Legal

Many employers (such as restaurants) have employees who work a morning shift (e.g. 9am-noon) and then an afternoon shift (4pm-9pm).  California regulations require employers to pay a split shift premium of one hour’s pay if their employees only make the minimum wage.  Under the old $9 an hour rate, if an employee was paid $9 […]

Let’s take a few minutes to dish about the topic of the “basis” of your assets.  It’s a deceptively tricky topic.  Although it appears to be a fairly simple calculation when someone asks, (say there, what’s your basis in this beautiful cabin on the lake?) there is much more to consider than simply how much […]

The Southwest Riverside County Bar Association will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a student aspiring to become an Attorney. Applicants for the Scholarship should meet the following criteria: Applicants must reside in Southwest Riverside County (Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Canyon Lake or Lake Elsinore), and Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Students […]

We have a saying in our office that goes “Everyone has a will, if you haven’t created one, the state has one for you!”  But is that the plan you want?  If you were to disappear tomorrow, would your family and friends know what your wishes were, and would granting them even be possible if […]

If involved in an auto collision, there are specific actions to take to protect yourself and your interests. The following information while not complete are the top ten suggestions: STOP. Never drive away from the scene of a collision, even a minor one and even if you believe it was not your fault. Never drive […]

One of the questions potential clients frequently ask is, “When should I consult an attorney?” The answer to this question is really quite simple. A business owner should consult an attorney early on and should find an attorney who they can speak with when the need arises. What this means is that every business owner […]

The Law Office of Hitzeman & Evenson, A Professional Corporation, celebrated its first year anniversary on June 1st. Principals Don Hitzeman and Paul Evenson, with their practice located in the Vista Office Centre, at the corner of Ridge Park Drive and Rancho California Road in Temecula, are both grateful to those loyal clients who followed […]

I know you have thought about it. Strolling into headquarters, ready to take on your next international assignment? Before you pack up the snazzy tuxedo or slinky black dress, you first stop off in the research and development division of a National Intelligence Unit for the latest gadgets. Q was always there to be sure […]

I] Vocational Expert Services, II] Vocational Evaluations, III] their role in Family Law and IV] Imputation of Income. Family law is always premised on what is in the best interest of the child, without exception. The law requires both parents to share their individual income with their dependent children, during divorce proceedings and even upon […]

Occasionally, individuals come to my office sometime after [as in weeks or months] a car accident has occurred to discuss their case. During the conversation they inform me they have already provided a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. When I ask the individual why a recorded statement was provided? The reply goes […]

Honestly, I do not recall what the lawyer said…….                                     Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] There are alternatives for settling legal disputes other than litigation including arbitration, mediation and neutral evaluations. ADR alternatives are usually cheaper and more quickly resolved than litigation. Parties to lawsuits become increasingly concerned in resolving their legal disputes as the disputes […]

There are many things that make a Judge cringe or feel frustration. But, there is one sure way to fire a Judge’s ire; to make them mad, really mad. By uttering just four little words to any Judge, Commissioner or even Judge Pro Tem you can be assured that you will be off-putting, irritating and […]

It takes years of hard work to build a successful business and once created, most business operators can see themselves at the helm, directing operations for years to come. Unfortunately, most business operators do not plan for the unwanted event of death, which can lead to the destruction of what has taken years to build. […]

There are circumstances where a nursing home should be sued for a resident or patient injury. Although no one really wants to sue a nursing home, convalescent home, rest home, assisted care facility or elder care facility because it is in fact a place of good intentions and the provider of care primarily to the […]

The Unified Estate Tax Credit, adjusted for inflation in 2015, is $5,430,000 (the “Unified Credit”). Prior to calendar year 2010, the amount of the Unified Credit was substantially less. For several years prior, many trusts created by spouses included mandatory A-B provisions. Mandatory A-B provisions provide that upon the death of the first spouse to […]

As we approach the beginning of the New Year, it is important to start both tax and business planning for next year. Waiting until after the year begins is actually too late. Each year, I receive calls about tax planning for the year that is ending, and sometimes it is just too late, and the […]

For many people, declaring bankruptcy is not only a financial decision; but a personal one. Therefore, no one can really advise you if it’s right for you. During the early part of the last century many people lived and worked in the same small communities. These small communities were considerably more dependent for their financial […]

No matter how sophisticated a Client may be, there is always a sense of concern and fear upon learning that litigation has been filed against them. Knowledge of a lawsuit comes when a Summons and Complaint are served. Irrespective of size, odds are that every business will someday be sued. Remember, if you are sued […]

One of the benefits of the end of the recent economic downturn is the fact that many individuals are seeing an increase in their net worth and the overall value of homes and other investments.  With such financial growth comes the need to make sure that in the event of death, that the assets are […]