAnswer.com is a website where you can ask an attorney and get a quick answer. You may want to specify which state you reside in as these laws can vary from state to state. There is good news however, the Oregon and California Supreme Courts changed their laws regarding non-compete areements and my guess is that other states have followed suit.