As our world becomes increasingly digitized, when we die, we leave an expansive digital footprint. For many, this footprint includes assets, intellectual property and other information such as copyrights, photos, pictures, messages, digital currenc(ies), passwords and more. An ever increasing question is who has access to these things after we leave the planet.
In this situation as in many others, the law often lags behind the issues of the day. This leaves individuals, including estate planners and professional fiduciaries with the question of how to counsel clients as to assets both now and in the future. Presently, the California Probate … Read More
This year we are focused on some new ideas to be more present in your lives, combining roots in the community with our deep-seated understanding of how real live translates into your legal needs.
Results-driven representation in key areas of law including issues impacting women
contractors. This year there are two legal actions that loosen the corset of AB5. 
Step One – Within one business day, an employer must provide notice to employees, employers of subcontracted employees, and representatives of them that includes all of the following. 
$11.58 million. This amount is scheduled to increase with inflation through December of 2025, at which point it reverts back to the 2017 level of $5 million.
their PPP. This PPP list includes an 
No doubt many parents are wishing that colleges these days would decrease tuition as online curriculums for fall classes commence. Yet in this time of COVID-19, here are some important things to reckon with as you prepare to send your 18-to-19 year- old to college.
This past summer the State Supreme Court drummed in again to Uber & Lyft that ride-share companies like themselves must be in compliance of CA State Law AB 5, meaning that they must classify their drivers as employees.
Businesses should be wary of language in contracts. Attempting to promise that amounts of money borrowed in particular could read in a phrase such as… “shall be payable without regard to the existence or notice of existence of any dispute, litigation, bankruptcy, or arbitration. Unless, the issuer is prevented from doing so by a court of competent jurisdiction.” These types of clauses run directly afoul of the automatic bankruptcy stay.
Legal Strategies for Blended Families
by Mary Piasta
By Mary Piasta
by Mary Piasta
by Mary Piasta
COVID-19 exacerbates worries and fears for everyone. What steps can you take to stay safe from a financial and legal perspective? Now is the right time to improve your business and estate planning with practical financial steps and legal documents to protect your assets now and in the future. The solutions may vary by circumstance, but the practical tips below will provide you with concrete ideas you can use right away.
There are lots of questions about the anticipated changes to the PPP loan that is awaiting presidential signature. Assuming the legislation is signed as passed, our lawyers consulted with local tax manager Nate Lamar, CPA of Pisenti & Brinker LLP to shed some light on this complicated interplay of laws, tax and regulations.
Since the onset of the Coronavirus wineries have been operating at a slower rate than normal, by at least more than 60 percent according to Wine America – the national association of wineries.
In response to the pandemic, various governmental bodies have acted to provide protections for residential and commercial tenants. There is a broad eviction moratorium in effect throughout the state as the Judicial Council of California issued an emergency rule effectively prohibiting evictions for 90 days after the lifting of the Shelter in Place requirements.
My team is fielding numerous calls from panicked landowners who have been served with notices. “How can I reduce this $7,000 fine?” They ask. “We paid our Transient Occupancy Tax – through Airbnb?” “And, what about Penalties?” The list from clients goes on and on.
A solid estate plan in its simplest sense is a roadmap. It sets the decision-makers for when you cannot make them before you die and then after you do so. Specialized planning can also minimize your long term care expenses or eliminate them all together. Of course, a solid estate plan documents your wishes with respect to your worldly belongings to be distributed according to your stated desires.
With more than 30 new laws on the books affecting business in California, many businesses are now facing increased regulation and mounting expenses.
As we move away from the local fires of 2017, we may think less and less about certain emergency orders that were put in place. Those orders are still in effect. One is of particular importance for businesses or individuals offering goods, services or rentals: the price gouging statute.
One of the greatest challenges family businesses face is how to hand over the reins to the next generation.
If your company relies on independent contractors to do business, you may want to reevaluate your relationship with those workers in the wake of a recent California Supreme Court decision changing the way their employment status should be determined.