Understanding Taxes: A Beginner’s Guide To Securing Your Legacy
Starting the process of estate planning is an important milestone in safeguarding your legacy and ensuring the financial well-being of your family in the years to come. One of the most critical factors to consider when creating an estate plan is taxes. Although complex–and not at all exciting–the tax consequences of estate planning can vastly differ depending […]
What Happens if You Can’t Agree in Mediation?
What is Mediation? Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral third-party mediator assists the parties in reaching an agreement without going to court. Whatever is said in mediation cannot be disclosed in court. Mediation is typically less formal than court, allowing for a more flexible and collaborative environment. Parties can attend mediation with […]
Who Needs A Paternity Lawyer?
WHO NEEDS A PATERNITY LAWYER? A man gets a woman pregnant. They’re not married. She claims that he’s the father. He freaks out, buries his head in the sand, and is left off the child’s birth certificate. And then a year later, she files a request for child support. The dad meets the child, falls […]
Mediation vs. Arbitration: Finding Common Ground vs. Deciding a Winner
Both mediation and arbitration are forms of resolving conflicts or legal issues (also called alternative dispute resolution) that offer options outside the traditional courtroom battle. The litigation process is time-consuming and costly. Parties seeking a faster, more cost-effective resolution of their legal dispute may consider ADR. Most couples in California can successfully reach a divorce […]
High net worth couple with a lot to split? Get the best complex asset division lawyer you can find.
It’s likely the worst time of your life. The marriage you thought would last forever is over. You might be feeling betrayed, enraged, bereft, depressed, grief stricken, terrified, or stunned. Any one of those emotions will make you want to move on to a happier life chapter as rapidly as possible. That’s particularly true during […]
HOW YOUR ESTATE PLAN CAN PREVENT YOUR FAMILY FROM BREAKING UP
As an estate planning attorney working for a family law office and practicing estate planning law here in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Contra Costa Counties in California, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that a well-crafted estate plan can have on preserving family unity and preventing conflicts among loved ones. I wish to […]
Keeping your Mom & Dad Safe with Elder Law
As dedicated elder law attorneys in California, we’ve had the privilege of helping numerous families navigate the complexities of legal matters concerning their aging loved ones. I would like to shed some light on this crucial role that elder law lawyers plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of your mom and dad as they […]
PROBATE VS. TRUST ADMINISTRATION: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES
As a trusts and estates attorney in California, one of the questions I often encounter from clients is about the differences between probate and trust administration. I aim to provide clarity on this topic and help you understand the distinctions between these two important processes. Probate: A Court-Supervised Process Probate is the court-supervised process of […]
How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take in California?
There is no definitive time frame for how long it takes for divorce mediation in California. Divorce is a challenging chapter in anyone’s life, and the delay and escalating costs of litigation can add to the myriad of emotional and logistical stressors. In California, where divorce rates are significant, couples can pursue mediation—a process aimed at resolving […]
Bifurcated Divorce in California: Ending Your Marriage Faster
Divorce can be a long and arduous process, especially in California. The standard process involves waiting periods, negotiations over property and child custody, and potentially lengthy court proceedings. But what if there was a way to expedite the process, allowing you to move on with your life sooner rather than later? A bifurcated divorce is […]