How the Social Security Fairness Act Could Boost Your Benefits
You could be one of millions of people who may see their monthly Social Security payments increase by up to $1,190, depending on your situation, thanks to the Social Security…
Category: Consumer Columnists
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Protecting Our Community: National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day on March 6, 2025
#SlamTheScam 2025 National “Slam the Scam” Day is designated by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the…
February 28 Economic Blackout: Understanding the Movement and Its Potential Impact
Consumers hold the power to shape the economy — the February 28 Economic Blackout seeks to highlight how collective action can challenge corporate influence and advocate for change. “Designed by…
How to successfully sell your property in the Philippines
SELLING a property in the Philippines can be a rewarding yet challenging process, especially if you’re looking for the best value and a seamless transaction. Whether you’re based locally or…
Changes to U.S. Social Security in 2025: What Retirees Need to Know
Changes to U.S. Social Security in 2025: What Retirees Need to Know As of 2025, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced significant changes affecting retirees both in the…
Beware of Fake Toll Collection Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Consumers Targeted by Fraudulent Texts Claiming Unpaid Tolls In recent months, scammers have been targeting motorists with fraudulent text messages claiming they owe unpaid tolls. These deceptive messages, designed to…
Courts Can Reject Non-Credible Business Deductions for Child Support Calculations pursuant to Marriage of Rodriguez
Determining guideline child support has always been a challenge when one of the parents is self-employed. Most self-employed parents will understate their real income by showing as many business deductions…
[COLUMN] Can I file a divorce in California if my spouse resides outside California?
This is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a…
[COLUMN] Can my children’s derivative social security benefits be offset against my monthly child support obligation?
California Family Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of…
[COLUMN] RA 12001: Essential information for overseas Filipinos
by: Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro What overseas Filipinos need to know about the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) UNDERSTANDING RA 12001 On June 13, 2024, President Marcos…
[COLUMN] Can my children’s derivative Social Security benefits be offset against my monthly child support obligation?
California Family Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of…
[COLUMN] Dealing with assets omitted in a divorce case
You and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. …
[COLUMN] Ensuring child safety and best interests: The implications of California Family Code 3011
Family Code 3011 represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have…
[COLUMN] Ensuring child safety and best interests: The implications of California Family Code 3011
Family Code 3011 represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have…
[COLUMN] Can I file a divorce in California if my spouse resides outside of California?
This is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a…
[COLUMN] Can I file a divorce in California if my spouse resides outside California?
This is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a…
How to take action and help protect older adults from scams
Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Anyone can be a victim of scams. They happen when scammers go after individuals of all ages, using tactics like phone calls, emails and…
[COLUMN] Dealing with assets omitted in a divorce case
You and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. …
[COLUMN] Dealing with assets omitted in a divorce case
You and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. …
[COLUMN] Can my children’s derivative social security benefits be offset against my monthly child support obligation?
California Family Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of…
[COLUMN] Dealing with assets omitted in a divorce case
You and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. …
[COLUMN] Five benefits of establishing a revocable living trust
There is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest…
[COLUMN] Five benefits of establishing a revocable living trust
There is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest…
[COLUMN] Navigating the child custody move away process in California
THE high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move…
[COLUMN] Ensuring child safety and best interests: The implications of California Family Code 3011
Family Code 3011 represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have…
[COLUMN] Ensuring child safety and best interests: The implications of California Family Code 3011
Family Code 3011 represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have…
[COLUMN] Navigating the child custody move away process in California
THE high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move…
[COLUMN] Navigating the child custody move away process in California
THE high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move…
[COLUMN] Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage?
Generally, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under…
[COLUMN] Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage?
Generally, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under…