Legal

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, responsible for more than 44 percent of the country’s economic activity and two-thirds of all new jobs. Starting and growing a small business requires fortitude, flexibility, and good ideas about what your customers want and how to deliver it. Building a viable business requires a solid […]

There has been a rise in couples cohabitating and purchasing real property together before getting married. While California is a community property state, California Law does not recognize common law marriages, and unmarried individuals are generally not entitled to support following a breakup. I have had countless consultations with individuals who purchased real property with […]

Many taxpayers are struggling to pay their taxes due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic If you fall behind on your taxes, the IRS may issue a tax levy or a tax lien on your property because you have a responsibility as a taxpayer to comply with tax laws. Knowing the difference between the two can […]

There was a time when only employers of 50 or more employees were required to offer their employees up to 12 weeks per year of job-protected unpaid leaves with continuing group medical benefits, because of the employee’s serious health condition, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or child bonding with […]

Here are Your Next Steps If the COVID-19 Pandemic and ensuing shutdowns taught us anything, it’s that life and our plans can change fast. In 2020, some of us learned, far too well, that having no plans in place can result in numerous unintended consequences for ourselves and our families when the unexpected occurs. In […]

There are potentially more new tax laws likely to affect Californians this year than Proposition 19, which we’ve covered extensively here in this blog and through a series of webinars. (Prop 19 went into effect on February 16, dramatically changing property tax rules in California around intrafamily transfers of real estate, what can be exempted […]

When we think about Estate Planning, we usually focus on real estate, such as primary residences, vacation homes, and commercial property and how those assets get handled upon our passing or incapacitation to minimize taxes and avoid probate court. Including a home and other real estate in a living Trust is a preferred strategy for […]

Immigration law overlaps with many other areas of law, including business, real property, family, criminal and employment law. In the employment arena there is a dangerous assumption that only those who hire foreign workers are subject to immigration laws. This assumption is not only incorrect, but it could cost a business thousands of dollars per […]

As the old saying goes, “you can’t pick your neighbors.”  In Southern California where property is a valuable commodity, it is common for adjoining properties to be close in proximity.  One issue that is relatively common due to the lack of significant distance between neighbors is the responsibilities of property owners when a tree is […]

Changes in life are inevitable. A birth, death, marriage, divorce, move, property purchase or sale, change in laws and regulations, or the simple fact that our families age are the types of life events that can affect us in the present as well as impact our plans for the future.  When is the last time […]

You’ve likely heard a lot about estate planning, but do you know why it’s so important  both for you and for your family?  When it’s done right, estate planning is vital for peace of mind knowing that you have things planned out properly and that your family has what it needs should the unexpected occur. […]

When it comes to estate planning, knowing what to do (and what not to do) is critical to your peace of mind and your family’s. The time of a loved one’s passing is a difficult and stressful for everyone. But a proper estate plan can help your family avoid time in court, maintain control of […]

As we start the new year with cautious optimism, happily bidding 2020 “Good riddance,” one of the first issues for California property owners to tackle is how they (and their families) will be impacted by Proposition 19’s new tax rules. How will it affect you? How will it affect your children or grandchildren? Prop 19 […]

As families gather for the holidays, it is traditional to offer gifts and celebrate the season together.  If you are trying to think of the perfect gift for your family this year, you might consider making an estate plan or taking other generous steps.  When you make a simple estate plan you ensure your family’s […]

When you make your estate plan, you want to assume that the heirs and beneficiaries of your will or trust will accept the terms.  After all, those are your final wishes for distribution of your assets, and they should be respected. However, not all heirs are interested in your wishes, and instead focus on whether […]

Pet lovers making an estate plan often ask how they can provide for the future care of their pet. This is a natural question since a pet can be an important life companion, especially as people get older. If you want to provide for your pet after you are gone, there are ways to handle […]

Married couples will usually make their estate plan together, especially if they hold most assets jointly and have the same goal to provide for their family’s future.  In that case, the surviving spouse would receive the majorityof assets as primary beneficiaryof a will or trust. This make sense especially if there are minor children to […]

Married couples will usually make their estate plan together, especially if they hold most assets jointly and have the same goal to provide for their family’s future. In that case, the surviving spouse would receive the majority of assets as primary beneficiary and act as an executor of a will or co-trustee of a trust. […]

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is the national privacy law that protects patient confidential information while under medical care and treatment. Typically, a patient’s medical records and information are kept strictly confidential, and any health provider that divulges that information to third parties without permission is subject to penalties. Specific HIPAA Waivers for […]

There are many DIY estate planning tools and forms available for a small fee, and the companies that offer them will let you believe it is simple to draft your own will or trust without an attorney. While that may be true for some well-versed in estate planning and probate law, or those with few […]

Estate planning isn’t all about your Will. You might think that estate planning primarily concerns what happens to your property and money after you die. Yes, those are important considerations, but estate planning also encompasses decisions that will be made while you are still alive. In the event that you are incapacitated due to severe […]

However, if you are thinking about making an estate plan you might not know how life insurance will affect that plan or your choices. It is likely more people have life insurance policies than estate plans, so this is a frequent situation faced by those new to estate planning. Life Insurance Beneficiaries First, all life […]