California is what is known as a community property state. This means that family law judges are generally required to divide marital property equally in divorce cases even if doing so would not lead to an equitable outcome. This may seem particularly unfair when...
Serving The Bay Area And All Of California For More Than A Decade
Year: 2020
New bill protects California domestic violence victims
Victims of domestic violence in California may be worried about going to court to manage child custody matters, but a new law may make this process easier. Domestic abusers have been known to threaten their victims with potentially losing their children. Sometimes,...
About to go through a divorce? Protect your finances
Although a divorce can be emotionally devastating, the fact is that you need to start thinking about yourself ASAP. This is because you only have a small window in California to create protection around your financial and personal interests. The following includes a...
Steps to take when tax laws change
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made several changes to the federal tax code that are scheduled to remain in effect until at least 2025. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to review your estate plan whenever tax laws are altered. Take a look at some steps that...
Voters to weigh in on California Proposition 15
Property taxes in California are strictly capped at 1% of a property’s assessed value and can increase by no more than 2% each year. These rules were put into place in 1978 when voters in the Golden State approved Proposition 13. This greatly limits the amount of...
Impact of divorce on your business in California
Today, an average of one in two marriages is ending in divorce. Thus, the distribution of assets during a split is becoming more challenging and stressful. Once a business is involved, the process gets even more complicated. Whether you are a shareholder, a board...
Why prenuptial agreements can help
In the past, those who wanted prenuptial agreements were viewed as pessimists who counted on the marriage failing. Now, these agreements are gaining in popularity in California and around the country. Experts now advise people that prenuptial contracts are suitable...
Long-term considerations for business owners
California business owners often have a tough time keeping afloat, especially in expensive cities like San Francisco. While owners may know what to do if their revenue drops, few think about addressing long-term success that outlives them. Creating an estate plan is a...
The best reasons to use an irrevocable trust
California residents who create irrevocable trusts are often ceding control of their assets to another person or entity. Generally speaking, this is only beneficial for those who are looking to minimize their state or federal estate tax liabilities. It may also be...
Creating a peaceful joint custody agreement
Couples in California and other parts of the U.S. who are facing divorce may have to navigate the difficult process of making joint custody work for both parties. When a court awards shared custody to both parents, it can be challenging to make arrangements that suit...